WGAT Providing Assistance to Those Affected by Erskine Wildfire

July 5th, 2016

Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) is now providing assistance to the families impacted by the Erskine wildfire located in the Lake Isabella area. If you, your employees or their covered family members are a WGAT participant and affected by the fire, please be aware of the emergency benefits and resources available to you:

Emergency Resources:

  • WGAT participants residing in the Lake Isabella area can seek emergency or urgent care services by doctors and hospitals, and these claims will be paid as if they are in-network.
  • There will be no late penalties incurred for those who need prior-authorizations, pre-certification or referral requirements – time limits have been relaxed.
  • If you have lost or damaged medication, you can go to any pharmacy now to get your medication refilled.
  • If your medical equipment (also called Durable Medical Equipment or DME) was lost or damaged, you can get a replacement.
  • You and your doctors will be given more time to file health claims, if needed.

Please Note:

  • With the exception of refilling lost or damaged drugs, you will need to call the WGAT Customer Service number at (800) 777-7898 to have any of the above adjustments made to your benefits.  This includes updating your address for our pharmacy mail order program, if needed.
  • For refilling lost or damaged prescriptions, contact Pinnacle Rx Solutions’ customer service line at (877) 782-9658.
  • These medical and pharmacy adjustments are effective now through July 17, 2016. These emergency benefits do not apply to Medicare Advantage members who have their own guidelines. 

For questions about these benefit adjustments, please contact David Zanze at (949) 885-2209.

Understand FSMA Food Defense Rule with Free Webinar on July 12

July 5th, 2016

The produce industry has come together to provide a FREE webinar on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) final rule for Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration. This webinar briefing will be conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The new rule is aimed at preventing intentional adulteration from acts intended to cause wide-scale harm to public health, including acts of terrorism targeting the food supply. Such acts, while not likely to occur, could cause illness, death and economic disruption of the food supply absent mitigation strategies. Rather than targeting specific foods or hazards, this rule requires mitigation (risk-reducing) strategies for processes in certain registered food facilities.

This FSMA final rule applies to both domestic and foreign FDA-registered food facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for consumption in the United States. It requires that some facilities conduct vulnerability assessments and implement mitigation strategies to minimize or prevent the intentional contamination of foods. It also requires a written food defense plan for the first time.

This webinar will help produce sector members understand what businesses are covered by this new rule, as well as key provisions, compliance dates and exemptions. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask the FDA questions and better understand how the rule affects your business. Register today for this webinar!

INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC WEBINAR DETAILS

Webinar Title: FSMA Final Rule Series: Intentional Adulteration Rule

Date: Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Time: 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

Speaker: Dr. Ryan Newkirk, Policy Analyst, FDA Food Defense and Emergency

REGISTER HERE

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

Forbes AgTech Summit – SOLD OUT

July 7th, 2016

The Forbes AgTech Summit set to take place next week is officially sold out. Please note that you will no longer be able to purchase tickets.

As part of the schedule of events, numerous Western Growers’ members will be showcased and recognized and WG President & CEO Tom Nassif will lead a panel session. For the full agenda, visit the Forbes website

We will have a full recap of the summit in the August WG&S Magazine. 

625 Participants Apprised of Advancements in AgTech during Forbes Summit

July 14th, 2016

The 2016 Forbes AgTech Summit kicked off yesterday in Salinas, Calif., bringing together 625 of the brightest minds in agriculture, technology and innovation.

The two-day affair began yesterday with tours of several groundbreaking facilities, including the Mann Packing and Taylor Farms processing plants and Tanimura & Antle’s Spreckels Crossing employee housing complex. The last stop was a tour of the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT), which gave attendees the opportunity to learn more about the innovations being developed by the Center’s 20 start-up companies.

Forbes officially launched the Summit yesterday evening with an opening reception and innovation showcase where Wells Fargo awarded WG with a $30,000 grant to create scholarships for entrepreneurs who are looking to advance their innovations as tenants of the WGCIT.

The event continued today as attendees participated in a series of workshops and seminars on topics such as food security, water issues, biological revolutions and agtech investment, among others. WG President & CEO Tom Nassif led a keynote panel discussion on how the dramatic decline of farm labor is pushing agriculture toward more automation. During the panel, Nassif, Sammy Duda, WG board senior vice chair and vice president of Duda Farm Fresh Foods, and Harold McClarty, president of HMC Farms, discussed the labor challenges faced by the industry and what type of labor-saving technologies need to be developed to assist with production.

