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 22, 1998, appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Seneca Foods Corporation for the year ended March 31, 1998 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 September 28, 1998