New June-bearing Strawberry Varieties for New York Producers

By Anya Stansell, Harvest New York

Several new varieties of Junebearing strawberries have become available since 2020. We will review how these varieties compare to our established selection of varieties. 

A survey conducted by Dr. Kristen Park of the Cornell Food Industry Management Program found that the most popular strawberry varieties amongst New York growers are: ‘Jewel’, ‘AC Wendy’, ‘Earliglow’ and ‘Flavorfest’. These are followed by ‘AC Valley Sunset’, ‘Galletta’ tied with ‘Malwina’, and a tie between ‘Cabot’ and the dayneutral ‘Albion’. (See Table 1)

Table 1: Results of the strawberry variety survey as conducted by Dr. Kristen Park in 2025

The new strawberry varieties available all offer improved firmness and produce fruit during the typical Junebearing strawberry season. 

Table 2: New strawberry varieties

Andrew Jamieson, strawberry breeder working for Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada, has released 3 more strawberry varieties: ‘AAC Audrey,’ ‘AAC Evelynn’, and ‘AAC Kate’. His program has also released the well-known varieties ‘Cabot’, ‘AC Wendy’ and ‘AC Valley Sunset’, The new releases have an extra ‘A’ in the name to stand for “Agriculture and Agri-Foods”. 

In the press release, ‘AAC Audrey’ is described as having “…medium yields, medium-large berries with good firmness and good shelf life, and a consistent conic shape.” This variety is ripe shortly after ‘Galletta’ and ‘Annapolis’, and before ‘Jewel’. 

The same source described ‘AAC Evelynn’ as having “…medium-high yields, large berries with good firmness, medium shelf-life, and a wedge to conic shape.” Although the press release states that this variety is ripe in the mid-to-late season, growers in the Ontario region and the Northeastern United States have found it to ripen similarly to ‘AAC Audrey’. 

Finally ‘AAC Kate’ is a mid-late season strawberry that some growers in the Northeast may find as a good replacement for ‘AC Valley Sunset’. The press release describes it as having “…medium yields, large berries with good firmness, medium shelf-life, and a mostly conic shape.” The flavor is milder and blander than ‘AC Valley Sunset’, but the improved firmness can make it a suitable late-season strawberry for shipping to markets. 

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Strawberry Breeder, Dr. Kim Lewers, has released two new varieties, ‘Keepsake’ and Cordial’. Dr. Lewers’ program is known for the widely grown variety ‘Flavorfest’.

‘Keepsake’ was named for its high firmness and improved shelf life—after 2 weeks in cold storage, only 29% of the fruit was showing signs of degradation, compared to 81% of ‘Chandler’. This is a mid-season variety that yields on average 1.3lbs of fruit per plant, which is slightly lower than ‘Flavorfest’. It is closely related to ‘Flavorfest’ and has a similar juicy texture. 

‘Cordial’ is a late-season strawberry variety that also offers the improved shelf life and fruit firmness found in ‘Keepsake’. Like ‘AAC Kate’, ‘Cordial’ may be a good alternative to ‘AC Valley Sunset’ for growers who want late-season fruit to hold up well in shipping. This is a very high-yielding cultivar, producing an average of 1.7lbs per plant in the development trials. 

Strawberry Renovation

June-bearing strawberry renovation should be done as soon as possible after plants are done. Below is a guide for matted row and plasticulture renovation, respectively.

Matted-Row Renovation

Begin weed control. Annual broadleaf weeds should be controlled immediately after final harvest. Be extremely careful to avoid drift when applying 2,4-D. Some strawberry damage is also possible if misapplied. Read and understand the label completely.

Mow the old leaves off. Mow just above the crowns 3-5 days after herbicide application. Be careful not to damage crown by mowing too low.

Fertilize the planting. The main goal is to deliver nitrogen at this time to help re-grow the canopy. Nitrogen should be applied at 25 - 60 lbs./acre, depending on vigor and basic soil fertility. Split applications (one now and the rest in 4-6 weeks) are better than a single fertilizer application. This gives plants more time to take up the nutrients in the fertilizer. A leaf tissue analysis (recommended once the canopy has regrown) is the best way to fine-tune your fertilizer program. This will tell you what the plants are actually able to take out of the soil and what nutrients are in sufficient supply or not.

