Appeals Board Supports EPA’s Cancellation of Belt Insecticide Use

August 2nd, 2016

The Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their final decision and order last week regarding EPA’s request for Bayer to cancel of all uses of flubendiamide, or Belt, in the United States. The EAB essentially upheld the decision of the EPA Administrative Law Judge supporting the cancellation of Belt without a hearing to challenge EPA’s decision.

However, the EAB made a change in EPA’s cancellation order regarding the distribution of existing stocks of the canceled flubendiamide products. Though the EAB upheld EPA’s decision prohibiting further distribution of Belt by Bayer CropScience, LP and Nichino America, Inc., it did not support EPA’s restriction as it applies to products in the hands of dealers and distributors. The EAB decided that products held by dealers and distributors can be further sold and distributed. Growers can continue using existing product.

To learn more about the case, read Bayer Fights EPA over Use of Pesticide and EPA Moves to Cancel Belt Insecticide Use. Registrants are evaluating what next steps may be appropriate to keep this important product on the market. For more information, please contact Ben Sacher at (202) 296-0191.

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President Obama Signs GMO Labeling Bill into Law

August 2nd, 2016

The Roberts-Stabenow GMO labeling bill—which creates a federal labeling standard for foods containing any genetically modified ingredients—was passed by Congress early last month and signed into law by President Obama this past Friday.

This bipartisan legislation will require food packages to display a text label, an electronic code, a 1-800 number or a universal logo to signify whether or not the product contains GMOs. More importantly, the law provides a uniform definition for GMO to eliminate confusion in the marketplace.

Once the regulations have been written, finalized and implemented, the law will benefit both consumers and food companies. A consistent federal labeling standard will give consumers the level of transparency many have desired and will allow food companies to mitigate the economic impact of multiple state requirements. The bill will also provide the food industry with flexible options to communicate with their customers, depending on size and level of technological sophistication.

Western Growers does not anticipate this bill having an immediate impact on the fresh produce industry as the vast majority of fruits and vegetables are not grown from genetically modified seeds. WG believes this law will help provide a platform for the food industry to educate consumers on the current and potential benefits of genetically modified foods, which will help maintain GMOs as a potential solution to future resource challenges.

For more information, contact Dennis Nuxoll at (202) 296-0191. 

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Cal/OSHA Inspections Up; Penalties to Increase

August 2nd, 2016

Business operations need to be vigilant in meeting safety rules and regulations as Cal/OSHA has announced they intend to increase inspections, continuing an ongoing trend. Over the last several years, Cal/OSHA inspections and violations have surged. The agency has also indicated they will adopt the newly implemented federal fine levels that will almost double current fines for violations in California.

Based on recent data, Cal/OSHA inspections and violations are likely to set a five-year high when the 2015 final year data is released. Through September, there had been over 6,000 on-site inspections and more than 13,000 violations—20 percent of which were classified as “serious” and eligible for higher fine levels. Violations in which there is a realistic possibility that death or serious physical harm could result are considered “serious.” 

The construction industry led all sectors of the economy with over 2,000 inspections and nearly 4,000 violations through September 2015. Agriculture had just under 600 inspections with a more than 1,000 violations. Of the agricultural violations, 19 percent were considered “serious.”

Prior to the new penalty rules, a serious violation would cost $7,000. The amount is now set at $12,471.  Repeat “serious-willful” violations will increase from $70,000 to $124,709.

Cal/OSHA is making the point that violations of any type are going to be punished and serious violations are going to have a significant financial impact on companies. Because reducing the number of hazardous situations and work injuries is one of their primary concerns, Cal/OSHA is ramping up the penalties they can apply to ensure compliance.

Western Growers Insurance Services (WGIS) has a team of safety and loss control specialists who can assist your company in identifying hazardous situations and eliminating the potential for Cal/OSHA violations. Insurance Services also has a complete safety and insurance program that addresses all aspects of worker safety, asset protection and product liability. If you would like to discuss your particular needs, contact Greg Nelson, vice president of WGIS, at (949) 885-2287.

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DOL Poster Update

August 4th, 2016

On July 26, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced mandatory changes to two federal employment postings that took effect August 1, 2016 —giving employers very short notice to comply.

These mandatory updates affect the Federal Minimum Wage Poster and the Employee Polygraph Protection Act Poster.

All employers must have these posters displayed at each work site in an area accessible to all employees and applicants. Therefore, it is important to make sure that new versions are posted immediately.

