California Overtime Legislation Threatens Double Whammy on Farmers’ Labor Costs

April 7th, 2016

The not-so-subtle war being waged against California farmers by pro-labor sympathizers continued in the Assembly yesterday with the hearing of a bill that resets overtime requirements for agricultural employees. Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) authored the legislation (AB 2757) that would repeal the longstanding 10-hour daily overtime requirement and replace it with more onerous overtime thresholds that would incrementally increase daily and weekly overtime requirements over a four-year period.

The bill now moves from the Labor and Employment Committee to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and may move from there to the Assembly Floor. Western Growers will issue an Action Alert to members on Monday asking them to contact their respective assembly members as soon as possible and urge a NO vote when the bill reaches the Assembly floor.    

Advancement of the legislation comes on the heels of Governor Jerry Brown signing the new $15 per hour California minimum wage into law this week, and threatens farmers with a double whammy on labor costs. The added cost burden for farmers creates a harsh economic reality for farmworkers who will likely see their earnings impacted as a result of farmers reducing work hours to stave off ever-increasing production costs. Western Growers and several other ag organizations who opposed the legislation sent a letter in late March to Assembly members laying out several reasons why the bill should be rejected.

VIEW THE LETTER

For more information, contact Matthew Allen at (916) 446-1435. 

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FDA Finalizes Safety Rule for Transporting Food

April 5th, 2016

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized a new food safety rule that will help prevent food contamination during transportation. Depending on the business size,  compliance dates begin as soon as one year after publication in the Federal Register. Under this rule, anyone transporting human and animal food—including shippers, loaders, carriers and receivers— must follow sanitary transportation procedures, such as properly refrigerating food, ensuring vehicles are sufficiently cleaned between loads and protecting food during transportation. While the final rule is still being reviewed, it would appear that the produce industry is already well positioned to comply.

This is the sixth of seven regulations to be finalized under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which aims to advance FDA’s efforts to protect foods from farm to table. A pre-publication version is currently available online at the Federal Register.

On April 25, the FDA will be hosting a webinar to discuss key pieces of this rule.

Helpful resources:

For more information, contact Ken Gilliland at (949) 885-2267.

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Voice Your Opinion on Fumigation Notification Requirements

April 5th, 2016

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) will be holding two workshops in April to gather input from stakeholders to help determine what notification is appropriate when field fumigation occurs. Western Growers has been vocal about the direction DPR is headed and will continue to express serious concerns on the issue. Western Growers’ members are encouraged to participate in these workshops, as DPR will use this input to develop a new regulation.

The current regulations require that residents be notified about certain applications of the soil-applied field fumigant, methyl bromide. Other fumigants also have product labels with different notification requirements as part of the emergency preparedness and response measures. Current methyl bromide notification regulations and fumigant labeling requirements will serve as the starting point to create a uniform requirement for all soil-applied field fumigants.

Additional information about current requirements or details about the workshops can be found here.  

WORKSHOP INFORMATION
Salinas area
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Spreckels Veterans Memorial Building
90 5th Street
Spreckels, CA 93962

Fresno area
Thursday, April 14, 2016
6:00 p.m – 9:30 p.m.
Mosqueda Community Center
4670 E. Butler Avenue
Fresno, CA 93702

Agenda

  • Introductions and opening remarks
  • DPR presentation on current requirements and comments from 2015 workshop
  • Public comments
  • Next steps and closing remarks

For more information, please contact Matthew Allen at (916) 446-1435.

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WG to Offer Sexual Harassment Prevention Workshops in May

April 5th, 2016

It has been mandated in California, since January 1, 2015, that California businesses must train managers on how to identify “abusive conduct.”