Subsoil. Where tractor and picker traffic has been heavy on wet soils, compaction may be severe. Subsoiling between rows will help break up compacted layers and provide better infiltration of water. Subsoiling may be done later in the sequence if necessary.  

Narrow rows and cultivate between rows. Reduce the width of rows to 12-18 inches at the base. More berries are produced along row edges than in row middles. Wider rows lead to lower fruit production (yield and quality) and increased disease pressure. Narrow rows also give better sunlight penetration, air circulation, spray coverage, and over-all fruit quality. Use a rototiller, multivator, or cultivator to achieve the row narrowing. Work in the straw between the rows at this time, too. If possible, try to throw 1-inch of soil on top of the rows at this time to stimulate new root formation on established crowns and new runners. 

Post-renovation weed control. Preemergence weed control should begin immediately after the plants are mowed and the soil is tilled to narrow the crop row. Cultivation should be shallow and timely (weeds should be small) to avoid root damage to the strawberry planting. The growth of strawberry daughter plants will also limit the amount of cultivation possible especially near the crop row.  

Irrigate. Water is needed for both activation of herbicides and for plant growth. Don't let the plants go into stress. The planting should receive 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water per week from either rain or irrigation.  

Cultivate to sweep runners into the row until plant stand is sufficient. Thereafter, or in any case after September, any runner plant not yet rooted is not likely to produce fruit next year, is essentially a weed, and should be removed. Coulter wheels and/or cultivators will help remove these excess plants in the aisles.  

Adequate moisture and fertility during August and September will increase fruit bud formation and improve fruit yield for the coming year. Continue irrigation through this period and fertilize if necessary.

Above reprinted from: Berry News, Week 32 2026. Original printing in: UMASS Berry Notes, Vol. 17, No.9, July 8, 2005

Plasticulture Renovation

With the strawberry season winding down in our annual strawberry production on plastic mulch, many growers may consider carrying the beds over for a second year’s harvest. These are some guidelines for the renovation of plasticulture strawberries:

Evaluate disease pressure. If the planting had significant anthracnose, botrytis crown rot, phytophthora, or identified viruses do not carry over the planting. Do not carry over anthracnose-susceptible varieties

Evaluate plastic mulch and drip lines. Do not carry over beds with deteriorated mulch or plugged drip systems.

If relatively disease-free, mow the tops with a rotary mower (in smaller plantings this can be done with a line trimmer or with hand clippers). You want to leave some leaves. Do not damage the crown.

Remove any runners that are left after mowing by hand. Make any plastic mulch repairs and drip system repairs as necessary. Treat and flush drip lines as necessary.

Remove all dead plant material around the crowns. This can be done by hand or with a leaf blower.

Evaluate crown thickness (number of crown plants). If over 5, crowns must be thinned out. This can be done by breaking of part of the crown by hand or by using an asparagus knife to cut away part of the crown. Leave a minimum of 3 crown plants.

Apply additional herbicides to row middles using a shielded sprayer to control weeds during the summer months. Hand weed holes during the summer if weeds emerge.

Maintain plant health by controlling diseases, insects, and mites throughout the summer months and irrigate regularly. A small amount of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied at this time if needed to maintain plant health. Take leaf tissue samples to evaluate plant nutritional status.

Replant any holes with missing plants by the middle of September.

Research has shown that with proper renovation and care, second year yields will be higher than the first year, but berry size will be smaller.

Above reprinted from: Berry News, Week 32 2026. Original printing in: Weekly Crop Update from UD Cooperative Extension, June 19, 2020.

SWD numbers increasing, with considerable populations in the Hudson Valley & WNY

As of July 20, sustained trap capture has been reported in many counties across the state.

• In the Hudson Valley and Long Island, populations are increasing in a number of locations, with captures up to 30-50 per trap.

• In Western NY several locations are beginning to report higher numbers and trap captures have dramatically increased at a site in Niagara county.

