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
New Farm Manager Skills Day - Get the Tools You Need to Grow Your People (Hudson Valley)
March 10, 2026 : New Farm Manager Skills Day - Get the Tools You Need to Grow Your People
Millbrook, NY
Are you moving into a supervisory farm management role this season and want to get off to a good start? Are you an experienced manager who wants to connect with other "people" managers and work on your skills? This one-day workshop is for you!
SPARC WSU Tree Fruit Heat School
March 11, 2026
As part of our multi-state SPARC SCRI project on mitigating orchard heat and cold stress, the WSU Tree Fruit Heat School will focus on understanding and managing heat-related challenges in apple and pear production. The program brings together research-based insights and applied discussions on sunburn physiology and mitigation, red color development in apples and pears, and the impacts of heat on postharvest storage and fruit quality. Each session will include an expert presentation, followed by a panel discussion with panelists from across the US.
Urban Ag Food Safety Webinar
March 11, 2026
Urban and small-scale producers are encouraged to join us for the Urban Ag Food Safety webinar, featuring speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell IPM. We will explore the 'why' behind food safety, providing a basic overview and diving into specific urban ag considerations including water, pest, rodent, and soil health challenges. We will touch on the regulation and marketing landscape, and share resources for learning more. Bring your questions!
