Organic
Western New York locals named 2025 Good Fruit Growers of the Year
WNY locals named 2025 Good Fruit Growers of the Year: The DeMarrees of Williamson, New York DeMarree Fruit Farm.
Click read details for link to full article.
NEWA weather stations moving to a new dashboard!
NEWA weather stations purchased through Rainwise (now owned by KestrelMet) are moving to a new dashboard!
Anyone with a weather station that was purchased through Rainwise will likely have received an email or message from the company to let them know that 'Rainwise.net Sunsets January 1, 2026'.
This will not affect your ability to connect your weather station to the NEWA network.
NYCAMH Fit Testing Requirements & Registration Details
Considering NYCAMH for your respirator fit testing?
Here are some key facts and helpful tips about medical clearance:
Medical Clearance ? Fit Testing (They are not the same!)
Before you can wear a respirator or be fit tested, OSHA requires a medical evaluation under the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). This evaluation must be conducted by a licensed healthcare provider to determine if you are physically able to use a respirator safely.
2025 Western New York Fruit Conference Presentations
Lake Ontario Fruit Webinar Recording & Video Links
LOF Fruit Bites
See details to check out quick "how to" videos on a variety of fruit and orchard topics.
Apples
Apricots
Asian Pears
Blueberries
Cherries
Currants
Gooseberries
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Plums
Raspberries / Blackberries
Strawberries
Unusual Fruit
Upcoming Events
2026 Orleans County - DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator License Pre-Exam Training
March 9, 2026 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 1
Albion, NY
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
March 13, 2026 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 2
Albion, NY
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Food Safety Training
March 10, 2026
Newark, NY
Learn about food safety on the farm! This event hosted by the Cornell Vegetable Program, Cornell Lake Ontario Fruit Team, CCE Wayne County, and the NYS Department of Agriculture, will cover good agricultural practices (GAPs) to help reduce the risk of microbial contamination on the farm, keeping food and consumers safe.
WSU Tree Fruit Heat School - In Person Learning Hub
March 11, 2026
Waterport, NY
Attend the WSU Tree Fruit Heat School at an in-person regional learning hub in Waterport, NY, covering heat-related challenges in apple and pear production—or join virtually on your own.