• At locations in Northern NY, first or sustained capture has been reported at most locations, but trap captures are still very low (<5) at most, and zero at a few locations.

Traps continue to be checked weekly throughout the state for SWD.

The 2026 Update on Monitoring and Management of SWD can be found here.

Strawberry Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Tutorial & Set Up

Ph.D. Student McKenzie Schessl provides a comprehensive guide to setting a Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) bench top of Day Neutral Strawberries.

Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program Due August 7

On Feb. 13, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program. This program provides assistance for specialty crops not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance program.

ASCF payments are based on reported 2025 planted acres. Acreage that is reported as a cover crop, prevented planted, or with an intended use of grazing, left standing, green manure, silage, forage, volunteer, or experimental will not be used to determine ASCF program payments. 

The payment limit is $250,000 per producer. The average adjusted gross income (AGI) limitation relating to limits on payments for persons or legal entities, excluding joint ventures and general partnerships, with certain levels of AGI apply. Specifically, a person or legal entity with an AGI (as defined in 7 CFR Part 1400) that exceeds $900,000 is not eligible to receive ASCF payments.

Payments will be issued as applications are approved. FSA used national average revenue per crop as a metric for developing the ASCF program payment categories and payment rates listed below. There will not be a payment factor.

Applications are due August 7, 2026. Apply online here.

To find your local service center and USDA Farm Service Agency office: farmers.gov/service-locator.

Spotted Wing Drosophila First Trap Catch in Some NY Counties This Week

By The Cornell IPM NY Berry Pest Monitoring Network

As of the first week of June, the first SWD trap captures have been reported in Suffolk and Ulster Counties. This is approximately average timing, and slightly earlier than 2025 (which was a late year for SWD emergence).

This is a good reminder to get your SWD traps out and check them weekly! Complete protocols for using these traps are on the Cornell Fruit Resources website: fruit.cornell.edu/spottedwing/monitoring/

Monitoring and correct identification are critical steps for effective management. For a review of SWD biology and identification you can visit the Cornell Fruit Resources website at fruit.cornell.edu/spottedwing/

Management should be initiated with the first trap capture and ripening fruit. Monitoring helps ensure the crop is protected, without wasting precious time and materials.

The 2026 Update on Monitoring and Management of SWD can be found here.

I Though I Was Covered for That! Farm Insurance Webinar Series

This past winter, CCE Farm Business Management Educators offered a 5-session webinar series on different types of farm insurance. These webinars are now available on the ENYCH YouTube Channel. Topics are:

• Insurance 101

• Liability Insurance

• Federal Crop/Flood Insurance and Disaster Assistance

• Insuring People (Health, Disability, Workman's Comp, Retirement, Life)

• Property Insurance

Watch today to get up to speed on the best types of insurance for your farm.

Using AI for Grant Proposals and Business Plans

By Liz Higgins, CCE-ENYCHP

Although if you have been following this program, this may be old news, but if you looked at the deadline last month and decided you couldn't make it and are now having second thoughts you have another chance to apply. Farmers who want to participate in the program now have about until April 24 to report their 2025 acres to USDA FSA, which is the first step to participate in the program.

Information about payment rates for specific crops is still not available - Given that over 90 crops are listed as eligible, I suspect that USDA is waiting to see what crops actually apply for the program before they calculate and announce payments. No sense spending lots of time calculating a payment rate for a crop with very few acres reported.

According to USDA's press release “After full consideration of requests from specialty crop producers, industry leaders and members of Congress, Secretary Rollins made a responsive, Farmers First decision to reopen the acreage reporting period for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “We’re committed to doing what it takes to keep specialty crop producers economically viable and gathering accurate acreage reporting data is critical to making sound FSA program policy decisions. Reopening the reporting period ensures that every eligible producer has a fair opportunity to participate and that we deliver assistance where it’s needed most.” 

Given that many specialty crop farms do not report acres to USDA FSA, routinely (unlike commodity crop farms) it is not surprising that farms and USDA FSA field offices needed more time to reach out to farms not in the system and get them enrolled.