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

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WG Innovation Center Welcome 6 New Innovators, 5 New Sponsors

August 9th, 2016

The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology has grown significantly since it first opened its doors last December. The Center now houses 21 start-up companies who are working on groundbreaking technology. This summer, the Center welcomed six new start-up companies, all working toward developing creative solutions to agriculture’s most challenging issues.

  • Wexus Technologies Inc.: Provides growers with better tools and actionable insights to optimize and manage their utility bills, energy costs, overall energy usage, peak usage and surcharges, and utility rates.
  • Palletech: Connects pallets to the cloud by replacing the central plank of a pallet with one that contains embedded electronics that collect data about temperature, humidity, shocks, drops, tilts and location.
  • WaterBit: Provides growers with highly granular, real-time and low cost sensing systems to improve crop quality and yield by optimizing resource use.
  • SWIIM System: A software suite and technology system that enables agricultural water users to optimize water rights, monitors the crop water budget, conserves water and increases net income for agricultural operations.
  • Food Origins: Provides unique packaging labels that can scanned in the field and passed via the cloud to provide information regarding the progress of the harvest and density of the production. This data can be used by farmers, marketers, retailers and consumers to provide comprehensive insights into productivity and quality.
  • BioLumic: Applies environmentally-friendly UV treatments to young plants, priming them for improvements in yield, disease and pest resistance and enhanced color and flavor.

Learn more about these and other innovators on the WG Center for Innovation website or guest blog site.

Additionally, five companies have pledged their commitment to supporting these entrepreneurs by signing up as sponsors. Their contributions will play an integral role in accelerating the development and commercialization of technical solutions for agriculture. The following new sponsors will bring the total number of organizations supporting the Center to 16:

  • Coastline Family Farms: An independent, privately held, vertically integrated, year-round shipper of more than 25 top quality fresh vegetable products farmed on premium growing land in California, Arizona, and Mexico.
  • Mann Packing: One of the country’s leading suppliers of fresh vegetables, including washed and ready to use fresh-cut veggies, snack packs and party trays, and washed and trimmed lettuce products for foodservice.
  • City of Salinas: Surrounded by agriculture on all sides, Salinas is known as the Salad Bowl of the World and is committed to preserving agriculture as our major industry.
  • Hayashi Wayland: Offers a variety of services, from traditional accounting services to retirement planning, investing, business valuation, litigation support and other consulting services.
  • Wells Fargo: A provider of banking, mortgage, investing, credit card, insurance, and consumer and commercial financial services. Learn more about their $30,000 contribution to support innovation at the WGCIT.

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Concentric Power Provides Energy-Saving Solutions during Aug 30 Tech Talk

August 9th, 2016

Concentric Power, an inaugural resident of the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology, will lead a Tech Talk seminar on August 30 to discuss how to fully optimize energy efficiency and cost structure through innovative energy-savings technology.

Concentric Power’s primary focus is manufacturing and deploying high-efficiency energy modules for onsite electric power generation and low temperature refrigeration. They have developed a pre-engineered, prefabricated, modular power plant design that can be installed at food processing facilities for fresh produce. The technology revolves around natural gas-powered engines and heat recovery modules that are easily integrated and pair perfectly with existing refrigeration systems at any farm cooler.

As part of the Center’s mission to accelerate the agtech development, 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 Concentric Power, attend the Tech Talk and read the “Concentric Power: Delivers Innovative Energy Savings Model” feature in WG&S Magazine.

EVENT INFORMATION
Tech Talk with Concentric Power: Thinking Outside the Grid
Date: Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Location: Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology
150 Main Street, Suite 130
Salinas, CA 93901
The Tech Talk will also be available via webinar.
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm PST
RSVP: To attend the Tech Talk in-person or online, please REGISTER HERE.

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

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Aug 25 Webinar: How is Whole Genome Sequencing Impacting the Produce Industry?

August 11th, 2016

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is rapidly gaining traction as a tool for identifying the exact origins of an illness outbreak—but what is it and how does it work? On August 25, Western Growers, in partnership with the Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association, will host a free webinar briefing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this tool.

In recent food safety conferences, prominent researchers and key regulatory officials have indicated that the use of WGS in surveillance and investigative programs is increasing. These types of effective and advanced tools will impact the produce industry.

