114th Congress: Nassif Meets New Members & Keynotes NCAE Annual Meeting

February 5th, 2015

Now that the freshmen members of Congress have unpacked their boxes, settled into their offices and learned how to navigate the corridors of Capitol Hill, Western Growers’ Tom Nassif went back to Washington this week to meet with a few of them, as well as some congressional stalwarts.  Talking points include concerns about a reliable water supply and drought relief, labor and immigration reform, school nutrition standards, the West Coast port strike and tax reform. 

Nassif met with Arizona and California representatives on Tuesday and Wednesday following his keynote address at the annual meeting of the National Council of Agricultural Employers.  His speech focused on ag tech innovation and ag labor in California, the current troubles over piece-rate compensation and the UFW’s attempt to unionize workers at Gerawan. He also spoke about looking for long-term solutions for agriculture with investments in advanced technology and  in innovative startup tech companies which could  help farming in the future in many ways, including some of its labor needs.  In a world where there will be two billion more mouths to feed by 2050 and more scarcity of natural resources, including land and water, as well as human resources, we will have to produce more by employing innovation and  technology.

House Holds Hearing on Mandatory E-Verify

February 5th, 2015

On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee continued its focus on increasing immigration enforcement and held a hearing on legislation that would make the E-Verify program mandatory throughout the country.

The Ag Workforce Coalition, of which Western Growers is a founding member, provided testimony at Wednesday’s hearing  re-emphasizing that interior enforcement measures such as E-Verify must not move forward without a legislative solution for the immigration crisis facing agriculture. The AWC issued a statement in response to the hearing and Chuck Conner, President of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, gave testimony on behalf of the AWC at Wednesday’s hearing.   

Western Growers continues to work with industry partners to ensure that the Congress doesn’t take an approach to immigration reform that devastates the industry.

Controversial Clean Water Act Rule Withdrawn by Federal Agencies

February 5th, 2015

This week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (Corp) withdrew a controversial rule intended to clarify the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) in the Clean Water Act. Ag groups — including Western Growers – have argued the interpretive rule, which became effective in March of 2014, limited their available exemptions under the Clean Water Act. According to a Capitol Press story, ag organizations said the rule “would lead to cost-prohibitive requirements, leave producers open to litigation and discourage participation in conservation programs.”  The agencies rescinded the rule “effective immediately” in a memo January 29, 2015.

Western Growers and other ag organizations are still pushing for the agencies to withdraw its overall proposal that defines which waters are protected under WOTUS.  In comments submitted to the agencies, Western Growers detailed the flaws in the proposed regulations and outlined the changes needed to make to make the regulations palatable.

Heading to World Ag Expo Next Week? Stop By the WGIS Booth

February 5th, 2015

Visit the Western Growers Insurance Services booth at World Ag Expo in Tulare, CA February 10 – 12. Come by to find out about our latest products and services for agriculture companies like yours! We’ll be at Booth #4009.

Can’t wait until next week to learn more? Contact Greg Nelson at 949.300.1495 or call 800.333.4WGA today for information about

  • Workers’ Compensation
  • Crop Protection
  • Property & Casualty Insurance
  • Health Insurance and much more!

Anthem’s Data Breached; WGAT Takes Security Steps to Protect Members

February 5th, 2015

Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) was informed today by Anthem, Inc., the parent company of Anthem Blue Cross of California, that it was the unfortunate victim of a highly-sophisticated cyber-attack.  As a result of this attack, Anthem’s secure data was criminally accessed and sensitive, personal information about its customers may have been compromised. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that medical or credit card information was part of the breach. 

We are working closely with Anthem to better understand how this may impact members. For more information, please visit: www.anthemfacts.com, Anthem’s dedicated website to providing its members the latest news about the incident. This website includes frequently asked questions and will continue to be updated as Anthem learns more. A special hotline, 1-877-263-7995, is also available to call for more information. 

WGAT is committed to safeguarding your personal information with highly complex systems and certified protocols so you can trust that your information is safe. We will provide you with information as it becomes available on Anthem’s security updates and the company’s efforts to protect your personal data.  

At the World Ag Expo? Stop and Visit the WGIS Booth

February 11th, 2015

Western Growers Insurance Services is at World Ag Expo in Tulare this week. If you are, too, stop by #4009 to learn the latest about what we can do to help protect your business.

Not at the expo but want to learn more? Visit www.wgis.com or email Greg Nelson at [email protected].

WG Future Volunteer Leader Class Completes Orientation Program

February 19th, 2015

Yesterday, Class III of the Future Volunteer Leaders Program completed an introductory orientation session in the Western Growers’ Irvine office, the first activity of the two-year program.  In attendance were ten outstanding young individuals from Western Growers’ member companies: Pete Aiello, Uesugi Farms (Gilroy, CA); Brian Antle, Tanimura & Antle (Salinas, CA); Neill Callis, Turlock Fruit Company (Turlock, CA); Brandon Grimm, Grimmway Farms (Bakersfield, CA); Charlie Montgomery, Rousseau Farming Company (Tolleson, AZ); Alexander Muller, Pasquinelli Produce (Yuma, AZ); Bixby Ramsey, Mann Packing (Salinas, CA); Trey Rodriguez, The Growers Company (Somerton, AZ); Bridget Rotticci, Bengard Ranch (Salinas, CA); and Kyle Smith, JV Smith Companies (Yuma, AZ).  Cannon Michael of the Bowles Farming Company (Los Banos, CA) is also in the program but was unable to attend the meeting.

During the two-day orientation session, class participants were provided an overview of the history and organizational structure of Western Growers, the member products and services offered by the association, and the federal, state and local issues affecting the California and Arizona fresh produce industry.  Members of Class III also had the opportunity to experience Arbinger’s Leadership and Self-Deception course, which encourages leaders to examine novel approaches to resolving personal and professional conflict.

“As with our first two classes, Class III represents the best and brightest of the next generation in the Arizona and California fresh produce industry,” said program administrator, Cory Lunde.  “With all of the uncertainties facing our members and the industry, it is reassuring to observe the level of talent and passion represented by our Future Volunteer Leaders.  The future of our industry is in good hands,” Lunde added. 

During the course of the two year program, members of the Future Volunteer Leaders Program will participate in the board meetings held in Sacramento, Washington, D.C., and Newport Beach, as well as Annual Meeting events.  Additionally, during the second year of the program, Class III will travel to Florida as part of an exchange program with the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation’s Emerging Leader Development Program.

For more information about the Future Volunteer Leaders Program, or inquiries about applying for Class IV beginning in 2017, please contact Cory Lunde at (949)-885-2264.

WGIS Staff at AgSafe Conference

February 19th, 2015

If you're attending the 2015 AgSafe Conference next week, stop by the WGIS booth to find out what's new in workers' compensation, crop insurance, health insurance and more for the agriculture industry.

Ready to learn more today? Visit www.wgis.com or email Greg Nelson.

Colorado Welcomed into the Western Growers Family

February 27th, 2015

Yesterday, Western Growers announced its expansion into Colorado with the unveiling of a strategic partnership with the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA).  The collaboration is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding agreed upon by both organizations.

“For almost 90 years, Western Growers has represented members from California and Arizona in Washington, D.C. when advocating the needs and concerns of fresh produce growers, handlers and shippers to federal government agencies and to members of Congress,” said Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif.  “Today, we can proudly say that the voices of growers in Colorado will join ours when we go before federal leaders to discuss our concerns and advocate for solutions to our problems.”

Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning, Science & Technology Hank Giclas, Vice President of Government Affairs Dennis Nuxoll and Vice President of Membership Randy House were in Colorado attending the first annual meeting of the CFVGA and were on hand when Robert Sakata, president of the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, made the official announcement to CFVGA members. 

Several trade publications picked up on the news and published stories, including The Hagstrom Report, AndNowUKnow.com and FreshFruitPortal.com.  Western Growers Executive Vice President Matt McInerney also gave an interview to The Packer

Alliance for Food and Farming Poses Inconvenient Questions for ‘Dirty Dozen’ Group

February 27th, 2015

In response to the Environmental Working Group’s release of its annual Dirty Dozen list, the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) posed a “half dozen” inconvenient questions to highlight the lack of science and conflicting information inherent in the list.  For the last 20 years the EWG has inaccurately disparaged many of the most popular fruits and vegetables through the issuance of this list. 