I covered information about what is needed to apply in last month's newsletter. To learn more Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program | Farm Service Agency (scroll to the bottom to learn about specialty crops). You can learn more about reporting acres to USDA FSA on this website. Also contact your local USDA FSA office.

2026 Pest Management Guidelines Availability Statement from Cornell

Notice about 2026 Pest Management Guidelines

Highlighting its commitment to quality and long-term sustainability, Cornell Integrated Pest Management’s Pesticide Safety Education Program has announced a pause in production of the 2026 Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines.

Cornell IPM Director Alejandro Calixto said this temporary measure is the result of a comprehensive reimagining process facilitated by Illume Projects of Ithaca, which included end-user interviews, internal surveys and sales data analytics.

“It became clear to us that we cannot continue producing the guidelines and fully restructure them at the same time,” Calixto said. “By pausing production, we can dedicate all available resources and time to rebuilding the production process, ensuring that when we re-launch in 2027, the guidelines will reflect a modernized approach built around the grower and other user experience.”

A series of annually updated reference manuals produced by Cornell IPM and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines are widely used by farmers, agronomists, crop consultants and extension educators in New York and throughout the Northeast. They include information about current IPM recommendations, pesticide options, cultural practices, nutrient management, disease, insect and weed identification and resistance-management strategies.

Calixto and Pesticide Safety Education Program Lead Mike Helms will spearhead efforts to restructure the guideline process over the next 12 months, with a goal of launching a more streamlined, user-friendly version in 2027.

Limited copes of the 2025 guidelines remain available for purchase here, while supplies last. The 2026-2027 Greenhouse Guidelines will be available.

For more information contact Helms at mjh14@cornell.edu. Feel free to reach out to Heather at 518-925-3089 or hjk77@cornell.edu if you want to further discuss!

New Produce Safety Rule Requirement Now in Effect for Small Operations

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets reminds farmers that a revised requirement under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule is now in effect for small farm operations as of April 6, 2026.  The requirement includes the need for farms that are covered by the Produce Safety Rule to complete a pre-harvest agricultural water assessment.  The water assessment will help farms identify potential food safety concerns and make risk-management decisions.

Commissioner Ball said, “The Produce Safety Rule provides our growers with a comprehensive, preventative approach to food safety on the farm.  Our growers take great care in producing food the right way and already implement many of these food safety practices, whether it be through participation in the voluntary NYS Grown & Certified program or the USDA’s Good Agricultural Practices programs.   And, while the Department has long been working with our New York farms that need to meet these requirements, we want to remind them of this new effective date and that we are here to help them as needed.”

As part of the new agricultural water assessment requirement, farms will need to consider several elements, including location and nature of the water source; water distribution system used; the degree to which the system is protected from possible sources of contamination; the type of application method; the time interval between the last direct application of agricultural water and harvest; and other elements, such as testing.  Additional information can be found here.

Dr. Betsy Bihn of the Produce Safety Alliance, Cornell University, said, “There is a free on-demand video training for growers who need information about the new agricultural water assessment requirements and we have been conducting new trainings throughout New York State to help growers learn how to minimize risks in their agricultural water.”  This information is available at the Produce Safety Alliance and National GAPs Program websites.

The Produce Safety Rule sets standards for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce, and applies to covered fruits and vegetables normally consumed raw, such as apples, carrots, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. The Produce Safety Rule does not apply to produce rarely consumed raw (such as winter squash) or produce grown for personal consumption.

The Produce Safety Rule requires that covered farms have to ensure that agricultural water that is intended to, or likely to, contact covered produce or food-contact surfaces is safe and of adequate sanitary quality. It is one of seven areas that farmers must comply with as part of the Produce Safety Rule.

