Future New York Fruit Growers Project Seeks Participants
By Mario R. Miranda Sazo, Alison DeMarree and Michael Fargione
Commercial fruit production is a tough and risky business these days, even for experienced growers. The next generation of New York fruit growers will face new hurdles as they take on more leadership responsibilities for their farms. If only there was an efficient way for inexperienced growers to be exposed to new techniques from leading researchers and other successful farmers that could be brought back and adopted on their family farms…..
Cornell Cooperative Extension regional fruit programs in WNY, Champlain and the Hudson Valley proudly announce the start of the “Future New York Fruit Growers Project”. The concept is based on expansion of on-going efforts by about 30 young growers in Western NY (Future Fruit Growers of Lake Ontario) who began meeting under the facilitation of the CCE Lake Ontario Fruit Team (LOF). CCE is now expanding this educational project into the other major fruit-growing regions of NY State.
One major goal of the project is to help participants learn ways to reduce financial risks associated with fruit farming as they accept more management responsibilities, help transition their operations to new production systems, and adopt new technologies. Another key goal is to begin developing working relationships within the next generation of fruit growers in NY State.
Who can participate in this project?
All family members and employees who are actively working on fruit farms and who anticipate taking on future management responsibilities are invited to participate. New farmers with little experience and weekend growers or retirees starting a second career in fruit production are also welcome.
Selection for this project is not competitive. There is no minimum or maximum age required. There is no cost for registration. We expect that participants will bring diverse educational backgrounds, professional interests, ages, and an average of 3 to 5 years of work experience in fruit business operations. The most important criteria are a commitment to participate fully in the project with the support of your farm employer.
Project activities will include workshops, fundamentals lectures, field trips and a few homework assignments as part of a small study group. Participants will be responsible to cover their meals, transportation and travel costs to classrooms or field sites.
Who is supporting the Future New York Fruit Growers project?
This project is funded by a 12-month grant to the CCE LOF team from the Northeast Center for Risk Management and Education. CCE fruit specialists in the Champlain and Hudson Valleys, along with Cornell faculty and staff, plus a group of more experienced fruit growers are helping with the project. Opportunities for other experienced growers to help support the project will be available.
What activities are planned?
The project runs from June 2010 through July 2011. Opportunities to learn about and register for the project will occur during June-July 2010. The educational efforts will include:
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Workshops to identify leadership styles and build communication and collaboration skills presented by Larry Van De Valk, Director of the LEAD NY. Labor management training will be conducted by Alison De Marree, Business Management Specialist of the LOF Team. These 2 trainings will take place on July 20th in the Champlain Valley, July 21st in the Hudson Valley and August 5th in Western NY.
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Dr. Bernard Erven from Ohio State University will be conducting a second labor management training at the Becker Forum of the Empire State Fruit & Vegetable Expo in Syracuse in January 2011.
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A series “Fundamentals” lecture relating to production issues will be scheduled during winter 2010-2011. These lectures will be geared to understanding the science, culture, and management of deciduous tree fruit production practices and technologies.
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There will be opportunities for the participants to visit farms in other parts of NY as well as to host farm visits from participants from other areas.
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Participants who attend at least 65% of the activities will be eligible to receive a completion certificate at a graduation ceremony in June 2011.
How do I get involved or learn more?
Registration information is being sent directly to fruit growers and will be included in local and statewide newsletters. We hope to get participants registered early as there is a short assignment they must complete by July 13th in preparation for the July 20th leadership styles workshop. For more information or to receive a registration form, contact Mike Fargione (845-691-7117 or mjf22@cornell.edu.) or Mario R. Miranda Sazo of the LOF Team (315-719-1318 or mrm67@cornell.edu ). We hope established growers will strongly encourage the next generation to participate!