ICYMI — Western Growers in the News

January 6th, 2015

A lot was happening around the holidays.  Over the last two weeks, Western Growers has had several media opportunities and, in case you missed them, we wanted to bring them to your attention.

On December 26th the Hill, a popular insider Capitol Hill newspaper, published an op-ed by Western Growers president and CEO Tom Nassif entitled, “An immigration solution we can't wait for.”  In it, Nassif makes the case that the reliability of the agriculture industry’s labor force is jeopardized and Congress needs to act immediately to ensure that the bounty of produce to which Americans and the world are accustomed is maintained.   

Jason Resnick, WG’s general counsel, gave an interview to the Associated Press regarding the action the president took on immigration and how that action may affect the agriculture industry, particularly as it relates to the labor shortages.  The article was published and was picked up by a multitude of different media outlets across the country. It was also referenced in an Arizona Republic editorial column

Finally, this past Sunday, Ken Barbic, senior director of federal government affairs, appeared live on Fox and Friends with host, Tucker Carlson to further address the immigration and workforce issues prompted by Jason Resnick’s AP interview.  Because of the time differences between the coasts, many West Coast viewers may not have caught the interview.   

Supreme Court to Review Delta Smelt Appeals Cases

January 9th, 2015

On Friday, U.S. Supreme Court justices will meet to consider several pending appeals, including two that focus on the California water dispute; one from a coalition of water agencies and the second from Central Valley growers.  According to the LA Times, lawyers for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, who cite issues raised by the drought, “are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider a strict federal rule from the 1970s that calls for curtailing the water diversions to protect the threatened delta smelt and other imperiled species regardless of the cost to humans and the economy.”

The court agrees to hear only about 1 percent of the cases that are appealed, but these water cases could prove to be crucial tests of the Endangered Species Act. They are the State Water Contractors vs. Jewel and Stewart & Jaspar Orchards vs. Jewell.

Western Growers signed onto an amicus (“friend of the court”) brief  in support of the petition for writ of certiorari as it did in the appellate proceedings.

Federal Mediator to Assist with Port Labor Negotiations

January 9th, 2015

At the behest of both parties, a federal mediator has been brought in to assist with brokering a deal between ILWU dockworkers and the employer Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) counterparts.  Ongoing contract disputes between the sides have resulted in severe bottlenecks for both importers and exporters in the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.  Several Western Growers members have been affected by the work slowdowns, jeopardizing deliveries of fresh produce and other commodities. 

To bolster the resolve of labor and employer negotiators, the co-chairs of the 90-member Congressional PORTS Caucus, Janice Hahn (D-CA) and Ted Poe (R-TX), sent a letter to the heads of the ILWU and the PMA encouraging them to quickly settle the contract negotiations with the federal mediator.  

According to an LA Times article, federal mediators have been used several times in the past, including in 2002 when a West Coast contract dispute snarled port activity and wreaked havoc across the country.

USDOT Hours of Service Changes for 2015 Could Impact Timeliness of Deliveries

January 9th, 2015

In December, Congress passed and President Obama signed legislation that kept the government operating into the new year.  The $1.1 trillion omnibus funding bill also contained changes to the U.S Department of Transportation’s Hours of Service (HOS) rules for commercial drivers that went into effect on July 1, 2013.  HOS rules dictate operational and safety guidelines for drivers.

According to a C.H. Robinson blog, the omnibus legislation suspends part of the HOS regulations.  While the maximum on the road drive time remains 11 hours per day, drivers will now be able to restart their clocks more than once per week.  This means drivers can use any consecutive 34-hour time period (which represents their time off after reaching a maximum work week) as their 34-hour restart, thereby eliminating the need to be off during the 1:00 to 5:00 a.m. period.

Madera County Added to Quarantined Psyllid Areas

January 9th, 2015

Yet another area of the state has been quarantined by state agriculture officials after the detection of a single Asian citrus psyllid was discovered in Madera County.  According to a press release issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, (CDFA), a 100–square-mile portion in Madera County has been quarantined.  The border of the quarantine zone extends from Road 603 on the north end to Avenue 15 on the south end and from Road 26 on the western border to the Madera Canal on the eastern border.