The Produce Safety Rule establishes standards for:

• Agricultural water

• Biological soil amendments of animal origin

• Health and hygiene

• Domesticated and wild animals

• Equipment, tools, and buildings

• Training

• Sprouts

Accompanying these areas are certain record-keeping requirements that document compliance with requirements, including for training, agricultural water quality systems inspection, agricultural water assessment, use of biological soil amendments of animal origin, cleaning and sanitizing practices, and any other required practices. The production of sprouts has different requirements than for other covered produce, so producers are encouraged to be aware of those differences. These practices are confirmed through an inspection conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

As of today, farms that are covered by the FSMA’s Produce Safety Rule that are expected to be in compliance with the new pre-harvest agricultural water rule requirements and subject to inspections, unless they have a qualified exemption, include large farms with an average annual monetary value of produce sold during the previous three years of more than $500,000 and small farms (less than $500,000 and more than $250,000). Very small farms (less than $250,000 and more than $25,000) have until April 5, 2027 to comply with these new requirements. All farms are already subject to other Produce Safety Rule requirements, including those for harvest and post-harvest agricultural water.

The Department has been implementing the new produce safety standards as required by FSMA since it was signed into law on the federal level to encourage a proactive, preventative approach to food safety on farms.  Department staff has been conducting outreach and actively educating New York farms that are required to meet these new standards and performing the required inspections.

Additional information on FSMA can be found on the Department’s website.  Questions about this new requirement for small farm operations, or the Produce Safety Rule in general, can be directed to Steve Schirmer at (315) 487-0852 or steve.schirmer@agriculture.ny.gov.

—New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Berry Day schedule for the 2026 Empire State Expo

The Empire State Expo and Becker Forum is coming to Geneva, January 14-16. On January 15, join experts from a variety of ag programs and extension agencies to discuss the most pressing topics for berry growers. Check out the full schedule below.

NYS EXPO Berry Day

Organized by Heather Kase and Anya Stansell

Session 1: 1 DEC Credit Requested

• 8:30am – 8:55am: DEC Credit sign-in

• 8:55am-9:00am: Welcome and Introductions

• 9:00am – 9:30am: Dr. Anna Wallis presents on a spotted wing drosophila control research project in which her team is evaluating a pesticide delivery pouch and an insecticide adjuvant in comparison to the growers’ standard spray program.

• 9:30am-10:00am: Anya Stansell will present on fungicide resistance evolution in strawberry botrytis and recommendations for grower spray programs to reduce botrytis.

• 10:00am: adjourn.

Session 2: No DEC Credits Requested

• 10:30am – 11:30am: Dr. Betsy Bihn will present on food safety considerations for growers, food safety culture, and engage growers in a hands-on activity to identify the food safety plans for their business.

• 11:30am: Adjourn for lunch.

Session 3: No DEC Credits Requested

• 1:00pm-1:40pm: Elizabeth Malchoff will present on options when selecting irrigation systems for berry crops.

• 1:40pm-2:00pm: Dr. Liz Higgins will present on farm revenue tracking strategies.

• 2:00pm: adjourn.

Session 4: 1 DEC Credit Requested

• 2:20-2:30: DEC credit sign-in.

• 2:30-3:00pm: Heather Kase will present on rainfastness of insecticides and fungicides.

• 3:00-3:30pm: Anya Stansell will present on berry crop water needs and compare different mulches and rowcovers as means of discouraging fungal disease, insect pests, and rodent damage in different berry crop systems.

• 3:30-4:00pm: Laura Biasillo, Agriculture Economic Development Specialist with Cornell

  Cooperative Extension Broome County, will present on 2 grant opportunities for berry

  growers. Over Zoom.

• 4:00pm: adjourn

The Labor Roadshow Returns in December

The Ag Workforce Development Council’s Labor Roadshow returns this December in four locations, as well as two webinars.

In-person events will be held in four locations:

• December 9 | Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY

• December 10 | Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY

• December 17 | Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY

• December 18 | Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY

Online sessions will be held via Zoom on topics that are different from, and in addition to, the in-person events:

• December 1, from noon to 2:00PM

• December 22, from noon to 2:00PM

Labor Roadshow IX will cover a range of pressing topics, including:

• Immigration and farm/family preparedness

• Compliance updates

• Unionization updates from PERB and attorneys

• Employee engagement and improving culture

• Employee housing operational costs

• Pest management in employee housing

• Legality of employee monitoring using cameras and technology

• How to interact with regulators and the public about labor issues

See more below!