WGS technology is a hot topic and has given rise to many questions. How is WGS different from Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis and other molecular fingerprinting tools? How is the regulatory community using it? What are the pros and cons to the produce industry? During the webinar, FDA experts on WGS will provide an overview of this technology, as well as share how it is being used for regulatory and produce safety research.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ask the FDA questions and better understand how WGS could impact your business. REGISTER HERE to hear about the impact of WGS in the produce industry and share your thoughts.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Industry Webinar: How is Whole Genome Sequencing Impacting the Produce Industry?
Date: Thursday, August 25, 2016
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST / 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST
Featured Speakers from FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition:
Dr. Eric Brown, Director of the Division of Microbiology in the Office of Regulatory Science.
Dr. Errol Strain, Director of the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Staff in the Office of Analytics and Outreach
Ms. Karen Jarvis, Research Microbiologist in the Virulence Mechanisms Branch
Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5840957986960565762

For any questions related to the content of this webinar, contact Sonia Salas at [email protected]. For help with registration or technical difficulties, please contact [email protected].

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Whole Genome Sequencing Discussed During Aug 25 Industry Webinar

August 16th, 2016

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is rapidly gaining traction as a tool for identifying the exact origins of an illness outbreak—but what is it and how does it work? On August 25, Western Growers, in partnership with the Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association, will host a free webinar briefing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this tool.

In recent food safety conferences, prominent researchers and key regulatory officials have indicated that the use of WGS in surveillance and investigative programs is increasing. These types of effective and advanced tools will impact the produce industry.

WGS technology is a hot topic and has given rise to many questions. How is WGS different from Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis and other molecular fingerprinting tools? How is the regulatory community using it? What are the pros and cons to the produce industry? During the webinar, FDA experts on WGS will provide an overview of this technology, as well as share how it is being used for regulatory and produce safety research.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ask the FDA questions and better understand how WGS could impact your business. REGISTER HERE to hear about the impact of WGS in the produce industry and share your thoughts.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Industry Webinar: How is Whole Genome Sequencing Impacting the Produce Industry?
Date: Thursday, August 25, 2016
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST / 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST
Featured Speakers from FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition:
Dr. Eric Brown, Director of the Division of Microbiology in the Office of Regulatory Science.
Dr. Errol Strain, Director of the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Staff in the Office of Analytics and Outreach
Ms. Karen Jarvis, Research Microbiologist in the Virulence Mechanisms Branch
Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5840957986960565762

For any questions related to the content of this webinar, contact Sonia Salas at [email protected]. For help with registration or technical difficulties, please contact [email protected].

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Learn About Energy-Savings Innovation During Aug 30 Tech Talk in Salinas

August 18th, 2016

Concentric Power will discuss how to fully optimize energy efficiency and cost structure through innovative energy-savings technology during a Tech Talk on August 30 at the WG Center for Innovation & Technology in Salinas, Calif. 

Concentric Power, an inaugural resident of the Center, manufactures and deploys high-efficiency energy modules for onsite electric power generation and low temperature refrigeration. They have developed a pre-engineered, prefabricated, modular power plant design that can be installed at food processing facilities for fresh produce. The technology revolves around natural gas-powered engines and heat recovery modules that are easily integrated and pair perfectly with existing refrigeration systems at any farm cooler.

As part of the Center’s mission to accelerate the agtech development, 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 Concentric Power, attend the Tech Talk and read the “Concentric Power: Delivers Innovative Energy Savings Model” feature in WG&S Magazine.

EVENT INFORMATION
Tech Talk with Concentric Power: Thinking Outside the Grid
Date: Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Location: Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology
150 Main Street, Suite 130
Salinas, CA 93901
The Tech Talk will also be available via webinar.
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm PST
RSVP: To attend the Tech Talk in-person or online, please REGISTER HERE.

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

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Organic Compost Purchase Deadline Set for August 22

August 18th, 2016

Western Growers urges organic producers that rely on composted green waste in whole or in part to consider purchasing or contracting to purchase compost from their suppliers before August 22, 2016.

On June 20, 2016, the federal court issued a decision in the Center for Environmental Health v. Vilsack case striking down a five-year-old federal Guidance document allowing the use of composted municipal green waste on organic farms. The Court vacated the National Organic Program’s Guidance 5016: The Allowance of Green Waste in Organic Production Systems.