The regulations by the Fair Employment and Housing Council include instructions for employers to:

  • Define “abusive conduct” as malicious behaviors that can include the repeated use of derogatory remarks, insults, and verbal or physical conduct that a “reasonable person” would consider “threatening, intimidating or humiliating,” as well as the deliberate sabotaging or undermining of a worker’s performance on the job.
  • Explain that a single episode or incident of this behavior shouldn’t be considered abusive conduct, unless it is “especially severe or egregious.”
  • Explain the negative effects of bullying on victims and co-workers, and on productivity and morale.
  • Cover the subject “in a meaningful manner,” though there’s no further direction on how to do that.

Western Growers (WG) has been ahead of the curve, providing extensive training within the Harassment, Discrimination & Abusive Conduct Prevention since November of 2014 to ensure our members are always getting the most current information which keeps them in compliance.

WG trainers speak specifically to the needs of the agriculture business and community, citing examples that are relevant to the ag workplace. WG offers courses in public session formats that allow you to send just a few staff members as needed and we can also provide a private training session at your choice of location.

If you are utilizing another resource for training, WG cautions you to make sure the training you purchase covers all these new regulations and requirements. Sexual harassment prevention training is required, by law, to be taken every two years by any employee who performs supervisory functions. A supervisor is anyone who, exercising independent judgement, directs other employees, or has the authority to hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, adjust grievances, or discipline other employees.

WG’s next public Harassment, Discrimination & Abusive Conduct Prevention course is being offered in Tulare, Calif. on May 5th and will be offered in both English and Spanish. Both sessions are available to all WG members and their employees.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Spanish Session
Thursday, May 5, 2016 – 9:00am to 11:00am
International Agri-Center VIP Boardroom 4500 S. Laspina, Tulare, CA 93274
REGISTER TODAY

English Session
Thursday, May 5, 2016 – 12:30pm to 2:30pm
International Agri-Center VIP Boardroom 4500 S. Laspina, Tulare, CA 93274
REGISTER TODAY

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

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Fumigation Notification Requirements to Be Discussed by DPR, Stakeholders

April 7th, 2016

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) will be holding two workshops next week to gather input from stakeholders to help determine what notification is appropriate when field fumigation occurs. Western Growers has been vocal about the direction DPR is headed and will continue to express serious concerns on the issue. Western Growers’ members are encouraged to participate in these workshops, as DPR will use this input to develop a new regulation.

The current regulations require that residents be notified about certain applications of the soil-applied field fumigant, methyl bromide. Other fumigants also have product labels with different notification requirements as part of the emergency preparedness and response measures. Current methyl bromide notification regulations and fumigant labeling requirements will serve as the starting point to create a uniform requirement for all soil-applied field fumigants.

Additional information about current requirements or details about the workshops can be found here.  

WORKSHOP INFORMATION
Salinas area
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Spreckels Veterans Memorial Building
90 5th Street
Spreckels, CA 93962

Fresno area
Thursday, April 14, 2016
6:00 p.m – 9:30 p.m.
Mosqueda Community Center
4670 E. Butler Avenue
Fresno, CA 93702

Agenda

  • Introductions and opening remarks
  • DPR presentation on current requirements and comments from 2015 workshop
  • Public comments
  • Next steps and closing remarks

For more information, please contact Matthew Allen at (916) 446-1435.

 

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Professional Compensation & HR Practices Surveys Now Open

April 7th, 2016

Western Growers’ 7th Annual Professional Compensation and HR Practices Survey is now open! WG members can start inputting their data on the Survey website.

Data collected will help you attract and retain the best employees in in California and Arizona’s produce industry by providing you with data needed keep your compensation competitive. By participating in the surveys, you will receive these valuable results at no cost (a nearly $2,000 value!). Your participation also qualifies you for a chance to win a 16GB iPad Air® 2.

How the Surveys Works

Each year, Western Growers collects data in two surveys: the Professional Compensation Survey and the HR Practices Survey.

Professional Compensation Survey: 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.

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.

SIGN UP TODAY!

For more information, contact Karen Timmins at (949) 885-2295.

