REVISED PROGRAM for 2020 Special Permit Training

Revised Program Accommodates Social Distancing Guidelines
Special Permit Training (SPT) for 2020 has been revised to an online format that accommodates current restrictions on public meetings, recommendations for social distancing, and projected delays in H2A guest worker processing imposed by COVID-19.

In time for the originally proposed in-person SP Trainings on April 7 and 8, we hope to have available pre-recorded training modules. It will be the responsibility of the Supervisor/Certified Pesticide Applicator(s) on each farm to administer the training modules and written exam to their Special Permit trainees. Once registered, all of the necessary training materials and documents associated with Special Permit applications will be sent separately to each farm along with a private link to access the training modules. See Registration below.

Special Permits will only be issued for 10 specific pesticide labels. This will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit. The labels that will be covered include Lorsban Advanced (for control of black stem borer in apple only), Endigo ZC, Warrior II with Zeon Technology, Agri-Mek SC, Beseige, Leverage 360, Danitol 2.4EC, Mustang Maxx, Asana XL, and Lannate LV (no Gramoxone this year.)

Read more about the 2020 Special Permit Training and how to register. Registration required by Friday, April 3.

Many thanks to the NYS DEC, CALS and CCE administration, and CCE staff for their prompt action on this very critical program for New York agriculture.

How to Participate in a Zoom Meeting

I keep hearing about Zoom meetings. What are Zoom meetings and how do I participate in one?

Zoom is a video conferencing software that allows for a face-to-face meeting online via a computer/smartphone. Participants will receive a link to participate in the meeting. You can ask questions via an audio connection or by typing in a question into the "chat" window. It's really amazing how connected we can all feel while still practicing social distancing!

For anyone new to this technology, NYS Integrated Pest Management has created a basic video on How to Use Zoom.  

We're still available to help you!

As spring begins, the CCE Cornell Vegetable Program looks forward to working with the growers and industry members throughout our 14-county program area to continue to produce and market safe and healthful food for the community.

All of our staff are working remotely during this time, but you may still contact us by email and cell phones. We are working within the National and State guidelines for good social distancing and hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will provide updates on important topics through our regular channels. The next VegEdge newsletter will be produced April 1 and distributed to our enrollees as usual.

Thanks to our farms and allied businesses for keeping food on our tables. Stay well!

Cornell Commercial Vegetable Guidelines Available

The 2020 Cornell Integrated Crop and Pest Management Guidelines for Commercial Vegetable Production are now available!

Written by Cornell University specialists, this publication is designed to offer producers, seed and chemical dealers, and crop consultants practical information on growing and managing vegetable crops in New York State. Topics include general culture, nutrient management, transplant production, postharvest handling, organic production, and managing common vegetable crop pest concerns. A preview of the Vegetable Guidelines can be seen online.

Highlighted changes in the 2020 Vegetable Guidelines include: