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 24, 2002, appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Seneca Foods Corporation for the year ended March 31, 2002 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 26, 2002