The vacatur is effective as of August 22, 2016. Any green waste compost purchased or used between 2010 and August 22, 2016, is grandfathered in and not subject to this Order. The August 22 deadline is quickly approaching and members who are concerned should purchase the compost as soon as possible. This will ensure such compost meets the federal court’s deadline for being treated by a certifier under the old Guidance 5016. The compost does not need to be used prior to August 22, but the purchase contracts must be effective prior to that deadline. Western Growers recommends consulting with your certifier and attorney prior to purchasing or contracting.

After August 22, certifying agents must gather information from the compost supplier and/or from the organic producer to ensure that compost is compliant. Information may include types and source of feedstocks, results of bioassay testing or other quality assurance testing from the compost supplier or results of any on-farm bioassay testing. The information gathered must be sufficient to verify compliance with the USDA organic regulations. Any compost with residues of prohibited substances will likely be deemed non-compliant and could jeopardize organic status.

Western Growers previously weighed in on the case having filed an amicus brief to show that the sudden withdrawal of the Guidance would harm organic agriculture, composting operations and consumer. For questions, contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205 or Dennis Nuxoll at (202) 296-0191.

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FDA Extends Certain FSMA Compliance Dates, Issues Draft Guidance

August 23rd, 2016

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule that extends the compliance dates for certain provisions in four of the seven foundational rules of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

These changes are part of FDA’s efforts to ensure the feasibility of implementation of the rules while still protecting public health. The final rule also clarifies the timeframe for agricultural water testing. The four rules that will be impacted are as follows:

  • Produce Safety  Rule
  • Preventive Controls for Human Food
  • Preventive Controls for Food for Animals
  • Foreign Supplier Verification Programs

While some compliance dates for these four rules will be delayed, FDA is still moving forward on implementing the major provisions of the FSMA rules. The first major compliance date begins on September 19, 2016, for large food facilities that produce human food.

FDA also released the first five chapters (of 14 chapters total) in a new draft guidance created to help industry comply with FSMA. Stakeholders will have 180 days to comment on the first wave of the new draft guidance and are invited to discuss the guidance with FDA during an industry webinar scheduled for September 19, 2016. FDA plans to disseminate additional chapters of the draft guidance for public comment as they are completed—with all chapters released by early 2018. Western Growers encourages members to comment on the rules as it applies to your operations. Comments can be submitted starting August 24, 2016.

FSMA Resources:

For questions about FSMA, contact Sonia Salas at (949) 885-2251 or Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.

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WEBINAR THURSDAY: How is Whole Genome Sequencing Impacting the Produce Industry?

August 23rd, 2016

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is rapidly gaining traction as a tool for identifying the exact origins of an illness outbreak—but what is it and how does it work? On August 25, Western Growers, in partnership with the Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association, will host a free webinar briefing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this tool.

In recent food safety conferences, prominent researchers and key regulatory officials have indicated that the use of WGS in surveillance and investigative programs is increasing. These types of effective and advanced tools will impact the produce industry.

WGS technology is a hot topic and has given rise to many questions. How is WGS different from Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis and other molecular fingerprinting tools? How is the regulatory community using it? What are the pros and cons to the produce industry? During the webinar, FDA experts on WGS will provide an overview of this technology, as well as share how it is being used for regulatory and produce safety research.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ask the FDA questions and better understand how WGS could impact your business. REGISTER HERE to hear about the impact of WGS in the produce industry and share your thoughts.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Industry Webinar: How is Whole Genome Sequencing Impacting the Produce Industry?
Date: Thursday, August 25, 2016
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST / 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST
Featured Speakers from FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition:
Dr. Ruth Timme, Research Microbiologist at the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Science
Dr. Errol Strain, Director of the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Staff in the Office of Analytics and Outreach
Ms. Karen Jarvis, Research Microbiologist in the Virulence Mechanisms Branch
Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5840957986960565762

For any questions related to the content of this webinar, contact Sonia Salas at [email protected]. For help with registration or technical difficulties, please contact [email protected]. 

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Member Input Needed to Help Prepare Future Ag Workforce

August 25th, 2016

In an effort to develop programs that prepare tomorrow’s highly-skilled workforce for jobs in the industry, Western Growers has collaborated with Hartnell College to gauge the needs of Ag employers through an Agricultural Sector Labor Market Survey.

The results of the survey will be used to help tailor Hartnell’s Science Technology Engineering and Math (“STEM”)-based programming to best support agriculture. Through this Labor Market Survey, Hartnell College will create partnerships and programs that will meet employment needs and build a highly-technical and knowledgeable future workforce.