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ADA Hosts Meeting on April 12 to Garner Feedback on FSMA Enforcement

April 7th, 2016

Western Growers members are invited to participate in a discussion with the Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA) to help determine who will implement and enforce the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule in Arizona—the ADA or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Implementation of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule will result in on farm inspections as required by this federal mandate. This could have a considerable effect on Western Growers members, as the inspections may result in audit fatigue.

On April 12, ADA Director Mark Killian would like to share the ADA staff’s thoughts on the issue and hear the thoughts of the produce industry. If the ADA decides to proceed with the implementation and enforcement of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule in Arizona, the ADA must submit a Letter of Intent to FDA by April 15, 2016.

All Western Growers members are encouraged to attend and voice their opinion.

MEETING DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m. MST
Location: The Arizona Department of Agriculture
1688 W. Adams Street, Room 206
Phoenix, AZ 85007

For more information, please contact AnnaMarie Knorr at (602) 451-0658 or Sonia Salas at (949) 885-2251.

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New “Dirty Dozen” List Targets Another Kid Favorite Fruit

April 12th, 2016

The 2016 “dirty dozen” list was released yesterday, and to no surprise, it again misleads consumers about pesticide residues and produce. In an effort to re-spark interest in the “dirty dozen,” the Environmental Working Group (EWG) placed a new kid-popular, nutritious fruit at the top of the list: strawberries.

“We aren’t surprised that EWG has a new number one this year. We even predicted it since media coverage of the ‘dirty dozen’ list has fallen dramatically in the last five years and reached an all-time low last year,” said Marilyn Dolan, executive director at the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF), in a press release.

As part of an ongoing commitment to disseminate correct facts about fresh produce safety and counter EWG’s fear mongering, the AFF points out how EWG has consistently failed to use sound scientific procedures to develop their annual “dirty dozen” list. The AFF also encourages journalists to review the actual USDA’s Pesticide Data Program report that EWG claims to use to develop its list, which states that the findings show residues do not pose a safety concern.

Additionally, the AFF has previously developed a Pesticide Residue Calculator to provide accurate information about the amount of produce a consumer would need to eat before residue would even begin having an effect.

For more information, contact Matt McInerney at (949) 885-2270.

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Employers Urged to Protect Outdoor Workers from Record-Breaking Heat Wave

April 12th, 2016

California heat of the past several years has shattered temperature records going back more than 100 years. With this year’s heat season approaching, please remember that prevention is the best defense for outdoor workers against heat-related illness and death.

Cal/OSHA will be targeting industries—such as agriculture, landscaping and construction—during inspections to check for compliance with the heat illness prevention standard and the injury and illness prevention standard. To remain in compliance, Cal/OSHA encourages employers and worker supervisors to learn more about the standard, which was updated in 2015. Please refer to the Cal/OSHA guidance on the new requirements and the Heat Illness Prevention Enforcement Q&A for more information on the updates.  

As a reminder, Cal/OSHA requires California employers to take the following steps to prevent heat illness:

1. Training

Train all employees and supervisors about heat illness prevention.

2. Water

Provide enough fresh water so that each employee can drink at least 1 quart per hour, or four 8 ounce glasses of water per hour, and encourage them to do so.

3. Shade

Provide access to shade and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least 5 minutes. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down. Shade structures must be in place when temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or upon request.

4. Observe

Closely observe all employees during a heat wave and any employee newly assigned to a high heat area. Lighter work, frequent breaks or shorter hours will help employees who have not been working in high temperatures adapt to the new conditions.

5. Planning

Develop and implement written procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard, including plans on how to handle medical emergencies and steps to take if someone shows signs or symptoms of heat illness.

The most frequent violation that Cal/OSHA cites during targeted heat inspections is for failure to have a proper written heat illness prevention plan specific to the worksite. Serious violations are often related to inadequate access to water and shade, and a lack of supervisor and employee training.

