Today in Sacramento, members of the Western Growers' Board of Directors were engaged in a series of meetings and discussions with administration officials and state legislators on key issues affecting the specialty crop industry.  Water, labor and workplace rules dominated the issues discussed.

Secretary Matthew Rodriguez of the California Environmental Protection Agency, Secretary John Laird of the California Natural Resources Agency, and Cal/EPA Undersecretary Gordon Burns kicked of the meetings.  William B. Gould, chair of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) and former head of the National Labor Relations Board, presented his take on labor issues.

Members also heard from Senate Republican Leader-elect Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield), Senator Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), and State Water Resources Control Board member Dee Dee D'Adamo.  Today's meetings were followed by a reception with members of the Latino Caucus and a dinner featuring members of the new bi-partisan Central Valley Caucus.

On Monday evening, members of the Western Growers Board's Executive Committee also met privately with Governor Jerry Brown. 

All of the board's committees will convene on Wednesday, followed by WG's annual legislative reception. As always, this week's activities will wrap up with a meeting of the full board on Thursday.