Workshop: Controlling Listeria in Apple Packinghouses
Event Details
Date
June 26, 2025
Time
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Location
Hudson Valley Research Lab and Porpiglia Farms
3357 Route 9W
Highland, NY 12528
Cost
Registration : $40.00
(addl attendee $40.00 ea.)
Host
Eastern New York Commercial HorticultureWorkshop: Controlling Listeria in Apple Packinghouses
Join Cornell University Food Science experts, along with CCE ENYCHP specialists Dan Donahue and Elisabeth Hodgdon for a day-long intensive workshop on managing Listeria in apple packinghouse environments. We will review key aspects of Listeria biology, cleaning and sanitizing principles and techniques, and monitoring programs. The latter half of the program will include hands-on activities at Porpiglia Farms. Lunch and morning refreshments are included in registration fee. Registration is available on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact Dan Donahue (djd13@cornell.edu or 518-322-7812) with questions and requests for accommodations, including dietary restrictions.
This program is funded in part by the Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety.
Agenda:
Morning Session: Hudson Valley Research Lab, 3357 Route 9W, Highland, NY
| 8:00 AM
8:30 AM | Sign-in & Refreshments (pre-registration required, no walk-in's)
Welcome & Introductions - Dan Donahue and Elisabeth Hodgdon, CCE ENYCHP |
| 9:00 AM | Listeria in the Produce Packhouse Environment Abby Snyder, Associate Professor, Cornell University Rory Wang, Graduate Student, Cornell University |
| 10:15 AM
10:30 AM | Break
Cleaning and Sanitation Calvin Slaughter, Graduate Student, Cornell University |
| 11:30 AM | Verification with Environmental Monitoring Programs Lyle Massoia, Graduate Student, Cornell University |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30 PM | Drive to Porpiglia Farms |
Afternoon Session: Porpiglia Farms, 1 Porpiglia Drive, Marlboro, NY
1:45-2:15 PM Packinghouse Tour & Description of Break-Out Sessions
Breakout Sessions (2:15-4:15 PM): 20 Minutes per activity
- A)Case Study Identifying Listeria monocytogenes Risk Factors in Packinghouses
- TBD
- B)Cleaning of Roller Brushes & Areas Adjacent to Food Contact Surfaces
- TBD
- C)Using ATP Testing to Verify Cleaning Effectiveness
- Lyle Massoia, Graduate Student, Cornell University
- D)Sanitizer Concentration Verification
- Calvin Slaughter, Graduate Student, Cornell University
- E)Proper Cleaning of Drains
- Rory Wang, Graduate Student, Cornell University
- F)Visual Inspections of Brushes
- Abby Snyder, Associate Professor, Cornell University

Upcoming Events
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
How to Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License
December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026 : Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
January 13, 2026 : Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
January 20, 2026 : Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
January 27, 2026 : Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
February 3, 2026 : Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
