PRESS RELEASE: Western Growers Adds Michael Hill to Expand Insurance Services in Sacramento

February 2nd, 2016

Building its strong insurance team to expand services across California,
Western Growers hires 14-year veteran Michael Hill

IRVINE, Calif. (February 3, 2016) – Western Growers is proud to announce and welcome Michael Hill as Sales Executive, further expanding the insurance services team in regions all across California. Hill will focus on new market development and bolstering the insurance services Western Growers offers to current and future members in the greater Sacramento area.

“There has always been a strong presence of agribusiness in Sacramento and Mike will be crucial in carrying out our mission of providing invaluable services for all business and individuals in need of insurance support,” said Jeff Gullickson, Senior Vice President of Western Growers Insurance Services. “We are extremely excited to further strengthen our team with an industry veteran who has a 14-year track record of success in the insurance brokerage business.”

Hill joins the insurance team with a wealth of experience in insurance sales and leadership. Hill spent the past 14 years at Aon Risk Services, InterWest Insurance Services and Bozzuto Insurance Agency where he was instrumental in boosting company profitability through insurance sales. A Sacramento native who grew up working on his grandfather’s poultry ranch, Hill understands how best to meet the needs of both the Sacramento area and agriculture-related industries.

“I am ecstatic to join such a respected company that excels in delivering high quality services and solutions to its members,” said Hill. “I look forward to working with the insurance team to further strengthen existing member relationships and am committed to significantly increasing new client relationships.”

Image of Hill is available here. 

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Kerb SC Now Registered for Use on Leaf Lettuce

February 9th, 2016

Western Growers is pleased to bring forward good news on the availability of key crop protection materials. Kerb SC Herbicide is now, once again, federally registered for use on leaf lettuce, and labels are available in both California and Arizona. 

“Western Growers has been working to make this use available for several years and we are extremely pleased that USEPA and the states have restored leaf lettuce to the Kerb label,” said Hank Giclas, Western Growers Senior Vice President, Science & Technology and Strategic Planning.

Kerb SC was first registered in California in 2008. At that time, “lettuce” was not differentiated as head vs. leaf per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Due to a federal change in tolerance expression in 2009, head lettuce was labeled for use but leaf lettuce was no longer covered.  

Since that time, Dow AgroSciences (DAS) and the IR-4 Program have worked tirelessly to develop the data necessary to support the addition of leaf lettuce. Western Growers played a large role in demonstrating the importance of this product and its usefulness to the lettuce and leafy greens industry.

“Western Growers helped document a critical need and facilitated direct dialogue between industry, USEPA and state agencies which was instrumental in this approval,” said Brian Bret, DAS Regulatory Manager.

The new label for Kerb SC includes a prior supplemental label for chemigation at lower rates to facilitate shorter PHIs, which was first supported by Western Growers through a special local needs label in 2005. For more information, please contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.

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Inteligistics Kicks Off WGCIT’s Tech Talk Series

February 11th, 2016

The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) kicked off its Tech Talk Series last night with an interactive workshop that was jammed-packed with information and tips on enhancing the Cold Chain process.

Inteligistics—one of the 10 resident start-up companies in the WGCIT—led the event, teaching nearly 30 participants how to improve operational efficiency through live pulp temperature visibility and product traceability. During the workshop, Inteligistics president Rao Mandava and advisory board member Michael McCartney spoke specifically about the advantages to retailers and shippers of pulp temperature tracking through the cold chain. Click here for The Packer’s detailed story about the event.

This event, which was available both online and in person, was the first in a series of Tech Talk workshops held by the WGCIT. The new Tech Talk program introduces the community to start-up companies working to develop innovative solutions to the biggest challenges facing agriculture. The series will be led by the residents in the Center and will continue regularly throughout the year.

For more information, please contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205. 

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February 29 Lunch & Learn Webinar — Are you FSMA Ready? Part 2

February 11th, 2016

The FDA’s Preventive Control Rule went into effect November 16, 2015, as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

This new rule makes current Good Manufacturing Practices mandatory and establishes new standards for Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls for human food. Some companies will need to be in compliance as soon as September 19, 2016 and qualified facilities must already retain documentation to support their status.

Are you FSMA ready? Whether you think you are or not, Western Growers urges members to register and participate in the February Lunch and Learn Webinar on the Preventive Control Rule.   

Since its formal adoption, Western Growers has been working to develop resources to assist members with readying their businesses for FSMA implementation. During the webinar, we will discuss key provisions in the Preventive Controls Rule and share resources Western Growers is developing to assist you with the implementation of this rule.

DETAILS

Lunch & Learn Webinar: Are you FSMA ready? Part 2: Preventive Control Rule

Date: Monday, February 29, 2016

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST

Speakers: Susan Leaman, iDecisionSciences; and Sonia Salas, Western Growers

Register: WG MEMBERS REGISTER HERE

Participation is complimentary and available to WG members only.

For more information, contact Sonia Salas at (949) 885-2251.

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AgChat Foundation Western Regional AgVocacy Conference

February 11th, 2016

The gap between consumers and factual information about the food they consume can be daunting at times.

The Western Regional AgVocacy conference—scheduled for Feb. 19-20 in Reno, NV—will provide tangible take-aways, an opportunity to learn more about consumers’ viewpoints and a support system with fellow western U.S. farmers and ranchers.