To correct and counter the misinformation promoted by EWG, the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) provides science-based information to consumers which clearly show the safety of these popular fruits and veggies and the nutritional benefits of eating more – conventional and organic.

Matt McInerney, chair of the alliance management board and executive vice president of Western Growers said, “Science can prevail and effectively counter rhetoric and inaccuracies generated and perpetuated by activist groups.  By providing consumers with peer reviewed science, analyses by university scientists and experts plus access to credible spokespersons, inaccuracies and common misperceptions about produce safety and pesticide residues were countered and corrected by the (alliance) informational campaign.” 

As a complement to McInerney’s comments, Marilyn Dolan, Executive Director of the Alliance for Food and Farming said, “This group continually issues confusing and conflicting information targeted toward consumers.  One day they are calling safe and healthy produce ‘dirty’ and ‘toxic laden’ and the next they are stating they are ‘best’ foods. This simply isn’t helpful and studies are beginning to show this type of conflicting information may be having a negative effect on consumers.”

The AFF also maintains a website that provides more information on the safety of organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.  The site features a popular calculator which consumers can use to see how many fruits or vegetables they could eat in a day and still not see any effects from residues that may be present.

Get the Help You Need with Health Care Reform — Webinar February 11

February 3rd, 2015

The Affordable Care Act is affecting your business in real ways.  While Congress argues the law, you must make sure your company follows it.  Do you know what’s expected of you right now?

Compliance with the Large Employer Mandate

Employers with 100 or more full time employees and equivalents are currently required to comply with the large employer mandate this year.

Employers with 50 to 99 full-time employees and equivalents have less than a year to comply with the large employer mandate (their obligation begins January 1, 2016).

Employer Reporting

All employers participating in Western Growers Assurance Trust and all employers with 50 or more full-time employees and equivalents must report specific information to the IRS no later than February 29, 2016 or March 31, 2016 if filed electronically.  Similar info must be furnished to employees no later than February 1, 2016.   This information will be used by the IRS to determine which employers are complying with the large employer mandate and to determine which individuals qualify for subsidies at the health insurance exchanges.  The information reported is from data year 2015.  This webinar will focus on the necessary info and explain the reporting requirements.

Western Growers Assurance Trust Can Help

Are you doing everything you need to do to comply or prepare with the new mandate?  Have you calculated your employer size correctly?  Have you properly identified your full-time employees?  Are you prepared for IRS reporting in 2016? Do you know what’s coming next? Find out what you should be doing and what’s coming next during WGAT Affordable Care Act Webinar on February 11 at 10 am PST.

Webinar Details

Affordable Care Act Webinar

February 11, 2015

10:00 – 11:00 PST

REGISTER NOW

 If you have questions about the webinar or the Affordable Care Act, contact Jonathan Alexander.

CDFA Expands Psyllid Quarantine Area in Santa Clara County

February 3rd, 2015

The Asian citrus psyllid quarantine area in Santa Clara County has expanded an additional 61 square-miles following the detection of multiple psyllids in and around the city of San Jose.   The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) issued a notice of the expanded quarantine area on February 2, 2015.  The action brings the total quarantine area in the county to 160 square-miles.  

Time to Panic about Health Insurance Obligations? Not If You Register for the ACA Webinar

February 5th, 2015

The Affordable Care Act is affecting your business in real ways.  While Congress argues the law, you must make sure your company follows it.  Do you know what’s expected of you right now?

Compliance with the Large Employer Mandate

Employers with 100 or more full time employees and equivalents are currently required to comply with the large employer mandate this year.

Employers with 50 to 99 full-time employees and equivalents have less than a year to comply with the large employer mandate (their obligation begins January 1, 2016).

Employer Reporting

All employers participating in Western Growers Assurance Trust and all employers with 50 or more full-time employees and equivalents must report specific information to the IRS no later than February 29, 2016 or March 31, 2016 if filed electronically.  Similar information must be furnished to employees no later than February 1, 2016.   This information will be used by the IRS to determine which employers are complying with the large employer mandate and to determine which individuals qualify for subsidies at the health insurance exchanges.  The information reported is from data year 2015.  This webinar will focus on the necessary information and explain the reporting requirements.