Attendees also heard from other industry experts, including Bruce Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms, Kevin Murphy, CEO of Driscoll’s, and representatives of Trace Genomics and HeavyConnect. Both Trace Genomics and HeavyConnect are WGCIT tenants.   

As a strategic partner of the Summit, WG had the honor of presenting the Forbes Impact Award. WG Board Chairman Larry Cox presented Frank Maconachy of Ramsay Highlander with the prestigious honor, lauding Ramsay Highlander for the company’s decades of dedication to mechanizing specialty crop agriculture.

The afternoon wrapped up with a special luncheon at the WGCIT where investors, farmers and agtech startups were brought together to help facilitate potential partnerships.

The Second Annual Forbes AgTech Summit, which will wind down later tonight, is one to be remembered, as it truly highlights how important technology is to the prosperity of agriculture. A full recap of the event will be featured in the August edition of the WG&S Magazine.

 For more information, contact Cory Lunde at (949) 885-2264. 

Lunch & Learn Webinar: The Role of Irrigation Uniformity in Water Use Efficiency

July 14th, 2016

Irrigation water efficiency is a priority for producers in the United States and is impacted by field uniformity, which may result in over-irrigation. However, new technology and science can bring potential solutions to this issue.

Please join us for a Lunch & Learn webinar on July 25 featuring two experts who will highlight findings of a recent study conducted in key produce regions in California and provide practical ideas to address differences in uniformity and efficiency. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to share experiences and ask questions.

Webinar Details

The Role of Irrigation Uniformity in Water Use Efficiency

Monday, July 25th

11:30 a.m. PDT

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR

Speakers:

Paul D. McFadden, Toro Micro-Irrigation, The Toro Company

Rich Bernier, JR Simplot Company

iFoodDecisionSciences Tech Talk Webinar Explores Data Software Solutions for Producers

July 14th, 2016

iFoodDecisionSciences, one of 20 start-up companies currently working out of the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology, will lead a Tech Talk seminar on July 26 to explain and demonstrate how its software provides real-time food safety data with a click of a button.

iFoodDecisionSciences offers software that helps growers, harvesters, shippers, packers, third-party suppliers and processors save time and money by making data collection and analysis easier. Currently, most companies have to wait for a crew member to take information from the field back to the office and scan and format the data before analyzing the information. iFoodDecisionSciences simplifies and speeds up that process.

As part of the Center’s mission to advance the development of agricultural technology, it offers events like Tech Talks to introduce WG members and the community to the latest innovations. Tech Talks, which are offered at no cost, are hosted on a monthly basis. 

For more information about iFoodDecisionSciences, attend the Tech Talk and read the “Food Safety Data: Anytime, Anywhere” story recently featured in the WG&S Magazine.

EVENT INFORMATION
Tech Talk with iFoodDecisionSciences
Date:
 Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Location: Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology
150 Main Street, Suite 130
Salinas, CA 93901
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm PST
RSVP: To attend the webinar, please register here.

For more information about the Tech Talk Series or the Center, contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.

Lunch & Learn Webinar to Discuss Role of Irrigation Uniformity in Water Use Efficiency

July 19th, 2016

Irrigation water efficiency is a priority for producers in the United States and is impacted by field uniformity, which may result in over-irrigation. However, new technology and science can bring potential solutions to this issue.

Please join us for a Lunch & Learn webinar on July 25 featuring two experts who will highlight findings of a recent study conducted in key produce regions in California and provide practical ideas to address differences in uniformity and efficiency. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to share experiences and ask questions.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Lunch & Learn Webinar: The Role of Irrigation Uniformity in Water Use Efficiency

Date: Monday, July 25th

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

Speakers: Paul D. McFadden, Toro Micro-Irrigation, The Toro Company
Rich Bernier, The J.R. Simplot Company

WG MEMBERS REGISTER HERE

Participation is complimentary and available to WG members only.

Contact Sonia Salas at (949) 885-2251 for questions about this Lunch & Learn webinar. 

July 26 Tech Talk: iFoodDecisionSciences Discusses Data Software Solutions for Producers

July 21st, 2016

iFoodDecisionSciences, one of 20 start-up companies currently working out of the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology, will lead a Tech Talk webinar on Tuesday, July 26, to explain and demonstrate how its software provides real-time food safety data with a click of a button.

iFoodDecisionSciences offers software that helps growers, harvesters, shippers, packers, third-party suppliers and processors save time and money by making data collection and analysis easier. Currently, most companies have to wait for a crew member to take information from the field back to the office and scan and format the data before analyzing the information. iFoodDecisionSciences simplifies and speeds up that process.