Learn more about the program here.

Apply to take part in FreshConnect CSA for SNAP Grant Program

–By New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that New York organizations may now apply for the latest round of the FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program. This program will help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in New York gain increased access to weekly shares of fresh, locally grown produce through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives by covering up to half the cost for recipients, while encouraging purchase of local product that supports New York’s farmers and producers. FreshConnect CSA for SNAP is one component of Governor Kathy Hochul’s goal to boost demand for New York agricultural products, bolster New York’s food supply chain, and ensure all New Yorkers have access to fresh, local foods.

Commissioner Ball said, “All New Yorkers deserve access to fresh, nutritious foods, grown right here in New York State. The FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program is a great example of connecting the dots between our farmers and our consumers, helping to ensure that New Yorkers using SNAP can access CSA shares full of delicious locally grown produce. This program feeds our families and supports our farmers, and I encourage eligible organizations to consider applying.”

The FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program helps SNAP participants working with awarded organizations better access CSA shares. Funding provided to eligible applicants, such as not-for-profit organizations, Indian tribal organizations, public educational institutions, and local or municipal governments will partially subsidize the cost of weekly CSA shares sold to SNAP participants, lowering the cost to consumers while still purchasing the food from the farmer at full price. Up to 50% of the cost of a weekly share purchased by a SNAP recipient with their SNAP benefits may be paid by awarded organizations through this program.

Awards for this opportunity will be made on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. A total of $250,000 in funding is available through this Request for Applications. Applications may request a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $50,000 for the project to be considered.

Applications must be submitted by 3:00 pm on July 22, 2025. To provide an overview of the program for potential applicants, a webinar was held on March 18, 2025. A recording of the webinar is available at meetny-gov.webex.com/meetny-gov/ldr.php?RCID=355d6897dfbdedfc540bc9b2972269f7.

Learn more at agriculture.ny.gov/rfa-0367-freshconnect-csa-snap-program-2025.

Download the most recent Strawberry Production Guide

Intended as a comprehensive resource for both novice and experienced strawberry growers in northeastern North America, the University of New Hampshire’s Strawberry Production Guide provides information on all aspects of strawberry culture.

The second edition has been updated and revised throughout, and includes expanded and new information on variety selection (Ch. 3), production systems (Ch. 4), harvesting, handling and transportation (Ch. 12), marketing (Ch. 13) and budgeting/economics (Ch. 14). In addition, a new section on diagnosing problems in strawberry plantings has been added (Ch. 15).

Download the guide here.

Orde, K. and B. Sideman (Eds.). 2023. Strawberry Production Guide for the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada. University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, Durham, NH.

Prepare for immigration enforcement at your farm

By Richard Stup, Cornell University

This post originally appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

With the new administration ramping up, there are reports of increased US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border patrol activity in upstate New York. This comes on the heels of well-documented and highly public ICE actions over the weekend. Employers are advised to take action immediately to be sure your business and employees are as prepared as they possibly can be for any immigration enforcement. Consider the following resources:

• I-9, Authorization to Work and Enforcement. As part of the Ag Workforce Central Office Hour on January 9, 2025, we hosted attorney Michael Sciotti from Barclay Damon law firm to discuss how employers can get into I-9 compliance and prepare for enforcement actions. Find the video and the presentation with links to resources at Ag Workforce Central.

• Another great resource from Fisher Phillips law firm is here: Incoming Border Czar Signals Heightened Immigration Enforcement: 5 Steps for Employers to Prepare for Anticipated Raids and Deportations. Be sure to read through the opening paragraphs about the new USCIS leadership and get to the practical steps for employers to take.

Of course, employees may also be affected by immigration enforcement actions. Employers should have a list of all employees’ emergency contacts to inform if the employee is picked up. Likewise, all employees should have a farm contact to inform if they are picked up by ICE.

The National Employment Law Project is an employee-centric organization that has also published guidance for employers and employees in “Employer Guide: What to Do If Immigration Comes to Your Workplace,” available in multiple languages. Among other things, this publication states the following advice for employees:

• Employees are not obligated to speak with ICE agents, and may best protect their rights by remaining silent.