Additional information about heat illness prevention, including details on upcoming training sessions throughout the state can be found on Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention page. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services provides free assistance to employers and employee organizations to improve their health and safety programs, and can be reached at (800) 963-9424.

Western Growers has trained safety specialists who can also assist members with heat illness training and preparation. For information, please contact Greg Nelson, Vice President of Western Growers Insurance Services, at (949) 885-2287.

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WGCIT Launches Blog, Gains New Innovators and Sponsor

April 12th, 2016

Since its official launch in December 2015, Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) has quickly become the “go to” place for where innovation meets agriculture. Recently, the WGCIT launched WG 2.0: The WGCIT AgTech Blog to provide insight into everything from how tech gurus develop innovative products to the steps entrepreneurs take to get their companies started. The blog hosts first-person guest blogs from the start-up companies working out of the Center, stories about the latest WGCIT happenings and information about the unique events hosted at the Center.

The WGCIT would not be possible without the support of its generous sponsors. Vessey & Co, Inc. joins a host of partners—including Taylor Farms, JV Smith Companies, Observant, Duncan Family Farms, Bank of America, Toro, Prophet, Monsanto, Farm Credit and Bayer—in the effort to accelerate the development of technology that will help solve agriculture’s biggest challenges. 

The WGCIT has also added two new companies to its list of innovators helping shape the future of food and ag:

  • Plant Nutrition Technologies Inc.: Uses mine waste to create fertilizer that delivers micro nutrients to plants making them more resistant to diseases and allowing them to use less water. [To read PNT Chairman and CEO Dennis Amoroso guest blog, visit “Converting Mine Waste to Create Super Plants.”]
  • LotPath: Offers web and mobile tools for growers, labor, packing house, cold storage and sales to assess the quality of fruits of vegetables.

Stay tuned to Spotlight for updates about the WGCIT and its residents and sponsors. For more information, contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.

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WG Campaign Educates Nearly 2,000,000 about Lost CA Water

April 14th, 2016

Western Growers has moved the needle on the effort to educate Californians about the billions of gallons of water being lost to sea and the need to pump and store more El Niño waters. Nearly 2,000,000 people saw the video that was created as the centerpiece of the digital media campaign Western Growers launched last month. All analytics from the WG Water Video Campaign can be found here.

The campaign aims to encourage viewers to take action and exert pressure on state and federal regulators to increase the pumping of storm pulse flows through the Delta. More than 1,880 people commented or liked the video, or shared the video on their personal social media site. This created a ripple effect that resulted in a significant increase in “brand ambassadors” on social media: 44 percent increase in fans on WG’s Facebook and 10 percent increase in followers on WG’s Twitter. All March 2016 analytics from WG’s social media accounts can be found here.

Additionally, the WG Water Page that was developed to house the video and a collection of resources/tools needed to effectively spread the message received more than 2,700 views. This was the first-of-its-kind digital media campaign that Western Growers has created, and with it being a tremendous success, it will serve as the foundation for these types of targeted campaigns in the future.

Western Growers’ members are still encouraged to share the video, use the #lostCAwater hashtag to share your thoughts on El Niño and the drought and to take advantage of the resources on the WG Water Page. 

[VIDEO::https://vimeo.com/157633874::aVideoStyle]

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What is the Buzz about Pollinators? New Lunch & Learn Webinar

April 14th, 2016

In recent years, the number of pollinators appears to be in decline due to various factors. Western Growers’ members can learn more about current issues surrounding pollinators and best practices to sustain their services during the next Lunch & Learn webinar on April 27.

Pollinators are an essential component of both natural and agricultural ecosystems. While they support biodiversity and habitats, they also play a key role in the production of crops that require pollination—such as the case of most fruits and vegetables.

In this webinar, Dr. Walter S. Sheppard, the entomology department chair at Washington State University, will provide an overview of the importance of pollinators and facts associated with them. He will also focus on the latest news and science related to the bee collapse situation.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Lunch & Learn Webinar: What Is the Buzz About Pollinators?

Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2016

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

Speakers: Dr. Walter S. Sheppard, Entomology Department Chair, Washington State University

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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Jim Leimkuhler, John Wilkinson Join WGAT Board of Trustees

April 19th, 2016

Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT), our associated health plan, welcomes Jim Leimkuhler, president of Progressive Produce LLC, and John Wilkinson, president of BlazerWilkinson, as the two newest inductees to its Board of Trustees.

Leimkuhler and Wilkinson will join seven other industry leaders to serve as the governing body that guides the decisions of WGAT as it relates to financials, contracts, operations, communications, underwriting, product development and sales. The Board ensures WGAT’s stability, viability and financial strength, allowing the Trust to continue offering cost-effective and competitive health plans to our members.

Leimkuhler and Wilkinson’s notable industry and leadership experiences will be an asset to Western Growers and of great value to the development and future successes of WGAT. Click here for the full biographies of our two new trustees.

Please contact David Zanze, WGAT executive vice president and Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc. president, at (949) 885-2209 for more information.

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WG Members Invited to PMA Tech Knowledge

April 19th, 2016

Western Growers’ members are invited to explore new technologies and innovations during the third annual Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Tech Knowledge Symposium on May 17-19 in Santa Clara, Calif.

At the event, entrepreneurs and solution providers can connect with potential investors during the “What’s the Pitch?” session, made possible by the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology. New business opportunities will unfold in front of attendees as start-ups present their ideas to venture capitalists and industry experts.

Western Growers members are eligible to register at the PMA member rate of $1,250 before April 22 and $1,375 after April 22. For members interested in attending at the discounted rate, please e-mail Mandy Eaton at [email protected].

More information about PMA Tech Knowledge can be found on the event website. For questions, contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.

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Heat Illness Training Available for WG Members

April 19th, 2016

As summer approaches, it is important to revisit Cal/OSHA regulations to help protect outdoor workers against heat-related illness and death. The State Compensation Insurance Fund has partnered with Cal/OSHA to offer Heat Illness Prevention Seminars free to the public on April 28-29 and May 19. 

The seminars will cover the requirements employers must meet to protect outdoor workers from heat illness onset and stay in in compliance with Cal/OSHA regulations. Additionally, presentations will include information on basic steps to prevent heat illness and how to detect warning signs and symptoms early. To register for any of the seminars below, contact [email protected] or call (707) 624-4572.

Training Dates and Locations

Imperial
Date: April 28, 2016
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Spanish); 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (English)
Location: Ricochet Trampoline Park
450 West Aten Road
Imperial, CA 92251

Santa Ana
Date: April 29, 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: State Compensation Insurance Fund
San Clemente Room
1750 East Fourth Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705

La Quinta
Date: May 19, 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Spanish); 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (English)
Location: Imperial Irrigation District
81600 Avenue 58
La Quinta, CA 92253

Western Growers has trained safety specialists who can also assist members with heat illness training and preparation. If you need assistance with your heat illness program or any other safety needs, please contact Greg Nelson, Vice President of Western Growers Insurance Services, at (949) 885-2287.

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FSMA Safety Rule for Transporting Food Webinar – April 25

April 19th, 2016

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will host a webinar on April 25 to discuss key pieces of the Food Safety Modernization Act Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food. Under this rule, anyone transporting human and animal food—including shippers, loaders, carriers and receivers—must follow sanitary transportation procedures, such as properly refrigerating food, ensuring vehicles are sufficiently cleaned between loads and protecting food during transportation. Depending on the business size, compliance dates begin as soon as one year after publication in the Federal Register. While the final rule is still being reviewed, it would appear that the produce industry is already well positioned to comply.

