Event Details

Date

January 16, 2018

Time

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Location

SRC Arena & Events Center, Onondaga Community College
4585 West Seneca Turnpike
Syracuse, NY 13215

Host

New York State Vegetable Growers Association

Empire State Producers Expo


Emerging Markets - Hemp

January 16, 2018

Emerging Markets - Hemp

Empire State Producers Expo Session
Learn about the market potential of industrial hemp. Cornell, CCE Harvest NY, NYS Department of Ag & Markets, and experienced growers will provide information on production, processing, research, and rules and regulations.

Session organized by Maire Ullrich, CCE

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The 2018 Empire State Producers Expo will take place on January 16-18 at a new location: Onondaga Community College's SRC Arena & Events Center in Syracuse, NY. This annual show combines the major fruit, flower and vegetable associations of New York State in order to provide a comprehensive trade show and educational conference for New York producers, as well as neighboring states and Eastern Canada. In years past over 100 presentations were given by Cornell Cooperative Extension personnel and highly regarded speakers from across the country. Panel discussions feature some of the top industry experts and growers in New York. Between educational sessions, attendees can visit the trade show featuring over 150 commercial vendors and non-profit exhibitors.

Session topics include commodity specific programs in berries, cabbage, snap beans, peas, beets, carrots, tomatoes, cut flowers, tree fruit, sweet corn, tomato, onion, root crops, vine crops, and emerging markets (hops, malting barley, mushrooms, hemp, hard cider); and multidisciplinary programs in precision irrigation, weed management, soil health, biopesticides, beginning farmer operations, marketing, greenhouse production, climate and forecast models, GMOs, and wildlife management. DEC pesticide recertification credits and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits will be offered during the appropriate educational sessions.

The complete Expo program and registration information is available on the NYS Vegetable Growers Association website.





Upcoming Events

Earth Day Garden Workshop

April 20, 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Farmingdale, NY

Celebrate Earth Day and welcome the growing season by learning how to make the most of your space as spring wakes up the garden. Join Cornell Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman for an interactive, hands-on session focused on building strong foundations for a productive year. This workshop will cover the state-wide soil testing program and why soil health is essential for long-term success, along with strategic crop planning techniques that help increase productivity and maximize the space in your garden. 

Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop Series

April 23, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Brooklyn, NY

Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and the team at The Opportunity Hub for a hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introducing Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. Designed to equip forestry practitioners, educators, and community leaders with the skills to replicate this model. This session will cover APRB design, recommended urban tree species, installation techniques, and basic troubleshooting. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of APRBs as a tool for growing a diverse range of urban tree species but will also gain the knowledge and confidence to teach others how to build and manage them. 

Air-Pruned Raised Beds 101

April 24, 2026
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Upper Manhattan, NY

Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and NYRP's Parks & Urban Agriculture teams for an introduction to Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. APRBs have been shown as an excellent method for growing a suite of urban tree species and hold great promise as a tool for forestry practitioners in NYC. This workshop will explore the in's and outs, including design, appropriate tree species, and basic troubleshooting (i.e. weeding). Participants will also get to help build and plant out two APRBs at NYRP's field facility.

Announcements

Community Garden Leadership Program - Application Open Now!

The Cornell Community Garden Leadership Program is a year-long online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. The program equips community gardeners with management best practices and operational skills to improve garden sustainability. The program also connects gardeners to regional resources, professional development opportunities, and a statewide community garden leadership network.

Register for a virtual information session to learn more about the program and discover if this program is the right fit for you. Each information session is typically 45min-1hr.

Session Dates: 
  • April 9 at 10am
  • April 14 at 12pm
  • April 22 at 5:30pm
  • May 7 at 12pm
  • May 11 at 5:30pm
Register for an Information Session HERE! 

**Please note: the program application closes on June 15th and will be sent to all who register for an information session.  


Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications

Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.

The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be available from the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2026 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.