Uncommon Fruit: Considerations for Commercial Cultivation
Event Details
Date
February 16 - February 19, 2021
Time
11am-1pm EST
Location
Virtual Sessions
Host
Eastern New York Commercial HorticultureDuring the course of four sessions, horticultural experts and farmers will describe the possibilities and challenges associated with growing these lesser known crops. Specifics include site selection, production systems, pest issues, post-harvest requirements, recommended cultivars, and market considerations.
The first session will focus on understanding crop attributes that make commercialization possible followed by a site selection discussion. After that we will delve directly into the plants which will include Ribes, Elderberry, Aronia, Hardy Kiwi, Hascap, Amelanchier, Ericaceae, Shisandra, Sea Buckthorn, Paw paw, Persimmon, Figs.
Additional plants may be added as requested and as speakers knowledge allows.
There will be downloadable resources provided to accompany all topics and webinars will be recorded and available for registered attendees.
This series of four workshops is $35/person or farm business. Please do not share the link beyond your farm business. Avid home gardeners are welcome to participate, but please understand that the focus will be commercialization of these crops.
Please register ahead of time at the following link: bit.ly/UncommonFruit

Upcoming Events
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.
Virtual Asparagus School
March 17, 2026
Join us to dive deep on growing asparagus! Bringing together experts from the Cornell Vegetable Program, Michigan State University, OMAFA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness), and industry, featuring a panel of growers.
Postharvest Water Management, Sanitation, and Traceability Workshop
March 18, 2026
Albion, NY
Cornell University personnel from the National GAPs Program and the Produce Safety Alliance are presenting a workshop on postharvest water management, sanitation, and traceability. This workshop will include a mix of short talks and hands-on activities to provide attendees with applied experience with sanitation, postharvest water, and traceability topics.
2.75 NYSDEC CEU's in categories 10, 1a, and 23 available.