ACP county-wide quarantines are now in place in Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura counties, with portions of Madera, Fresno, Kern, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Clara counties also under quarantine.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training – Register for Upcoming Classes

January 9th, 2015

If you own or do business in California and your company has 50 or more employees, anyone who acts as a supervisor at your company must, by law, take sexual harassment prevention training every two years. Even if you don’t have 50 employees at your company, Western Growers highly recommends you still send your managers to training.

We understand many sexual harassment courses are expensive and tailored to suit the needs of supervisors based in an office environment. They may not understand what managers in your industry go through. We do.

That’s why we’re offering Sexual Harassment Prevention training in Santa Maria February 12-13, 2015. As the leading partner in the growing and shipping industries, we at Western Growers know the unique challenges your managers face. The course also includes new abuse-prevention training as required by California law.

Send your managers to our in person, interactive, two-hour, AB-1825 compliant workshop to:

  • learn the legal definitions of sexual harassment and employment discrimination
  • practice how to address issues
  • discuss legal obligations the managers have to their employees
  • study the consequences of sexual harassment on individuals and your company

We offer courses in English and Spanish for a minimal cost:

  • Western Growers members: $50/attendee
  • Non-members: $70/attendee

Register now:

February 12: English

February 12: Spanish

February 13: Spanish

Can’t make it to Santa Maria? Plan now to send your supervisors to the following locations:

  • Fresno: April 2-3, 2015
  • Modesto: June 18-19, 2015

If you have questions, please contact Adriana Robles.

SCOTUS Refuses to Consider Delta Smelt Appeal

January 13th, 2015

The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has declined to consider appeals that challenge water export restrictions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.  The restrictions, implemented in accordance with the Endangered Species Act, were set forth in 2008 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). 

On Friday, the Court let stand two rulings by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals last March upholding strict pumping restrictions in the Delta.  The Appellate Court’s decision affects millions of water users throughout the state, including the water agencies and Central Valley farmers who brought the original suits.

The Supreme Court rejection eliminates all legal remedies in these two cases.   

Western Growers signed onto an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief  in support of the petition for writ of certiorari as it did in the appellate proceedings.

WG will continue to work alongside its allies to pursue legislation in Congress that would restore more reasonable water deliveries from the Delta without amending the Endangered Species Act.  Bipartisan legislation that would have met this objective was abandoned last month as Congress finished its session.

Stay Ahead of the Curve — Participate in the 2015 Professional Compensation and HR Practices Survey

January 13th, 2015

Do you know how your company’s wages and benefits stack up against other companies in the area? Are you keeping up with trends to attract and keep the best employees? To stay competitive, we encourage you to participate in the WG Professional Compensation and HR Practices Survey.

How It Works

Each year, Western Growers collects base pay and variable (bonus) salary data for professional positions in the specialty crop industry. We use an independent, certified compensation specialist to protect the confidentiality of your data – no one at Western Growers sees your company’s information. Data is collected for the following types of positions:

  • Executive level
  • Sales/Marketing
  • Logistics, Food Safety
  • Plant/Office/Field

The HR Practices survey collects information for performance appraisals, merit increases/merit budgets, bonus/incentive programs, austerity programs, health plan offerings, paid time off and more.

Why Your Company Needs to Participate

Data specific to the regional ag industry lets you compare your company’s salary and benefits with other companies in the industry to ensure your competitiveness. The survey results serve as a benchmark guide for budgeting for employee expenses, allowing you to recruit and retain the best talent.

This is the sixth year Western Growers has collected this data, and each year participation has grown. If 100 companies complete the process this year, the survey results will include a list of participant companies. (Of course, as always, each company’s data will be protected and presented only in the aggregate).

Plus, participants receive complimentary results for the surveys in which they participate. Non-participating members may purchase the compensation survey results.

Sign up today!

If you have questions, contact Karen Timmins at 949.885.2295.

New Health Care Reform W-2 Reporting Requirements — Are You Prepared?

January 13th, 2015

If your company will issue 250 or more W-2s for the 2014 tax year, the IRS requires you to report the aggregate cost of your company’s group health insurance coverage on those employees’ W-2 forms.

Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) members who fall in to this category in 2014, can seek assistance complying with this requirement by emailing [email protected] and providing the following:

  • Company name
  • Group numbers
  • Account manager
  • Name, title and email to whom reports should be sent

Please send your request as soon as possible so that WGAT can best assist you.

DPR Releases Updated Chloropicrin Mitigation Measures

January 14th, 2015

Today, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released the final version of the updated mitigation measures for chloropicrin. DPR’s new control measures include changes to buffer zones, buffer zone credits, approved tarps, and emergency response and preparedness. Western Growers will continue to work with other industry partners to ensure the safe and continued use of this important crop protection tool.

It is important to note that chloropicrin has been safely used for over 50 years and plays a significant role in growing healthy and nutritious California crops.

Please contact WG’s Matthew Allen at (916) 446-1435 for more information.

Nassif, Staff to Speak at Industry Partners’ Main Events

January 16th, 2015

NCAE 2015 Annual Meeting, February 3-5, Hotel Monaco, Washington DC

WG President and CEO Tom Nassif will be the Keynote Speaker at NCAE's 2015 Annual Meeting, on Feb. 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hotel Monaco in Washington D.C.  Nassif’s address will offer interesting insights from the former Ag labor lawyer who negotiated opposite Cesar Chavez and will answer the question: “Why U.S. farmers should worry about feeding nine billion people?”

Several other important guests have been invited, including:

  • David Weil, Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of USDOL to discuss the Hot Goods and other important issues
  • A high ranking official from USDA
  • The incoming Chair of the House Ag Committee
  • A panel of growers who are H-2A users, or non-users, to debate the merits of the H-2A program

APMA 35th Annual Forum, January 28-30, Monterey Plaza Hotel

Plan to attend the Agricultural Personnel Management Association’s Conference for Human Resource, Labor and Safety Professionals in the Agricultural Industry, at this beautiful ocean front venue located in the heart of the historic Cannery Row and near many Monterey Bay area attractions. The APMA Forum will feature an outstanding program for HR and Safety professionals including:

  • Keynotes and workshops presented by top industry experts
  • Expanded agenda covering today’s important HR and Safety topics
  • Lunch honoring the 5th graduating class of the HR Certificate Program
  • 35th Annual APMA Dinner
  • Jason Resnick, Vice President and General Counsel, will be presenting at the following workshops:

Jan. 29, 9:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Human Resource Nightmares and Tricky Terminations – Jason Resnick, Vice President and General Counsel, and Denise Spars, Director of Human Resources, Tejon Ranch

Terminations are a legal minefield that you should navigate only after careful consideration and adequate preparation. Even though most employment relationships are "at-will," meaning you can terminate an employee at any time, some terminations are trickier than others. A misstep can lead to serious liability for the employer and exposure 2015 Labor and Employment Law Update

Jan. 30, 9:15  –  12:00 p.m.

2015 Labor and Employment Law Update, Jason Resnick and Pat Moody, Barsamian & Moody

Be sure to finish off the Forum right, with Pat Moody and Jason Resnick, as they cover the latest and greatest in up to the minute labor and employment law issues. They will cover recent cases that you need to know about, and get you up to speed on all the laws that are going into effect this year. This will be a fast-paced session with a whole host of invaluable information to help you excel in 2015 and beyond.

 

AgSafe Annual Conference, February 24-27, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa

Don’t miss AgSafe’s annual main safety, health and human resources event for the agricultural industry in California. The conference provides owners, general managers, safety and human resources managers, and supervisors who work in the agricultural industry more than 100 classes in both English and Spanish. This year will feature an array of Supplemental Seminars including Instructor of Trainer courses, offer their renowned California Agricultural Safety Certificate Program and feature a number of special events, including the 8th Annual AgSafe Golf Tournament, AllWays Safe Agricultural Safety Awards and the premier of the Last Call Reception and Dance.

Jason Resnick and Jon Alexander, General Counsel Western Growers Assurance Trust, will be presenting at the following workshops:

Feb. 25,  2:00 – 3:15 p.m.