Western Growers Assurance Trust Can Help

Are you doing everything you need to do to comply with or prepare for the new mandate?  Have you calculated your employer size correctly?  Have you properly identified your full-time employees?  Are you prepared for IRS reporting in 2016? Do you know what’s coming next? Find out what you should be doing during WGAT Affordable Care Act Webinar on February 11 at 10 am PST.

Webinar Details

Affordable Care Act Webinar

February 11, 2015

10:00 – 11:00 PST

REGISTER NOW

 If you have questions about the webinar or the Affordable Care Act, contact Jonathan Alexander.

State Water Board Staff Moves to Block Moderate Pumping Increase

February 5th, 2015

Yesterday, the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) rejected a proposal by the California Department of Water Resources and the U.S.  Bureau of Reclamation that would have allowed limited increases in export pumping from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta under certain conditions. The rejected plan had the support of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service.  

According to the California Farm Water Coalition, a unilateral decision was made by Tom Howard, the Water Board’s Executive Director, to “ignore the collective decision of FIVE state and federal agencies that have responsibilities for managing ecosystem resources.”  The reduced pumping levels “will affect south of Delta wildlife refuges, urban users, including many disadvantaged communities, and farmers and could be about 2,000 acre-feet of lost water per day.”

Depending on the weather, about 38,000 acre-feet, or $38 million worth of water could be lost.

Western Growers will protest this decision, which marks a troubling move by the State Water Board to effectively wrest control of the State Water Project and Central Valley Project from federal and state agencies with relevant experience and expertise.

Last year, Western Growers and other groups sounded a similar alarm in a letter to Gov. Brown, which you can VIEW HERE.

Deal Lacking, West Coast Port Issues Continue

February 11th, 2015

A labor dispute between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshoreman and Warehouse Union (ILWU) continues to hamper operations at 29 West Coast ports creating havoc for fruit, vegetable and nut importers and exporters.  Following a suspension of operations over the weekend by PMA, dockworkers began work again on Monday, loading and unloading ships, many of whom have been stacked up in the waters of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.  Equally congested are the docks, with trucks backed up as they wait to be loaded or unloaded.  PMA shut down operations over the weekend to prevent paying overtime to workers they allege purposely slowed operations as a negotiating ploy.  

Meanwhile, fears of a full-blown shutdown hover over operations.  Such a shutdown could potentially cost the U.S. economy over two billion dollars per day, according to estimates from the National Retail Federation.   A federal mediator had previously been engaged by both sides to assist with negotiations.  And despite a letter to both sides from several members of Congress urging for a quick resolution of the dispute, the situation appears to be further deteriorating, leaving the produce and tree nut industries in a vulnerable position. Numerous stories abound about produce exports going bad because growers can’t get the shipments where they need to go.    

There have been several sticking points on the negotiations.  One dealt with health care costs and coverage for members of the union.  The other involves how cargo containers are moved once they get to port.  The tractor-trailer chassis were previously inspected by union representatives and owned by the shipping companies.  However since last year, the system changed and truckers now own their own vehicles and outsource their inspections.

To highlight the port issues, the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security held a hearing titled “Keeping Goods Moving” to address general port issues.  One witness testifying warned that while the hearing was helpful, it would not prevent future labor issues or resolve the current dispute.  

CA Officials Release Drafts of Spending Schedule and Grant Guidelines for Water Bond Projects

February 11th, 2015

Today, the California Natural Resources Agency released a draft spending schedule and grant guidelines for future water bond projects.  The schedule and guidelines were created as a result of Proposition 1, a ten-year water bond that was overwhelmingly passed by voters in November of 2014. The draft schedule details the benchmarks for the first bond year while the draft guidelines will offer assistance to grant making organizations and applicants.    

According to a quote in the Agency’s press release from Secretary John Laird, “The draft schedule and grant guidelines are a vital part of ensuring the transparent, expeditious, and accountable spending of the $7.5 billion bond.”  Funding in the bond provides a roadmap for projects in the form of the California Water Action Plan which invests in projects that provide water reliability, restore natural habitats and ensure infrastructure dependability.

Health Care Piece of Mind Is Close at Hand — WG ACA Webinar Tomorrow — February 11th

February 11th, 2015

The Affordable Care Act is affecting your business in real ways.  While Congress argues the law, you must make sure your company follows it.  Do you know what’s expected of you right now?