As part of the Center’s mission to advance the development of agricultural technology, it offers events like Tech Talks to introduce WG members and the community to the latest innovations. Tech Talks, which are offered at no cost, are hosted on a monthly basis. 

For more information about iFoodDecisionSciences, join us for the Tech Talk webinar and read the “Food Safety Data: Anytime, Anywhere” story recently featured in the WG&S Magazine.

EVENT INFORMATION
Tech Talk with iFoodDecisionSciences
Date:
 Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Location: Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology
150 Main Street, Suite 130
Salinas, CA 93901
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm PST
RSVP: To attend the webinar, please register here.

For more information about the Tech Talk Series or the Center, contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.

Nearly 1.9 Million Californians Educated on #LostCAwater

July 21st, 2016

Western Growers recently wrapped up the second leg of its #LostCAwater digital campaign—and the results were tremendous. Nearly 1.9 million people saw the “Other Stressors, Not Pumps, Leading to Delta Smelt Decline” video, which aimed to educate Californians about the regulatory exacerbation of California’s drought and its devastating impact on farmers and rural communities.

Released in June, this video was part of a larger #LostCAwater campaign 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. The campaign officially launched in March with the “El Niño is Here — But Will it Make a Difference?” video and the promotion and development of the WG Water Page. Though the first video was more effective in driving traffic to water website, the second video had a higher completion rate (number of people who watched the entire video).

The video significantly boosted Western Growers social media presence, as 860 viewers commented, liked or shared the video on their personal social media site. Additionally, more than 8,650 people visited the WG Facebook Page and WG Water Page to learn more about the issue and obtain resources such as infographics and suggested social media posts. All analytics from the second WG Water Video Campaign can be found here.

With the success of Western Growers’ first-of-its-kind digital media campaign, the Association plans to create additional targeted campaigns in the future. Western Growers’ members are still encouraged to share the videos, use the #lostCAwater hashtag and take advantage of the resources on the WG Water Page.

 

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Monday’s Lunch & Learn Webinar to Highlight Role of Irrigation Uniformity in Water Use Efficiency

July 21st, 2016

Irrigation water efficiency is a priority for producers in the United States and is impacted by field uniformity, which may result in over-irrigation. However, new technology and science can bring potential solutions to this issue.

Please join us for a Lunch & Learn webinar on July 25 featuring two experts who will highlight findings of a recent study conducted in key produce regions in California and provide practical ideas to address differences in uniformity and efficiency. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to share experiences and ask questions.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Lunch & Learn Webinar: The Role of Irrigation Uniformity in Water Use Efficiency

Date: Monday, July 25th

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST

Speakers: Paul D. McFadden, Toro Micro-Irrigation, The Toro Company
Rich Bernier, The J.R. Simplot Company

WG MEMBERS REGISTER HERE

Participation is complimentary and available to WG members only.

Contact Sonia Salas at (949) 885-2251 for questions about this Lunch & Learn webinar. 

U.S. Court of Appeals Rules Pesticide Buffer Zones around Schools Unscientific

July 26th, 2016

Earlier this month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to not implement pesticide buffer zones around schools, parks, daycare centers or anywhere children might congregate was justified. The ruling was part of the Court’s decision to deny the petition filed by the Pesticide Action Network North America, United Farm Workers, and Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste in 2009 requesting that the EPA impose interim buffer zones around schools to protect children from pesticide drift.

The court ruled that there was substantial evidence to support EPA’s decision and creating precautionary buffer zones would be unscientific and an inefficient use of EPA’s resources. The decision comes at an opportune time considering that the California Department of Pesticide Regulation plans to release new rules later this summer about the use of pesticides near schools.

The Court’s decision is in line with Western Growers’ mission to ensure that any future pesticide restrictions be based on scientific evidence. In an effort to help farmers maintain the various tools used for crop protection, Western Growers will continue to educate legislators and the public about the safe use of pesticides through WG&S articles that highlight the stringent approval process for pesticides and the importance of protecting a science-based process, facts sheets that detail the truth about crop protection tools and op-eds that demonstrate the detrimental effects additional pesticide regulations would have on farming operations.

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

Western Growers, Toro and Simplot Study Irrigation Systems

July 26th, 2016

Yesterday, two irrigation water experts—Paul McFadden with The Toro Company and Richard Bernier with Simplot—discussed the importance of irrigation uniformity in a detailed Lunch & Learn webinar sponsored by Western Growers (WG).

