News Release 

Date: April 11, 2008

Contact: Rebecca Schuelke, communication specialist
Telephone: (315) 453-3823 extension 103
Cell phone: (315) 427-2714
Email: rschuelke@nyfvi.org


Workshops prepare beginning berry growers for production

Growers across New York State can sweeten their spring production plans through a number of local workshops designed for those new to berry growing.

The classes are part of a statewide initiative by Cornell University to help berry growers increase farm profits through production efficiencies. The effort received a grant for work through spring 2009 from the New York Farm Viability Institute.

The Institute is a state supported and farmer-led nonprofit group that funds applied research and outreach education to help farmers increase profits. Grants go to agricultural projects on farm of diverse sizes and production practices.

The berry initiative provides information and technical assistance for growers of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, currants, brambles, gooseberries and others.

• 6-8 p.m. April 22 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County, 99 N. Broad St., Norwich. Cornell Berry Extension Specialist Cathy Heidenreich will discuss soil management, fruit varieties and pest control. Cost is $10. Heidenreich will follow-up by visiting area fruit farms on April 23. Register for the class or a site visit by calling (607) 334-5841 extension 16 or email jrh45@cornell.edu.

• 6:30-9 p.m. April 24 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County, 377 Schroon River Road, Warrensburg. Cost is $10 per farm. Register by calling (518) 668-4881 or email lrg6@cornell.edu.

• 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. May 3 at Cascade Farm, Patterson. Cornell Berry Extension Specialist Laura McDermott will describe site selection, profitability and berry production. The program will feature other speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County, Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Putnam County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board. Free blueberry seedling to the first $25 registrants. Workshop cost is free. Pancake breakfast at the farm is $5. Register by calling (845) 278-6738.




New York Farm Viability Institute is an independent, farmer-led nonprofit organization that directs and funds farm-level research to increase profits, reduce costs and other barriers, create jobs and encourage practical innovation on the farm. The Institute receives funds from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Visit www.nyfvi.org.