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