Sonia Salas

Western Growers, Associate Vice President, Food Safety & Regulatory Affairs

Sonia E. Salas joined Western Growers in 2007 and brings nearly 25 years of experience in the food industry, with a deep focus on food safety and fresh produce regulatory compliance. Before Western Growers, Sonia worked for private companies managing food safety and quality systems and implementing federal and state food regulations.

Sonia began her career at Western Growers as a Senior Loss Control Consultant and advanced through several leadership positions over the years. In March 2025, she became WG’s Associate VP of Food Safety & Regulatory Affairs. In this role, Sonia leads the identification, development, and advancement of scientific, technical and compliance strategies in food safety for the betterment of WG members and the fresh produce industry.

She leads strategic Western Growers’ food safety efforts, including commodity standards, guidance development, policy development, audit strategies, outreach, education and training. Sonia also manages strategic alliances with federal and state entities, universities, different coalitions and organizations serving agriculture.

Sonia is a member of the Honor Society of Agriculture, Gamma Sigma Delta. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the Agricultural Pan-American School based in Central America (Zamorano) and her Master of Science degree in Agriculture from California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly Pomona).