Employment Laws and Regulations for 2015: What You Need to Know, Jason Resnick

This session will dig into new law regulations for 2015, what they entail, how they will impact your operation and best practices to come into compliance.

Feb. 25, 11:15 – 12:30 p.m.

Get the Latest: Affordable Care Act, Jon Alexander

As the issues and regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act continue to evolve, learn what you need to know including employer reporting requirements, the latest on waiting periods, the regulations involving seasonal employees and much more.

UFW’s Attempt to Circumvent Grievance-Arbitration Procedure 2015 January 15.

UFW represents the agricultural employees of long-time Western Growers member San Joaquin Tomato Growers (SJTG) pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that was imposed upon the employer  in a Mandatory Mediation and Conciliation (MMC) proceeding. UFW filed a case with the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) claiming SJTG failed to comply with the CBA. San Joaquin responded that the union failed to provide evidence of the allegations, and even if such violations had occurred, the exclusive remedy would be the grievance-arbitration procedure contained in the CBA.

The Board, with newly appointed Chairman William Gould in charge, took the unusual step of inviting amicus (friend-of-the-court) briefs to answer nine questions, including whether the Board should or could order enforcement of the CBA and whether the grievance-arbitration procedures under the ALRB needed to be exhausted, among others.

Western Growers, California Farm Bureau Federation, and Ventura County Agricultural Association attorneys collaborated on one brief, and attorneys Ron Barsamian and Robert Carrol of Barsamian & Moody and Nixon Peabody, respectively, submitted amicus briefs. Spencer Hipp, an attorney with Littler Mendelson, represents SJTG. The UFW filed its brief one day late, so the Board rejected it as untimely and declined to consider their brief.

In a great win for San Joaquin Tomato Growers and for the industry generally, the Board agreed with the employer and industry’s position that UFW failed to exhaust its grievance-arbitration remedies under the CBA and declined to take any action in the case.

 

UFW’s Attempt to Circumvent Grievance-Arbitration Procedure Denied

January 16th, 2015

UFW represents the agricultural employees of long-time Western Growers member San Joaquin Tomato Growers (SJTG) pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that was imposed upon on the employer  in a Mandatory Mediation and Conciliation (MMC) proceeding. UFW filed a case with the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) claiming SJTG failed to comply with the CBA. San Joaquin responded that the union failed to provide evidence of the allegations, and even if such violations had occurred, the exclusive remedy would be the grievance-arbitration procedure contained in the CBA.

The Board, with newly appointed Chairman William Gould in charge, took the unusual step of inviting amicus (friend-of-the-court) briefs to answer nine questions, including whether the Board should or could order enforcement of the CBA and whether the grievance-arbitration procedures under the ALRB needed to be exhausted, among others.

Western Growers staff , California Farm Bureau Federation, and Ventura County Agricultural Association attorneys collaborated on one brief, and attorneys Ron Barsamian and Robert Carrol of Barsamian & Moody and Nixon Peabody, respectively, submitted amicus briefs. Spencer Hipp, an attorney with Littler Mendelson, represents SJTG. The UFW filed its brief one day late, so the Board rejected it as untimely and declined to consider their brief.

In a great win for San Joaquin Tomato Growers and for the industry generally, the Board agreed with the employer and industry’s position that UFW failed to exhaust its grievance-arbitration remedies under the CBA and declined to take any action in the case.

January 28 Lunch and Learn Webinar — An Overview of Current Sustainability Efforts

January 16th, 2015

Have you ever wondered how different parties in the fresh produce supply chain are implementing sustainability practices? Are they doing more than your business? Less? Are there new and innovative ways to approach sustainability? If these are questions you have asked yourself, consider joining Western Growers for an informational webinar related to three current sustainability efforts and perspectives.  Our featured speakers include experts in sustainability in the almond, wine and food service sectors and they will provide an overview of, the background on and current status of each of their efforts. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear about these three programs.

REGISTER TODAY!