This is the sixth of seven regulations to be finalized under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which aims to advance FDA’s efforts to protect foods from farm to table. A pre-publication version is currently available online at the Federal Register.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Webinar Title: FSMA Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food Webinar

Date: Monday, April 25, 2016

Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (please connect by 10:45 am)
To hear the presentation and ask questions:
Dial: 888-946-8408, passcode: FSMA
To view the slide presentation during the webinar, go to https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW7654409&p=FSMA&t=c.  

Click here for additional details about this webinar.

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

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What is the Buzz about Pollinators? Lunch & Learn Webinar on April 27

April 21st, 2016

In recent years, the number of pollinators appears to be in decline due to numerous factors. Western Growers will host a Lunch & Learn webinar on April 27 where members can learn more about current issues surrounding pollinators and best practices to sustain their services.

Pollinators are an essential component of both natural and agricultural ecosystems. While they support biodiversity and habitats, they also play a key role in the production of crops that require pollination—such as the case of most fruits and vegetables.

In this webinar, Dr. Walter S. Sheppard, the entomology department chair at Washington State University, will provide an overview of the importance of pollinators and facts associated with them. He will also focus on the latest news and science related to the bee collapse situation.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Lunch & Learn Webinar: What Is the Buzz About Pollinators?

Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2016

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

Speakers: Dr. Walter S. Sheppard, Entomology Department Chair, Washington State University

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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May 6 Silicon Valley Conference Details Latest in AgTech

April 21st, 2016

On May 6, the Third Annual 2016 Silicon Valley AgTech Conference will bring together farmers, technologists, venture capitalists and governmental representatives to discuss how technology will affect farming. Western Growers’ members are invited to attend at a special discounted rate of 20 percent.

The AgTech Conference, which is hosted by Royse Law Firm, will share the stories of agtech startups and those who invest in them. Guests will explore drones, big data, water, sustainability, biotech, cleantech, transportation, the sharing economy and more through a series of expert panels. Get ready to learn about the latest agriculture and food technologies, hear from experts in the industry and meet with the top companies and investors in the space by registering today.

CONFERENCE DETAILS
Silicon Valley Ag Tech Conference

Friday, May 6, 2016

8:30 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

WG Member Price: $160 
Register here: https://events.bizzabo.com/svatc?promo=WesternGrowers

Promo Code: WesternGrowers

More information about Silicon Valley Agricultural Technology Conference can be found on the event website. For questions, contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.

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Professional Compensation & HR Practices Surveys Now Open – Sign Up Today!

April 21st, 2016

Western Growers’ 7th Annual Professional Compensation and HR Practices Survey is now open! WG members can start inputting their data on the Survey website.

Data collected will help you attract and retain the best employees in in California and Arizona’s produce industry by providing you with data needed keep your compensation competitive. By participating in the surveys, you will receive these valuable results at no cost (a nearly $2,000 value!). Your participation also qualifies you for a chance to win a 16GB iPad Air® 2.

How the Surveys Works

Each year, Western Growers collects data in two surveys: the Professional Compensation Survey and the HR Practices Survey.

Professional Compensation Survey: 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.

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.

SIGN UP TODAY!

For more information, contact Karen Timmins at (949) 885-2295.

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What is the Buzz about Pollinators? Lunch & Learn Webinar TOMORROW

April 26th, 2016

In recent years, the number of pollinators appears to be in decline due to various factors. Western Growers will host a Lunch & Learn webinar on April 27 where members can learn more about current issues surrounding pollinators and best practices to sustain their services.

Pollinators are an essential component of both natural and agricultural ecosystems. While they support biodiversity and habitats, they also play a key role in the production of crops that require pollination—such as the case of most fruits and vegetables.

In this webinar, Dr. Walter S. Sheppard, the entomology department chair at Washington State University, will provide an overview of the importance of pollinators and facts associated with them. He will also focus on the latest news and science related to the bee collapse situation.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Lunch & Learn Webinar: What Is the Buzz About Pollinators?

Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2016

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

Speakers: Dr. Walter S. Sheppard, Entomology Department Chair, Washington State University

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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