McFadden and Bernier highlighted findings and recommendations of a recent study conducted by WG, The Toro Company and Simplot Company. The study examined distribution uniformity (DU) in drip irrigation systems at four WG member companies. An initial assessment established baseline performance, and the results from the assessment led to the implementation of corrective actions to address deficiencies. Later, a follow-up assessment was conducted to measure performance and, in all instances, DU was improved and yields increased. 

“Distribution Uniformity has a direct impact on cost, water efficiency and yield,” said Hank Giclas, Western Growers’ senior vice president, strategic planning, science & technology. “This study demonstrates the importance of a well-maintained and managed drip irrigation system.”

The webinar and final report on The Toro, Simplot and WG collaboration is now available to all Western Growers member companies on our Lunch & Learn resources page. For questions, contact Sonia Salas at (949) 885-2251.

Organization Development Training Available for WG Members

July 28th, 2016

Western Growers’ members are invited to attend an organizational development workshop on August 2 that will help companies establish innovative and effective training programs.

Led by Western Growers’ HR Training Manager Adriana Robles, attendees will learn how to create and design training programs that address the needs of their organization. The workshop will address how to select the media, methods and delivery that will produce the best results; apply the latest adult learning theories to presentation design and delivery; and evaluate the effectiveness of training by measuring the results. This workshop is geared toward new or experienced supervisors, human resources professionals, training managers and others who conduct classes or give instruction.

The session is hosted by Agricultural Personnel Management Association (APMA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of human resources and safety management in the agricultural industry through education, information and interaction.

EVENT INFORMATION

Workshop: Training and Organizational Development

Date: Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Location: San Diego County Farm Bureau
1670 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027

Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Cost: $75/person for members of APMA and co-sponsoring organizations; $95/person for non-members

RSVP: Please click here for online registration.

For more information, view the event flier or contact Adriana Robles at (949) 885-2297.

Superior Court Ruling Extends Piece-rate Safe Harbor Sign-up to July 18

July 1st, 2016

Late yesterday, June 30th, a superior court in Fresno issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) extending the deadline to sign up for the so-called “safe harbor” provisions of AB 1513 (Labor Code sec. 226.2(b)(3)) to July 18, 2016. The Order also states that if the court ultimately decides NOT to issue a preliminary injunction at the next hearing on July 18, the July 1 safe harbor filing deadline will be extended July 28th. The order was issued in the case of Nisei Farmers League v. California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, et al.

The TRO allows WG members who have not already signed up by today’s deadline the opportunity to sign up by July 18. The extension also allows the court additional time to consider whether or not to issue a preliminary or permanent injunction, which would place the entire “safe harbor” scheme in doubt. But, if no injunction is issued on July 18, then the sign-up deadline becomes July 28. Despite issuing the TRO, it does not follow that the court will take the next step and issue a preliminary injunction to further halt the safe harbor. 

At the upcoming preliminary injunction hearing on July 18, the court will consider whether the state of California will be enjoined from enforcing: (1) the July 1, 2016, deadline to sign up for the “safe harbor” provision; (2) the December 15, 2016, back payment deadline under Section 226.2(b)(4), thereby extending the deadline until 197 days after the preliminary injunction expires; and (3) any requirements in sec. 226.2 dependent on the phrases “other non-productive time” or “directly related,” terms the plaintiff alleges are not adequately defined by section 226.2.

In the meantime, Western Growers members are advised to continue paying “other non-productive time” and rest/recovery periods in accordance with Labor Code sec. 226.2.

Western Growers will continue to keep members informed of any developments.

 

Your Action Needed NOW to Defeat California Ag Overtime Bill during August Session

July 7th, 2016

On August 1, the California Legislature will return from summer recess, and legislators will once again vote on legislation that would repeal the 10-hour/day and 60-hour/week overtime threshold for field workers. Despite being rejected by the Assembly in early June, the measure has been inserted into an unrelated bill that will be considered by state legislators during their final month of work in August. 

During their July recess, members are working out of their district offices. Western Growers members are urged  to request an in-person meeting with their state senator and assembly member to educate them about how the legislation would adversely affect farmworkers and farm operations and to ask legislators to vote against the bill when it comes up for a vote.

Labor unions are actively campaigning for this bill in key legislative districts.   Please take some time to schedule these meetings as soon as possible.       

To find the contact information for your senator or assembly member, use the directories below:

Senate Directory

Assembly Directory

Note:  Some members have multiple district offices. Please contact the office that is most convenient for you to set up an in-person meeting.

If you do not know which senator or assembly member represents you, you can search using your address via this link.  

For more information, contact Cory Lunde at (949) 885-2264.