Compliance with the Large Employer Mandate

Employers with 100 or more full time employees and equivalents are currently required to comply with the large employer mandate this year.

Employers with 50 to 99 full-time employees and equivalents have less than a year to comply with the large employer mandate (their obligation begins January 1, 2016).

Employer Reporting

All employers participating in Western Growers Assurance Trust and all employers with 50 or more full-time employees and equivalents must report specific information to the IRS no later than February 29, 2016 or March 31, 2016 if filed electronically.  Similar information must be furnished to employees no later than February 1, 2016.   This information will be used by the IRS to determine which employers are complying with the large employer mandate and to determine which individuals qualify for subsidies at the health insurance exchanges.  The information reported is from data year 2015.  This webinar will focus on the necessary information and explain the reporting requirements.

Western Growers Assurance Trust Can Help

Are you doing everything you need to do to comply with or prepare for the new mandate?  Have you calculated your employer size correctly?  Have you properly identified your full-time employees?  Are you prepared for IRS reporting in 2016? Do you know what’s coming next? Find out what you should be doing during WGAT Affordable Care Act Webinar on February 11 at 10 am PST.

Webinar Details

Affordable Care Act Webinar

February 11, 2015

10:00 – 11:00 PST

REGISTER NOW

 If you have questions about the webinar or the Affordable Care Act, contact Jonathan Alexander.

AZ Senate Committee Passes Piece Rate Bill

February 13th, 2015

Earlier this week, the Arizona Senate Commerce Committee passed SB 1061 on a 7-1 vote. This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Gail Griffin at the request of Western Growers, would expressly permit common piece rate compensation practices in Arizona that have come under attack in other states.

Specifically, SB 1061 would permit piece wage and commission earnings to be combined to compensate employees for all productive and non-productive hours worked in a pay period for purposes of meeting the minimum wage obligation.‎ Western Growers is seeking to codify this definition to protect our members’ and their employees’ rights to engage in lawful piece rate compensation practices and preempt legal challenges experienced recently in California and Washington.

Learn About Current Fumigant Regulatory Issues

February 13th, 2015

On February 25, 2015, Western Growers is hosting a webinar to bring our members up to speed on the current fumigant regulatory issues facing growers. This presentation will focus on the challenges related to the use and restrictions of methyl bromide, chloropicrin, metam sodium and 1-3 D/telone.  Reserve your spot and REGISTER TODAY!

Webinar Details

Current Fumigant Regulatory Issues

February 25, 2015 at 11: 30 a.m. (PST)

REGISTER TODAY! Don’t miss this important webinar

Featured Speakers:

Jim Wells, President, Environmental Solutions Group

West Coast Port Labor Dispute Worsens; Nassif Issues Statement

February 13th, 2015

Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif issued a statement today calling on President Obama to intervene in the negotiations to bring about a prompt resolution of the ongoing dispute between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshoreman and Warehouse Union (ILWU) workers.  Fresh fruit and vegetable exports continue to face serious deliverability issues in the wake of the dispute that has disrupted international commerce and threatens daily financial losses that could run into the billions. 

Nassif’s statement in part stated that “Perishable agricultural commodities cannot withstand these types of unplanned delays and neither can customers.  Many shippers have made the hard decision to forego exports hoping to find alternative homes for their produce, in some instances fetching a lower price for the farmers.”

Read the Full Nassif Statement

The statement followed an announcement today by PMA that said it would suspend operations at 29 West Coast ports for four of the next five days to prevent paying overtime to dockworkers for two holidays and two weekend days.  According to a Wall Street Journal Story, which cites PMA, members of the union earn “at least 50% on top of their normal wage rates” during holidays and weekends.  Today is considered a holiday as it honors President Lincoln’s birthday and Monday is officially President’s Day.  As a result, tomorrow is the only day until next Tuesday that workers will not remain idle.    

Additionally, a group of bi-partisan legislators held a news conference today calling for both sides to come to a “swift resolution” to their dispute.  Members participating in the news conference, included:

  • House Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
  • House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
  • Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA)
  • Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA)
  • Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA)
  • Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA)
  • Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA)
  • Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR)
  • NRCC Chairman Greg Walden (R-WA)