Why should you be a member? Here's 10 reasons...

Western Growers Top Issues:

Workers' Compensation

- WG members named workers' compensation as their top priority. WG legislative, legal and insurance staffs are actively engaged with Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's staff and employer groups. In 2003, WG supported several bills introduced in the California state legislature aimed at reforming the current system.

Water

- Through thorough communication with our members, WG continues to develop a consensus in regards to water supply and water storage. WG staff also advocates on behalf of water quality issues. In 2003, WG formed a water task force to tackle the on-going problem of ensuring a safe and continuous supply of water for our members.

Health Insurance

- As health insurance costs continue to rise, there are a number of legislative issues in which WG staff is involved. WG also has the ability to provide competitively priced coverage through Western Growers Assurance Trust, including a number of plans created for field workers. WG has the ability to broker to other markets.

Minimum Wage

- Labor costs are often the most expensive part of doing business. The current federal minimum wage is $5.15, which is the same as Arizona, with California's minimum wage at $6.75. There is no global minimum wage, which makes competing an on-going challenge for WG members. In 2003, WG legislative staff helped defeat a minimum wage increase through their work on the Industrial Welfare Commission's Wage Board. WG is also actively fighting another bill proposing a minimum wage increase.

Mandatory Arbitration

- The binding mediation law went into effect January 1 in California. The law calls for a mediator to dictate terms of employment for agricultural companies. Essentially, the Agricultural Labor Relations Board would have final authority to choose the terms and conditions of labor contracts between employers and employees. The law is a clear violation of the state and federal Constitution. WG has enlisted the help of Pacific Legal Foundation, a public interest legal organization that advocates for limited government and free enterprise, and filed a lawsuit against the ALRB. Since the law was signed, there has been increased union activity.

Farm Labor

- Labor availability is a crucial issue for WG members. Western Growers is constantly dealing with state and federal legislation that will provide for an adequate and stable agricultural work force. For several years, national and regional agricultural groups have been advocating for an adjustment of status for illegal farm workers that would help to stabilize the California and Arizona labor markets. As part of that same package, WG is recommending reform of the H2A Guest Worker Program that would make it easier to use the program. Western Growers is also currently working with the Arizona Governor and legislature to implement a state developed program.
In California, agriculture is fending off adverse hand weeding and labor contracting issues, while at the same time attempting to pass affirmative and cost-efficient farm worker housing and farm worker health insurance legislation.

Food Safety

- WG is an established leader in all matters of food safety, from developing voluntary guidance for minimizing microbial contamination to working on the USDA/USFDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) guidance document. WG continues to lead policy discussion at both the state and federal level on critical food safety matters, focusing on sound science as the basis for any further guidance and regulatory action.

Country of Origin Labeling

- The USDA's COOL program was created as part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. The program calls for mandatory labeling of perishable agricultural commodities, peanuts, beef, lamb, pork and fish by September 2004. Since the law was enacted, WG has continually engaged the USDA on developing fiscally responsible regulations and a flexible, non-burdensome system of implementation.

Retail Consolidation

- Retail consolidation is a reality of today's marketplace. To assist members in this environment, WG staff provides consultation in assessing contract terms and conditions between WG members and retail and foodservice customers. WG is continually educating members as to their legal rights, including the enforcement of payment terms.

Nutrition and Produce Act of 2003

- Seeking recognition and endorsement by the federal government of the unique benefit fresh produce provides domestically, WG has begun drafting the Nutrition and Produce Act of 2003. A goal of the proposed legislation is to establish federal recognition of produce within feeding programs, including WIC, National School Lunch and the Food Stamp Program. WG's goal is to further the integration of fresh produce into these systems. The legislation does not call for price support or subsidies, but for research and education of the benefits of eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. WG is in the final stages of developing content, educating legislators and garnering political support.

WG's mission is to keep the fresh produce industry competitive and vital in California, Arizona and on a national level, while providing outstanding service. WG is involved in virtually every aspect of promoting the agricultural industry - from working on community projects such as the school garden program to offering financial products and services, such as asset allocation, estate planning and business continuation planning.

To join Western Growers, or for more information, call Randy Hause at 949-863-1000.