Defeat the Ag Overtime Bill; Schedule Your District Office Meeting Today

July 12th, 2016

July is almost half over. Have you scheduled a meeting with your assembly member and state senator to tell them why the California ag overtime bill is bad for your workers and for your operation? If you haven’t, now is the time to act. The California Legislature is slated to vote on AB 1066 in August during their final month of work for this year.

With legislators working out of their district offices this month, WG members have the opportunity to educate their own state senator and assembly member in person about the adverse effects of the legislation and urge them to vote against the bill when it comes up for a vote. Labor unions are actively campaigning for this bill.  Your personal involvement is crucial.   

In May, Western Growers laid out our opposition to the bill in a letter to California Senator Dianne Feinstein. The letter may provide helpful talking points that can be “personalized” in legislative meetings.

To find the contact information for your state senator or assembly member, use the directories below:

Senate Directory

Assembly Directory

Note:  Some members have multiple district offices. Please contact the office that is most convenient for you to set up an in-person meeting.

If you do not know which state senator or assembly member represents you, you can search using your address via this link.  

For more information, contact Cory Lunde at (949) 885-2264.

Federal Judge Dismisses Piece-rate “Carve-out” Lawsuit

July 12th, 2016

Last week, a federal district judge in Sacramento dismissed a lawsuit brought by Gerawan Farming, Inc. and Fowler Packing Co. challenging “safe harbor” provisions that were part of piece-rate legislation (AB 1513) passed last year. Both companies were specifically excluded from taking advantage of provisions which provide an affirmative defense from claims for uncompensated or undercompensated nonproductive time and break periods.

The United Farm Workers union (UFW) demanded the “carve-out” provisions be included in exchange for their support of the labor deal struck by the Brown Administration and the legislature. Western Growers and other organizations filed an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit.

The lawsuit argued that in excluding Gerawan and Fowler, the deal was an act of “intentional and arbitrary legislative targeting.” Despite the public quid pro quo between the Brown administration and the UFW, the judge ruled there was no evidence that these two companies were being targeted or punished.    

The plaintiffs will appeal the case to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.  

For more information, contact Cory Lunde at (949) 885-2264.  

APHIS Rule Would Allow Imports of Lemons from Northwest Argentina

July 12th, 2016

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has extended the comment period on its proposed rule that would amend U.S. import requirements to allow lemons from northwest Argentina. The comment deadline has been extended an additional 30 days until August 10, 2016.

Western Growers had requested a minimum 120-day extension stating the additional time could be used by APHIS to update the dated pest risk assessment and finalize a proposed site visit, expected to take place this fall. Western Growers is concerned that opening up the U.S. market based on outdated pest risk assessments could expose the California and Arizona citrus industry to quarantine pests.

As a reminder to members, this information, and information like this, can be found on Western Growers’ International Trade webpage. The webpage is a valuable resource for members providing assistance with issues related to import and export trade.

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

 

Arizona Wage & Leave Initiative Appears Headed Toward November Ballot

July 14th, 2016

Unions in Arizona gathered 250,000 signatures to place a statewide minimum wage and paid sick leave initiative on the November ballot. The Fair Wages and Healthy Families Initiative would increase Arizona’s minimum wage to $10 in 2017 gradually increasing it to $12 by 2020.

Key changes contained in the Initiative:

  • Requires employers to provide 40 hours of annual “earned paid sick time” for employees of large employers (more than 15 employees) and 24 hours for those of small employers (15 or less employees)
  • Sick time accrues at one hour earned for every 30 hours worked
  • Employees may use the accrued time  for issues related to their own illness or for a family members’ illness, for  public health emergencies, or issues related to domestic violence
  • Employers would be prohibited from retaliating against employees who use the benefit
  • Allows for more generous paid time-off policies
  • Exempts employees participating in a collective bargaining agreement  
  • Provides for counties, cities and municipalities to set their own wage and hour regulations above the requirements in the initiative

This initiative is undergoing signature verification by the Arizona Secretary of State and is likely to qualify for the November ballot. 

For more information, contact AnnaMarie Knorr at (602) 451-0658. 

 

Canadian Postal Strike Could Delay Delivery of Mail for US Shippers

July 19th, 2016

An ongoing issue over pensions could mean Canada’s primary postal operator, Canada Post, could strike soon, hampering U.S. shippers who rely on the timely delivery of invoices or receipt of payments via mail. Shippers who have not already moved to alternative system such as electronic funds transfers should consider temporary or permanent alternatives that ensure currency transactions continue uninterrupted. Other suggested alternatives could be overnight or ground courier service.

For more information, contact Tom Oliveri at (949) 885-2269.