January 28, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

Featured Speakers:

Allison Jordan, Vice President, Environmental Affairs, Wine Institute & Executive Director, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance

Joe Browde, Sustainability Senior Associate, SureHarvest

Kathleen Phillips, Supply Chain Sustainability Manager, Pro-Act USA

Personnel Procedures Manual Updated for 2015

January 16th, 2015

Western Growers’ fully revised and updated Personnel Procedures Manual covers everything you need to know to stay in compliance with California’s and Arizona’s complex and ever-changing rules, laws, and regulations in the agricultural industry —including  the information you'll need to be in compliance in 2015.

This nearly 600-page guide is packed with information.  It was written by experienced California Ag employment lawyers and features in-depth coverage of all the topics you need to know about in an easy-to-read, quick-reference style, including:

  • The California Labor Code vs. the
    Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  • Hiring, Recruiting and Drug Testing
  • Leaves of Absence
  • Supervisory Techniques, Problem Solving and Discipline
  • Utilizing Farm Labor Contractors
  • Workplace Safety and Workers Comp
  • And much, much more!

Now updated with the changes you’ll need for 2015, including:

  • Piece-Rate Compensation Compliance
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Joint Liability with Contractors
  • New Anti-discrimination Laws

Order your copy of the Personnel Procedures Manual today.  If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with this product, simply let us know within 30 days of your purchase, and we will issue you a complete refund.

With your payment, you'll automatically receive a brand-new, fully updated edition of the Manual each year so you can be sure you've got the most updated information available. With each new edition, you agree to pay the invoice for the list amount currently in effect.  As with the original order, if for any reason you decide the new edition is not for you, return it within 30 days at we'll send you a refund.  You can opt out of receiving future editions at any time by calling 877-942-4529.

U.S. Opens Roads to Mexican Trucks

January 16th, 2015

Following the conclusion of a three-year pilot program designed to evaluate the safety of Mexican trucks on U.S. highways, the United States Department of Transportation  (USDOT) has decided to open its roads to that country’s freight carriers.  The decision by USDOT ends  a controversy that has raged for more than a decade since the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1993. 

Under that trade agreement, both the U.S. and Mexico were required to open their respective roads to each other as a way of promoting trade and better relations between the two countries. However, due to opposition, mostly from the Teamsters, that provision was never enacted.  The pilot program was eventually put in place to monitor Mexican trucks doing long-haul border runs.  As a result of the pilot, USDOT said “that companies from Mexico had violation, driver, and vehicle out-of-service rates that met the level of safety as American and Canadian-domiciled motor carriers."   

The move is expected to lead to a permanent end to retaliatory tariffs put in place by Mexico as a result of the ban.  Those tariffs affected over $2 billion in U.S. imports. 

WG Webinar –What Employers Need to Know About Driver Licenses for the Undocumented

January 20th, 2015

On January 2, 2015, the California Department of Motor Vehicles began issuing  driver licenses to undocumented immigrants pursuant to AB 60 (Alejo, D-Salinas).  It is likely that many falsely documented agricultural employees will take advantage of this new opportunity.  According to an agency press release, over 11,000 AB 60 licenses have been issued and almost 110,000 driver license exams have been administered since January 2, 2015.

  • Will you know how to handle these workers when they present these new licenses during the hiring process?  
  • Will presentation of an AB 60 license put the employer on notice that the employee is not authorized to work in the U.S.?
     

This webinar will give employers the information they need to review and, if necessary, change their procedures related to the completion of I-9 forms and other employment policies as a result of the change in the law.

Webinar Details

February 4, 2015, 11:00 A.M. PST

REGISTER NOW!

(After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.)

Presenter: Jason Resnick, WG Vice President and General Counsel

Western Growers wishes to thank American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit West and Fresno Madera Farm Credit for their ongoing financial support and commitment to WG members!

How Sustainable Is Your Operation? Register for the WG January 28th Webinar

January 20th, 2015

Have you ever wondered how different parties in the fresh produce supply chain are implementing sustainability practices? Are they doing more than your business? Less? Are there new and innovative ways to approach sustainability? If these are questions you have asked yourself, consider joining Western Growers for an informational webinar related to three current sustainability efforts and perspectives.  

Our featured speakers include experts in sustainability in the almond, wine and food service sectors.  Their presentations will provide the background, overview and current status of each of their efforts.

REGISTER TODAY!  Don’t miss the opportunity to hear about these three programs!