The event session will focus on topics including the following:

  • building online relationship
  • creating conversations on a one-on-one, in person basis
  • writing with integrity and clarity
  • usingTwitter to meet company needs
  • organizing a farm-to-fork event at your farm or ranch
  • utilizing Periscope and other hot social media tools

For more information and to register, visit http://reno.agchat.rocks/. Be sure to take advantage of the “World Ag Expo” discount by using the code “MJDOA” to get $25 off registration. 

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February 18 — Annual Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture

February 16th, 2016

Governor John Hickenlooper and the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program, in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado State University, are set to host the 25th annual Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture on February 18 in Denver.

The focus of the 2016 Governor’s Ag Forum will be “The Next Generation of Agriculture” and will feature numerous ag experts from around Colorado and the country, including WG’s Jason Resnick and WG members Robert Sakata (Sakata Farms) and Michael Hirakata (Hirakata Farms).

With the goal of ensuring the future success of the state’s agricultural industry, Colorado’s Agricultural Leadership Program is designed to develop Colorado’s future agricultural leaders, explore relevant industry issues and provide insight into potential outcomes and solutions.

For more information and to register, CLICK HERE. Contact Jason Resnick, at (949) 885-2253 for additional details. 

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Equal Employment Opportunity Claims Among the Highest in California

February 16th, 2016

In a report released last month, California was among the states where Equal Employment Opportunity charges are most likely to be filed and training needs are the highest.

The EEOC–Initiated Litigation report was co-authored by Gerald Maatman, Jr., an attorney with Seyfarth Shaw in Chicago and New York City. Some key results are as follows:

  • The highest number of national-origin discrimination charges were filed in Florida at 1,353, with California following at 1,101 and Arizona at 382.
  • Gender discrimination charges were high in California with 1,705 claims.
  • Disability discrimination charges are an issue in California with 1,988 claims and in Arizona with 908 claims.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Training is often pushed to the bottom of the priority list because it is difficult to see how it impacts the bottom line. However, when looked at from a loss prevention or risk management perspective, it is easier to see the value in how training can help mitigate issues and prevent costly charges from being raised against your company. Additionally, EEO training supports an ethical and safe environment for your employees.

Western Growers can help you stay up-to-date with your training so you can be guarded against potential claims. We have dedicated team members who can discuss your particular needs based on your region and your staff. Additionally, all of our trainers have met the mandated requirements for training, helping you stay in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Did you know that Sexual Harassment Training by a certified provider is required every two years?

Training provided through Western Growers satisfies the legal requirements because it is offered by an attorney, law professor or Human Resources professionals. Our trainer, as required by AB 1825, has two or more year’s practical experience in at least one or more of the following:

  • Designing or conducting discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment prevention training;
  • Responding to sexual harassment or other discrimination complaints;
  • Conducting investigations of sexual harassment complaints; or
  • Advising employers or employees regarding discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment prevention.

Did you know that Western Growers offers public sessions across California and Arizona and can also provide training on-site?

Our next sessions will be in California:

SANTA MARIA

February 23, 2016 – 10:00am to 12:00pm (English) RSVP here.

February 23, 2016 – 2:00pm to 4:00pm (Spanish) Session is full. RSVP for waitlist here.

Pricing:

Western Growers members: $50 per attendee

Non-members: $70 per attendee

Space is limited, so register today!

For more information, please contact Adriana Robles at (949) 885-2297.

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Lunch & Learn Webinar on Feb 29 — Are you FSMA Ready? Part 2

February 16th, 2016

The FDA’s Preventive Control Rule went into effect November 16, 2015, as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

This new rule makes current Good Manufacturing Practices mandatory and establishes new standards for Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls for human food. Some companies will need to be in compliance as soon as September 19, 2016, and qualified facilities must already retain documentation to support their status.

Are you FSMA ready? Whether you think you are or not, Western Growers urges members to register and participate in the February Lunch and Learn Webinar on the Preventive Control Rule.   

Since its formal adoption, Western Growers has been working to develop resources to assist members with readying their businesses for FSMA implementation. During the webinar, we will discuss key provisions in the Preventive Controls Rule and share resources Western Growers is developing to assist you with the implementation of this rule.

DETAILS

Lunch & Learn Webinar: Are you FSMA ready? Part 2: Preventive Control Rule

Date: Monday, February 29, 2016

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST

Speakers: Susan Leaman, iDecisionSciences; and Sonia Salas, Western Growers

Register: WG MEMBERS REGISTER HERE

Participation is complimentary and available to WG members only.

For more information, contact Sonia Salas at (949) 885-2251.

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Giclas, Resnick Lead Discussions during Ag Conferences in Colorado

February 18th, 2016

This week, Western Growers members and senior staff led discussions in Colorado about the future success of the agriculture industry in that state.

Yesterday, the 2nd Annual Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) Conference kicked off with opening remarks from Robert Sakata, president of the CFVGA and owner of Sakata Farms, a Western Growers member.

Hank Giclas, Western Growers Senior Vice President, Science & Technology and Strategic Planning, provided key insights during a roundtable and Q and A session about the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations. In collaboration with Leanne Skelton and Elvis Cordova from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Giclas helped participants learn more about how FSMA may impact their businesses. Additionally, Giclas provided an update about the strategic partnership between Western Growers and CFVGA.

Today, Jason Resnick, Western Growers Vice President & General Counsel, led the “Labor Availability Challenges in Production Agriculture and Potential Solutions” session during the 25th Annual Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture. Resnick also spoke on a panel moderated by Robert Sakata titled “Perspectives on Labor across Agricultural Sectors,” which also featured WG member Michael Hirakata (Hirakata Farms).

For more information, contact Jason Resnick at (949) 885-2253.

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