• Employees should stay calm during an enforcement action.

• Do not run or otherwise resist, because running from ICE may indicate that immigration laws were violated.

Finally, be sure to view our I-9 resources.

Attend the 2025 Becker Forum on Wednesday, 2/5, in Geneva

The New York State Vegetable Growers Association (NYSVGA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Becker Forum, a key event for agriculture professionals, will be held on Wednesday, February 5, at Cornell AgriTech, Jordan Hall, in Geneva. This year’s forum will focus on crucial topics for farm operators, including H-2A visa fundamentals, immigration enforcement, and heat safety in agriculture.

The Becker Forum, an annual gathering of growers, farm managers, and industry experts, offers a comprehensive program tailored to address the most pressing challenges facing the agricultural community today. The day will feature a series of informative sessions designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate these complex issues successfully.

Program Highlights:

• H-2A Fundamentals: How to Use H-2A On A Dairy or Crop Farm
  Learn how the H-2A program can support both dairy and crop operations by bringing in seasonal foreign labor. Experts will walk through the processes, benefits, and challenges involved.

• Producer Perspectives on H-2A
  Hear directly from agricultural producers who have successfully utilized the H-2A program, offering valuable insights into real-world applications and challenges.

• I-9 and Immigration Enforcement
  Understand the latest updates on I-9 compliance and immigration enforcement, ensuring your farm is adhering to all federal regulations.

• Washington Policy Update
  A comprehensive briefing on current and upcoming legislative changes that may impact agriculture, labor, and immigration policies.

• H-2A Tax Preparation
  Learn about the tax implications and best practices for managing H-2A wages and related costs.

• Heat Safety in Agriculture
  Discuss strategies for keeping workers safe in extreme heat conditions, a critical issue for those working in outdoor agricultural environments.

• Union Update by Grow NY Farms
  Stay informed on the latest union activities and labor issues in the New York State agricultural industry.

Schedule:

• 8:30 AM – Check-in opens

• 8:50 AM – Program begins

• 4:30 PM – Program concludes

The Becker Forum provides a unique opportunity for networking, professional development, and staying up to date with the latest industry trends and regulations. This event is a must-attend for anyone involved in farm management, labor, or agriculture policy.

Registration:
ADVANCED REGISTRATION
$90/person

WALK-INS
$120/person

For more information and to register for the event, please visit nysvga.org/expo/information.

Contact:
For inquiries, please contact the NYS Veg Growers Association at nysvegetablegrowers@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Becker Forum at Cornell AgriTech!

New York State Honeyberry Conference to be Held in Mexico, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County (CCE Oswego County) and Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY (CCE Harvest NY) will be hosting a state-wide conference on a new emerging fruit called Honeyberry, also known as Haskap (Lonicera caerulea). The conference will be held on Saturday, June 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the CiTi BOCES campus located in the town of Mexico, NY. Honeyberries are a dark blue color, like blueberries, but with a distinct oval shape. The taste is most associated with raspberry and blueberry, while also containing its own distinctive flavor. The fruit can grow in USDA Plant Hardiness zones 1 to 8 and can survive up to 30 years or longer if properly managed. What makes the fruit unique is that it ripens from the middle of June through early July. This allows the fruit to sit comfortably between the strawberry and blueberry season. When fully mature plants can produce 6 to 10 lbs. of berries, which can be eaten as a fresh fruit or made into value-added products.

Native varieties are found in northern regions of the globe, including in Europe, Russia, and Japan, as well as parts of the US and Canada. In fact, the USDA Agricultural Research Service indicates that Lonicera caerulea L. var. villosa is a native subspecies located throughout Canada, as well as Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, and New England areas. The first groups to cultivate this fruit were Russian and Japanese growers. In fact, the Japanese have grown them for well over a century. Recently, however, improved cultivars bred from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada have allowed for a niche industry to form, and there is a lot of interest in establishing this fruit in New York as a specialty crop. One of the main challenges, however, is the lack of education and awareness. Therefore, the goal of the conference is to help fill in some important knowledge gaps for interested growers and lay out a possible vision of the future.

