About NYSBGA   NYSBGA home Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and other berries are indeed the fruit for the new millennium. More and more berries are being recognized for both their nutritional and health value. Berries are not only beautiful to behold, but tasty and enjoyed by people of all ages. Demand for berries continues to increase, and they receive favorable reviews in public media. The New York berry industry may seem small compared to vegetables and other agricultural crops, but is an important part of New York State agriculture. It is healthy, but like all of agriculture it faces challenges, in production, marketing, and other issues such as labor, regulations, and taxes. Berry growers need to continue their education plus be recognized by researchers and others as having an industry voice. The New York State Berry Growers Association (NYSBGA) was begun in 1988 and incorporated in 1994 in its present form, a 501 (6) (c) not for profit educational association. The association's primary role is to provide information and education to its grower members, and represent berry industry research needs to university and extension people. While not a direct lobbying association, berry industry issues can be represented in public hearings and agency forums. NYSBGA has a board of directors that meets 3 to 4 times per year, and has the services of an executive secretary. NYSBGA offers several benefits for its members, as part of the $45 annual dues, including: An annual day long winter educational and business meeting, usually in conjunction with the New York State Fruit and Vegetable Expo, held in Syracuse, N.Y. Berry Production, marketing, and business topics are presented by growers, researchers and extension specialists from Cornell and other universities. One main newsletter is published per year, sent out prior to the growing season - a compendium of new topics on berry production and other items of interest. NYSBGA members receive a complimentary copy 4 times per year of the New York Fruit Quarterly, which provides in each issue a topic specific to berry production. NYSBGA offers members convenient shipments of row covers and sand bags directly from the manufacturer. Timely mailings are sent to members when special information needs to be communicated, such as new crop protection registrations, labels, or marketing tools available to members. NYSBGA members also receive discounts of berry production guides from Cornell University. Participation in regulatory open public hearings where berry issues need to be addressed, plus representation in other statewide program committees, and national berry initiatives. During the berry harvest season, NYSBGA distributes press releases throughout the state informing the media on the status of the berry harvest, and where they can find more information. The NYSBGA website has a list of growers searchable by county for media and consumers to search for local farms in their areas. In addition to the $45 annual dues, many of NYSBGA's members contribute voluntarily to a separate designated research fund. In most years, about $3,500 has been granted for specific projects including disease and insect control, post-harvest storage, spray technology, variety research, and wildlife management control. Renewing membership or becoming a member can only help you strengthen the voice of the berry industry in New York, plus support education and research specific to berry production and marketing. To join, please fill out the membership form [.pdf | .doc] and mail to: Paul Baker Executive Secretary 665 Sarah Court Lewiston, NY 14092 Phone: (716) 754-4414 Fax: (716) 754-4424. Email: goodberries@roadrunner.com © Copyright, Department of Horticulture, Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension Berry Specialist: Cathy Heidenreich, mcm4@cornell.edu Website design: Craig Cramer cdc25@cornell.edu Mention of trade names and commercial products is for educational purposes; no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied. Pesticide recommendations are for informational purposes only and manufacturers' recommendations change. Read the manufacturers' instructions carefully before use. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University assumes no responsibility for the use of any pesticide or chemicals. Some of the links provided are not maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University are not responsible for information on these websites. They are included for information purposes only and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.