Sustainability Webinar Details

January 28, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

Featured Speakers:

Allison Jordan, Vice President, Environmental Affairs, Wine Institute & Executive Director, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance

Joe Browde, Sustainability Senior Associate, SureHarvest

Kathleen Phillips, Supply Chain Sustainability Manager, Pro-Act USA

Register Today: Affordable Care Act Compliance Webinar — February 11

January 22nd, 2015

The clock is running.  The bells are tolling.  The rubber is hitting the road.  However, you want to say it, the new Affordable Care Act (ACA) is here and is affecting the way you need to run your business. 

Employer Mandate

The large employer mandate is now in effect for companies with more than 100 full-time employees and full time equivalents.  Employers with 50-99 full-time employees and equivalents have until 2016 to comply with the mandate.

Reporting

All large employers with 50 or more full-time employees and full-time equivalents must comply with new ACA reporting requirements.  The reporting is due in early 2016 for data year 2015.  Employers with 50-90 employees need to start planning now as their implementation mandate begins in January 2016.

Are you unsure what your company needs to be doing and when? If so, REGISTER NOW for this webinar to get the latest from Western Growers’ staff.  We can help lead you through this bureaucratic minefield.

Webinar Details

Affordable Care Act Webinar

February 11, 2015

10:00 – 11:00 PT

REGISTER NOW

If you have questions about the webinar, contact Jonathan Alexander.

Participate in the 2015 California Agricultural Wage & Benefit Survey

January 22nd, 2015

Western Growers is once again participating in the annual California Agricultural Wage and Benefit Survey conducted by Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS®).  Not to be confused with the Western Growers Professional Compensation & HR Practices Surveys, the FELS Wage & Benefit survey provides a market reference for growers making wage and benefit decisions for 14 on-jobs including: supervisors and foremen; mechanics; equipment operators and tractor drivers; irrigators; and general laborers.  This survey is used to develop a reference on California market conditions.  

Western Growers encourages regular members with on-farm employees and farm labor contractors in California to participate since the more data that is included, the more reliable the survey results.

Complete the survey online.

Alternatively, members can download and submit a paper copy of the survey.  Please email, fax or mail the completed form to Western Growers as specified in the survey directions.  The survey is open now through March 1, 2015.  A free copy of the survey results will be available to all members starting June 1, 2015.

For more information, contact WG’s Karen Hansen at (949) 885-2254.

“Shark Tank” Meets the Fresh Produce Industry on Feb. 9

January 28th, 2015

Western Growers will present six startup ag tech companies affiliated with the RoyseLaw Ag Tech Incubator at a free webinar scheduled for Feb. 9, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Each startup will have ten minutes to pitch their ideas to……you!  Yes, Western Growers’ members will be the audience and judges for this 90 minute   “Shark-Tank-like” opportunity which aims to advance the technological capabilities of farming by supporting start-up companies and new ideas.  Your participation is invited and encouraged as we all strive to harness better technology to produce more and better with less.

The RoyseLaw AgTech Incubator is a Silicon Valley incubator for startup companies focused on creating new technologies for the agriculture and food industries. The Incubator applies a Silicon Valley model to bring together promising startups, experts and investors that will help leverage agricultural applications and build world-class companies.

The Incubator announced a call for applications from technology companies focused on agriculture and food production in late 2014.  Twelve 12 startups were selected to participate in a five-month program in Palo Alto featuring co-working space, mentoring from agribusiness and food experts, and weekly instructional programs in the areas of technology, law, accounting, innovation, and operations.

Western Growers is a part of this effort and will showcase six of these 12 participating startup companies in a Go-to-Meeting webinar.  Each of the six start-ups will provide a brief pitch to Western Growers’ member companies.

Register to participate

The webinar will provide Western Growers members insight into some of the new startups working in agriculture and food space. Depending on time constraints, participating members may have the opportunity to provide feedback from an industry perspective about the viability of the technology and services being proposed. 

Find out more about the pitch, participating companies and how you may engage

At present, Western Growers does not endorse or recommend any individual company participating in this pitch, but does support the exploration and interaction between industry producers and new innovators. 

For more information contact Hank Giclas.