By providing your valuable feedback, initiatives can be developed to help students perfect those advanced skills that are most beneficial to your needs. Your input is important and critical to Hartnell College’s ability to provide you with well-trained employees for the future.

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

For questions, contact Karen Hagman at Hartnell Foundation at (831) 755-6810 or Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205. 

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Climate Change Legislation Heads to Governor’s Desk

August 25th, 2016

On Tuesday, the Assembly approved SB32—the climate change legislation that would increase and make permanent statewide greenhouse gas emission reductions mandates.

SB32 would set a new statewide goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. The current climate law, AB32, required the state to reach 1990 levels by 2020. If passed, SB32 would have a direct impact on agriculture-related companies, including an increase in costs, reduced flexibility in operations and being mandated to utilize unproven or non-efficient technology.

The bill has already passed the Senate and is headed to Governor Brown to be signed. SB32’s companion bill, AB197, also passed and is expected to be signed by the Governor.

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

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WG Showcasing Latest in AgTech Innovation During Annual Meeting

August 30th, 2016

For the second year, Western Growers will be showcasing the latest agricultural technologies during the Innovation Arena II workshop at the 91st Annual Meeting in Kauai.

Innovation Arena II will introduce attendees to cutting-edge technological innovations and specialized services designed to help you manage scarce resources, overcome intense regulatory and marketplace pressure and deliver higher quality produce. Select tech companies and entrepreneurs will showcase new offerings in agricultural technology before a panel of Western Growers judges. This interactive workshop, which will be held on November 8, 2016, encourages audience participation, as attendees of the Innovation Arena will help determine the winners.

You won’t want to miss this enlightening workshop! If you haven’t already done so, don’t forget to:

Interested in competing or know someone who would?

Western Growers officially opened applications for the Innovation Arena II yesterday. The Innovation Arena will offer six agtech start-up companies an opportunity to compete for two winning prizes and invaluable exposure to the nation’s leading agricultural operations. Two winners will be selected to receive a complimentary one-year membership with Western Growers and a coveted spot in the WG Center for Innovation & Technology in Salinas, Calif. For full details about the competition, download the Request for Proposal or contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205. All interested applicants can apply at WG’s Innovation Arena website.

For more information on the Annual Meeting, contact Randy Hause at (949) 885-2263.

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HR Practices and Compensation Survey Available in September, iPad Winner Announced

August 30th, 2016

The Western Growers 2016 HR Practices and Compensation Survey is now closed and the final results will be available for purchase in late September. As a special thank you for contributing to the 2016 survey, Western Growers randomly selected one participant to receive a 16 GB iPad Air2. The winner is Veronica Luna of Rancho Guadalupe in Santa Maria, Calif.

“I love numbers and looking at the end results of the survey to determine where we are in comparison to the competitive market,” said Luna. She has served as H.R. Generalist at Rancho Guadalupe for the past four years. The company has participated in the HR Practices and Compensation Survey every year since its inception seven years ago. Rancho Guadalupe’s executive team references the survey data to make critical personnel and salary decisions, ensuring that they are compensating their employees fairly and competitively. 

The survey results, which are currently being finalized and published, contain reliable data provided by Western Growers members that will help business leaders compare their organization’s compensation philosophy and total reward programs to the competitive market.

The HR Practices Survey reports on participants’ health plan coverage and premiums, performance plans, merit increase budgets, paid time off programs, retirement plans and austerity measures.

The Compensation Survey reports base pay, incentives paid, total annual cash compensation and car allowance/reimbursement. Different from previous years, the Compensation Survey will be broken up by profession and will be available for purchase by section.

  • 2016 HR Practices Survey – $500
  • 2016 Compensation Survey:
    • Compensation Survey: C-Suite – $500
    • Compensation Survey: Sales – $500
    • Compensation Survey: Professional – $500
  • 2016 Professional Compensation (C-Suite, Sales and Professional) & HR Practices Surveys bundle – $1,800

Contact Ryan Zilker at (949) 885-2249 for questions about purchasing the survey. For general questions about the survey, contact Karen Timmins at (949) 885-2295.

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Wasted Water, Wasted Opportunity

August 16th, 2016

Following recent reports that San Luis Reservoir is at its lowest level in 27 years – just 10 percent of its two million acre-feet capacity – Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif took the opportunity to pen an open letter to President Obama and Governor Brown reminding them of the role their agencies have played in dumping one million acre-feet of water out to the ocean this year.

