Ethnic Vegetables
Production of ethnic vegetables is a growing trend on many New York farms. A large assortment of exotic vegetable types while unfamiliar to many Americans may be a taste of home to foreign nationals, immigrants and ethnically-based communities. Most of these ethnic vegetables can be successfully grown in New York. The key to marketing is to select varieties that are familiar to the consumer group. Many immigrants are excited to be able to purchase fresh produce grown locally that would be readily available in their country of origin. Producing ethnic vegetables can be rewarding, but should be properly researched and tried on a small scale to begin.Relevant Events
2023 Potato Advisory Meeting
December 12, 2023
Canandaigua, NY
2024 Finger Lakes Produce Auction Winter Growers Meeting
January 4, 2024
Penn Yan, NY
Video: New York State Produce Auctions
Currently, there are 8 produce auctions in New York State. These auctions are aggregation points that allow local farmers to sell their produce in wholesale lots to buyers from across the region. To document the economic impact of produce auctions on agriculture, local businesses, family farms, and produce buyers, the Cornell Vegetable Program worked with Harvest New York to survey top sellers and buyers.
A new Cornell Vegetable Program video shares general information about produce auctions, how buyers and sellers use the auctions to expand their businesses, and how local communities benefit from them.
Evaluations of Specialty Crop Vegetables
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Each year, the Cornell Vegetable Program will be evaluating new and different vegetable varieties suited for the specialty crop or ethnic markets. Growers are encouraged to check them out here to see how they have performed in Western NY.
Ethnic Greens Trial, 2012
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Interest in growing ethnic vegetables has been increasing in our region. In response, the Cornell Vegetable Program conducted a two-year ethnic vegetable variety and marketing trial. The focus of the trial was to see how well assortments of vegetables that represent some different nationalities perform in WNY under our wildly fluctuating weather conditions and also to see how growers can market these new vegetables, how customers respond to them at the market, and what is needed to reach targeted communities perhaps. Funding was provided by the Western NY CCE Association group.
Exploring Ethnic Vegetables
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
In and around our larger cities and increasingly out in suburban areas, ethnic communities are expanding. This presentation was made to a small farmers' meeting sponsored by the Cornell Vegetable Program, Ontario County CCE, and through funding by GVRMA. The presentation covered discovering what communities are out there, vegetable varieties available, and marketing. Future work will focus on reporting results from variety trials and marketing economics.
Ethnic Vegetable Workshop Receives Media Coverage
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
The Cornell Chronicle Online covered a recent Ethnic Vegetable Workshop hosted by the Cornell Vegetable Program and CCE Ontario County.
Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Onions
Parsnips
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
2023 Potato Advisory Meeting
December 12, 2023
Canandaigua, NY
This year's Potato Advisory Meeting will include talks from Cornell faculty on insect pest and weed updates, as well as updates from this year's potato variety trials. Following lunch, there will be a round table discussion with fellow potato growers and industry members. DEC credits: 2.0 credits in 10, 1a, 23. This meeting is FREE to attendees and includes lunch!
2024 Finger Lakes Produce Auction Winter Growers Meeting
January 4, 2024
Penn Yan, NY
This annual meeting will present information on insect and disease management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. Grafting, biological and, where appropriate, conventional spray options will be discussed. Berry production updates will be provided. A general session will include updates from the Food Safety Modernization Act. Judson Reid, Senior Extension Associate with the Cornell Vegetable Program along with CCE staff will instruct participants and facilitate peer-based learnings. DEC recertification credits will be offered.