INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in this  Post-Effective  Amendment
No. 1 of  Registration  Statement No.  333-12365 of Seneca Foods  Corporation on
Form S-8 of our report dated June 7, 1999,  appearing  in this Annual  Report on
Form 11-K of Seneca Foods Corporation Employees' Savings Plan for the year ended
December 31,
1998.





/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Rochester, New York
June 28, 1999