Exhibit 23(a)

Independent Auditors' Consent

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
of Seneca  Foods  Corporation  on Form S-3 of our  reports  dated May 25,  2001,
appearing in and  incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Seneca Foods  Corporation for the year ended March 31, 2001 and to the reference
to us  under  the  heading  "Experts"  in the  prospectus  which is part of this
Registration Statement.

/s/Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP

Rochester, New York
June 11, 2002