Current Projects

Final reports and results of our research can found throughout this site. But, because some of our work can span several years to gather information, review and summarize our findings, we want to keep you abreast of our current projects. Check back for updates on our progress.
Relevant Event
2026 Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference
March 21, 2026
Rochester, NY
New York State Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment
Lori Koenick, Extension Support Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
As part of a multi-year project exploring non-spray pest management options that are economically and environmentally sustainable for urban farms, we conducted a needs assessment with urban growers across New York State. This publication presents findings on current pest management practices, challenges, and topics of future interest.
2024 WNY Sweet Corn Pheromone Trap Monitoring
Again this year, the Cornell Vegetable Program will be collaborating with the NYS Integrated Pest Management Program to monitor the flights of European corn borer, Corn ear worm, fall armyworm and western bean cutworm. This information is used by NYS IPM to create weekly reports providing scouting and threshold information for fresh market sweet corn and links to resources on the major sweet corn insect and disease pests. Additionally, the information is used by the Cornell Vegetable Program to advise dry bean growers of the threat of western bean cutworm to their crop.
Muck Onion "Research Scouting" Program
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
To keep our fingers on the pulse of insect and disease pressure in muck onion production in our supporting counties, CVP Onion Technicians scout a handful of fields weekly counting disease lesions and onion thrips. Scouting reports are sent to grower cooperators complete with Cornell recommendations. This is a way of evaluating effectiveness of pest management programs, as well as a means of helping onion growers to implement onion IPM by spraying for pests only when they need to be.

Upcoming Events
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.
Urban Ag Food Safety Webinar
March 11, 2026
Urban and small-scale producers are encouraged to join us for the Urban Ag Food Safety webinar, featuring speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell IPM. We will explore the 'why' behind food safety, providing a basic overview and diving into specific urban ag considerations including water, pest, rodent, and soil health challenges. We will touch on the regulation and marketing landscape, and share resources for learning more. Bring your questions!
2026 NYS Processing Vegetable Educational Meeting
March 16, 2026
Batavia, NY
Processing vegetable industry members who grow, manage, or support crop production for Farm Fresh First/Nortera Foods, Seneca Foods and/or Love Beets, are encouraged to sign-up for the 2026 NYS Processing Vegetable Industry Meeting! You will:
- Network at this in-person meeting.
- Learn the results of industry-funded research.
- Have a voice in Cornell research and Extension.
DEC recertification credits available: 2.0 in categories 1a, 10, and 23.
2.0 Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits available.