Your success is our success! We host a variety of educational workshops and Field Days to give berry growers like you the tools you need to protect and improve your crops, learn the latest in farming techniques, and market your business. We also keep you up-to-date on other industry events.

Other Events

January 13 & 14, 2026 8:30am-12:30pm

Part 2: Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course

Virtual

Join ENYCHP specialists for an in-depth review of topics covered on the NYS DEC pesticide applicator certification exam. This two-day virtual course includes explanation of key concepts on the core exam, test-taking tips for the core and category exam, practice questions, and Q&A with instructors. Course materials, including program recordings, practice exams, and DEC materials will be available to registrants after the program. This training is geared toward certification categories 1A (agricultural plant), 21 (field and forage), 22 (fruit), and 23 (vegetable). 

Note that this training IS NOT a substitute for the 30-hour eligibility course. For more information on upcoming 30-hour eligibility courses, search listings on the NYSPAD website here. Register at http://tiny.cc/prep-course-Jan2026.

January 14-16

Empire State Producers Expo & Becker Forum

Geneva

New exciting changes coming this year. Small fruit sessions will be returning and possibly others. More sessions are planned for each day this year. More details to follow at nysvga.org/2026-empire-state-expo/.

February 4-March 11

2026 Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium Winter Webinar Series

Virtual

This is a series of six webinars hosted by UVM Fruit Program, UMASS Extension, and supported by URI, UNH, UMaine, UConn, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Topics include management of rising strawberry diseases, kiwiberry production, drought management, and pesticide use. Pre-registration required at tinyurl.com/5y239mhn.

February 11-12

NARBA Raspberry & Blackberry Conference

San Luis Obispo, CA

The 2026 Conference will offer premium opportunities to network, learn about latest advancements in research, and hear about emerging technologies in the caneberry industry. We will also offer a farm tour of the Santa Maria berry growing region. Register at raspberryblackberry.com/conference/2026-san-luis-obispo/#2026Conference.

February 19

Lunch & Learn Webinar Series

Virtual

Nourse Farms, a trusted leader in berry plant production, is launching a new Lunch & Learn Webinar Series designed to equip growers with practical strategies to maximize crop health, yields, and profitability. All are free to attend. The Feb. 19 session is “Do This, Not That — Practical Tips for Berry Crop Success. Register at NourseFarms.com/pages/webinars.

February 23-25

2026 NYS Farm to School Summit

Saratoga Springs

The 2026 NYS Farm to School Summit features a packed agenda with 4 optional field trips; 42 workshops, panels, and lightening talks; and an Education Expo and NYS Trade Floor. Registration closes February 1 at tinyurl.com/35aw9h6m.

Tuesdays from February 24-March 31

Cornell Small Farms Courses BF 123: Growing Uncommon Fruit

Virtual

This course will help you determine whether incorporating uncommon fruit into your operation is the right decision for you. We’ll walk you through all aspects of this decision, from possible fruits and appropriate site selection to marketing and profit potential, plus the advantages to including woody perennials into your farm plan. Many of these fruits can be successful in a forest farming setting, so are attractive to people with an interest in agroforestry. Expand your understanding of these promising crops and how they could improve your farm’s ecosystem while possibly also supporting your bottom line. This 6-week course is designed as a companion to the BF 122: Berry Production course, but you do NOT have to take BF 122 before taking BF 123. Register at smallfarmcourses.com/p/bf-123-growing-uncommon-fruit.

February 25-26

Eastern NY Fruit & Veg Conference

Two full days of informative sessions! Small fruit sessions will take place on day two, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. More info & register at enych.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=2143.

Tuesdays from February 24-March 31

Cornell Small Farms Courses BF 123: Growing Uncommon Fruit

Virtual

This course will help you determine whether incorporating uncommon fruit into your operation is the right decision for you. We’ll walk you through all aspects of this decision, from possible fruits and appropriate site selection to marketing and profit potential, plus the advantages to including woody perennials into your farm plan. Many of these fruits can be successful in a forest farming setting, so are attractive to people with an interest in agroforestry. Expand your understanding of these promising crops and how they could improve your farm’s ecosystem while possibly also supporting your bottom line. This 6-week course is designed as a companion to the BF 122: Berry Production course, but you do NOT have to take BF 122 before taking BF 123. Register at smallfarmcourses.com/p/bf-123-growing-uncommon-fruit.

On demand

Tackling Heat Stress in Fruit Production – Innovative Strategies for a Changing Climate

Rising temperatures pose a serious challenge to fruit production, impacting plant health, yield, and quality. This discussion will explore the science behind heat stress, its effects on fruit crops, and groundbreaking solutions to mitigate damage. Learn how strengthening plant cuticles can be a game-changer in protecting against extreme heat, ensuring resilience and productivity in an unpredictable climate. More info & register at https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1711254&tp_key=6ca8dd6e8a.

On demand

Employee Engagement Virtual Workshop

Regardless of size or seasonality, every agritourism business seeks to create a culture that attracts, nurtures, and keeps employees engaged in their operation from year to year. This Virtual Workshop highlights three farms that illustrate a level of successful employee culture that we can all take lessons from to emulate in our own operations. More info & register here.

On demand

Pruning & Training of Berries, Kiwifruit, and Grapes

Webinar series

Join Bernadine Strik, professor of horticulture at Oregon State University, for this multicourse, on-demand series. Designed to provide all the information you need to prune and train berry crops, the series includes 4 to 8 self-paced narrated lectures totaling up to 2.5 hours on table grapes, kiwifruit, and berries—including raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Register for just one module or get a discount on the series.