2021 Empire State Producers EXPO
Event Details
Date
January 12 - January 15, 2021
Location
Virtual Conference via Zoom
Host
NYS Vegetable Growers Association and Cornell Cooperative Extension
NYS Vegetable Growers Association
Jessica
585-993-0775
email Jessica

Following much consideration, the New York State Vegetable Growers Association and Cornell Cooperative Extension announced the annual Becker Forum and Empire State Producers Expo will be a virtual conference scheduled for January 11-15, 2021.
2021 BECKER FORUM -- January 11, 2021
Farm Labor: Times of Change
- Adapting to the newest New York labor regulations
- Grower panel on managing overtime
- Federal immigration update
2021 EMPIRE STATE PRODUCERS EXPO -- January 12-15, 2021
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A VIRTUAL EXPO
- Attend sessions online using Zoom. Everyone will be attending this year from a computer.
- Receive current information from our experts by watching a live or pre-recorded slide show.
- Ask questions in the chat.
- Presenters will answer questions verbally or in the chat box.
- View the session(s) on a computer in the comfort of your home or office.
- Need DEC credit? - our sessions will accommodate for this need.
Don't have access to a computer or the internet?
If you need assistance with registering without a credit card or assistance with needing a location with computer/internet to participate in the Expo, please contact Jessica at (585) 993-0775.
SESSION LIST and REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE!
A full session list and registration is now available on the NYS Vegetable Growers Association website.

Upcoming Events
Orleans Regional Winter Vegetable Meeting
February 9, 2026
Albion, NY
Topics include: Breeding and evaluating tomatoes to control disease and improve yield, jar testing and ensuring spray water quality, breaking down organic matter, FSMA updates and Q&A with Ag & Markets, and industry updates. Includes hands-on learning, coffee break, and sponsor booths.
DEC credits available: 1.0 in CORE plus 0.5 in 1a, 10 or 23
African Eggplant Participatory Breeding Kick-Off
March 5, 2026
Join us to learn about the Cornell African Eggplant Research Project and learn how you can participate! African eggplant, also known as Bitterball, Garden Egg, Kittley and other names, is an important crop for many members of our community with heritage from regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Since 2024, the Cornell African Eggplant Research Project has been collaborating with growers and community partners across New York to develop high-quality varieties adapted to the Northeast U.S. In this meeting, we will share information about growing and preparing African eggplant, highlight our research to date, and invite partners to collaborate with us in our 2026 participatory breeding and variety selection efforts.
COST: FREE! You must pre-register to receive the Zoom link.
Managing the Invasive Swede Midge Webinar
March 6, 2026
Swede midge is an invasive fly that causes serious economic losses to brassica crops. Due to its small size and hidden feeding habits, swede midge is often called an "invisible pest" and damage may be misdiagnosed. In this webinar, we will review the swede midge life cycle and crop damage symptoms, current management recommendations, new research findings, and highlights from on-farm case studies with a focus on organic management.
1.75 DEC pesticide recertification credits in categories 1a, 10, and 23.