Please Consider Commenting on the Proposed Water Rule as part of FSMA
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
As many of you have likely seen, the FDA has proposed new regulations for the Agricultural Water Rule as part of the "Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water". On Friday March 11th at 11am we invite you to attend a webinar co-hosted by NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets and NASDA where FDA will provide an overview of the proposed rule and answer any questions you might have. The zoom link information is below. There is no need to register to attend, simply click on the link when it's time.
Proposed Water Rule as Part of FSMA (pdf; 222KB)

Upcoming Events
Leading the Farm Team: Supervisory Skills for New Managers
April 14, 2026 : Session 1: Becoming a Supervisor
The transition from working alongside employees to supervising them can be challenging. This session explores the shift from individual contributor to supervisor and the mindset and skills needed to lead a team effectively. Participants will learn about the role of a supervisor, key leadership behaviors, and how to build trust and credibility with employees.
April 21, 2026 : Session 2: Improving Performance
This session will introduce the performance triad—clear expectations, training, and feedback—to support employee success. We will discuss practical communication strategies, how to give constructive feedback, and how supervisors can help employees improve their performance over time.
April 28, 2026 : Session 3: Managing Conflict
Supervisors are responsible for maintaining a professional and respectful workplace. This session covers some of the legal and ethical responsibilities of supervisors and the responsibilities managers have in addressing workplace concerns.
Participants will also explore common sources of workplace conflict, learn to recognize potential biases that can influence management decisions, and discuss practical approaches for addressing difficult situations and resolving conflicts at work.