The conference will cover the history of the fruit, best growing practices, processing, value-added production, and marketing. Guest speakers will include growers and researchers from the US and Canada, including Dr. Bob Bors from the University of Saskatchewan. Attendees will also be able to network and attend an optional farm tour immediately after the conference.

The cost to attend this all-day event is $40 per person. Registration is required and seating is limited. Registration includes entry into the conference and an opportunity to try fresh honeyberry fruit. Attendees will also be able to sample value-added products, including honeyberry jam, gelato, and juice. Registration fees do not include lunch. Registered attendees will receive a follow up email with the conference agenda and a list of restaurants within driving distance of campus. There are also numerous hotels and other accommodations in the area for those wishing to stay overnight. To learn more about the conference or to register please go to the CCE Oswego website at: https://thatscooperativeextension.org/events/2024/06/29/nys-honeyberry-conference

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County would like to thank CiTi BOCES for making their facilities available for this event. For more information on this event, please contact Joshua Vrooman, Agriculture Educator for CCE Oswego County at jwv33@cornell.edu or 315-963-7286 ext. 200 or Anya Osatuke, Small Fruits Specialist for CCE Harvest NY at aco56@cornell.edu or 607-752-2793.

Need help pricing your berries? Cornell has the answers.

Do you need help pricing your berries? You might want to look at New York’s 2022 berry prices. Cornell conducts a berry pricing survey across New York State every two years. This project provides averaged, statewide berry prices and trends to berry growers so they can better manage their business.

Access the pricing guide here.

The next price survey will be coming out this fall. Please watch for it in the mail. The survey is sponsored by the NYSBGA.

Funding Opportunity: Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

By Cornell CCE-ENYCHP

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. There are 2 application periods in 2024: April 1-June 30, 2024, and July 1 - September 30, 2024. There are two types of projects, renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

Funds (loans and grants ranging from $2,500 to $1million) may be used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems, such as:

• Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).

• Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.

• Small and large wind generation.

• Small and large solar generation.

Funds (loans and grants ranging from $1,500 to $500,000) may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:

• High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).

• Insulation.

• Lighting.

• Cooling or refrigeration units.

• Doors and windows.

• Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.

• Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.

• Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.

Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.

What type of funding is available?

• Loan guarantees (80%) on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.

• Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs.

• Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.



Contact your state USDA RD energy coordinator for more information. 

Download Your Agritourism Checklists to Help Manage Liability for On-Farm Visits

By Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Agritourism can be a fun and rewarding experience for landowners. With some careful planning and foresight, agritourism can provide supplemental revenue to a farm or become its main source of revenue.

Whatever your plans may be, make sure to do your homework. The excitement of a new idea or a new enterprise should not take the place of careful planning.

Kendra Meyer, a program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program, recently published two fact sheets that help guide owners of agritourism enterprises through critical decisions that must be made.

“Getting Started in Agritourism” is a three-page checklist that covers basic considerations such as legal issues, food regulations, visitor accommodations, farm emergency preparedness, biosecurity, pesticide safety, public play area safety, employee management and marketing practices.

“Iowa Agritourism Business Start-up and Licensing Guide” is a two-page checklist that covers the legal and regulatory requirements of starting and licensing a business in Iowa.

[Editor’s note: although these guidelines were developed with Iowa businesses in mind, they still have helpful information for agritourism operations in all states.]

“These checklists help agritourism destination owners and workers take a look at simple but important tasks when creating or reviewing an enterprise,” said Meyer. “It is critical for the business and its success to make sure liability and regulatory requirements are met.”

Both documents are focused on risk management, according to Meyer, and are intended to simplify the process. Both also contain hyperlinks to state and federal entities involved with agritourism.

Meyer formed the checklists in response to comments shared from participating farmers, as well as the agritourism bus tours held the last two summers. The tour, as well as the checklists, are all part of a grant she received from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program.

Both publications are available for free on the ISU Extension Store. For more information, Meyer can be reached at ksmeyer@iastate.edu or 515-294-9483.