In his letter, Nassif notes: “Instead of smartly directing excess water during storm flows from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta into San Luis Reservoir, your agencies insisted on the same scientifically-unjustified and morally-indefensible path.”

Continuing, Nassif asks: “How is it that some California homeowners can be fined for watering their yards on Tuesday instead of Wednesday, yet the government faces no judgment or penalty for intentionally flushing billions of gallons of flood runoff out to the ocean?”

This letter has been gaining traction on social media, and we need your help to keep the momentum going. Please lend your voice to the conversation by sharing the letter or this Facebook post.

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DWR Extends Best Management Practices Survey Deadline to August 8

August 2nd, 2016

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has extended the availability of its Best Management Practices (BMP) Survey until August 8, 2016. The BMPs are intended to provide clarification, guidance and examples to help GSAs develop the essential elements of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). If you are actively involved in putting together Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) and plans, you are encouraged to talk part in this survey.   

Access the survey by going to: http://water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/bmps.cfm

The survey requires respondents to identify their name and affiliation. Upon completion, respondents will receive a confirmation email with a copy of their submittal.

Also available online is the Best Management Practices (BMP) Development Framework (Framework) which outlines DWR’s approach and timeline for development of BMPs. The Framework describes how to engage in the development of BMPs and presents the schedule for developing the initial set of BMPs.

For more information, contact Gail Delihant at (916) 446-1435.  

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Ag Overtime Bill Heard in Senate Appropriations Committee Yesterday

August 2nd, 2016

Yesterday, the California Senate Committee on Appropriations held a hearing on the agriculture overtime bill, AB 1066 (Gonzalez – D), moving the bill to the Suspense File. Senate rules allow for a bill to be moved to the Suspense File after it is deemed that implementation of the legislation would have a significant fiscal impact on the state. If AB 1066 passes off of the Suspense File next week, it will proceed to a Senate floor vote.

Western Growers continues to strongly lobby legislators against the bill citing the repercussions it would have on lost farmworker wages, the likely reduction in production acreage and the unanticipated consequences to the agricultural supply chain. We are joined in our fight by a large coalition of industry and non-industry organizations (a list of organizations opposing the bill is listed below).

Western Growers urges members who have not already done so, to contact their individual state senator and assembly member to register your opposition to the bill. Legislators need to understand the impacts the bill will have on your farm workers. 

  • Agricultural Council of California
  • Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
  • Almond Hullers & Processors Association
  • Association of California Egg Farmers
  • California Agricultural Aircraft Association
  • California Association of Nurseries & Garden Centers
  • California Association of Wheat Growers
  • California Association of Winegrape Growers
  • California Blueberry Association
  • California Cattlemen’s Association
  • California Chamber of Commerce
  • California Citrus Mutual
  • California Cotton Ginners Association
  • California Cotton Growers Association
  • California Dairies, Inc.
  • California Farm Bureau Federation
  • California Fresh Fruit Association
  • California League of Food Processors
  • California Manufacturers and Technology Association
  • California Pear Growers Association
  • California Seed Association
  • California State Floral Association
  • California Tomato Growers Association
  • California Trucking Association
  • Community Alliance with Family Farmers
  • Family Winemakers of California
  • Far West Equipment Dealers Association
  • Gilroy Chamber of Commerce
  • Lodi Chamber of Commerce
  • Milk Producers Council
  • National Federation of Independent Business
  • Nisei Farmers League
  • Western Agricultural Processors Association
  • Western Plant Health Association
  • Western United Dairymen
  • Wine Institute

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

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Criminal & Civil Liability Foodborne Illness Workshop to be Held at 91st Annual Meeting

August 4th, 2016

We asked. You responded. And we heard you. In May, our Annual Meeting Survey asked members to help us identify possible workshop topics for this November’s meeting. Top on the list: Civil and Criminal Liability for Food Safety Issues.

Food safety events around the country over the past decade, both in the fresh produce and the processed food sectors, have resulted in highly-publicized civil and criminal liability cases against companies and industry executives. The cases have instilled a growing sense of concern in the industry, particularly in the fresh produce sector where production processes lack a ‘kill’ step for foodborne contaminants.

The workshop, titled “Foodborne Illness: Criminal & Civil Liability,” features three of the nation’s top experts in the field who will discuss the risks and defenses associated with food safety processes and foodborne illness events, in addition to exploring legal concepts such as “strict liability” in criminal and civil cases. Panelists will also discuss indemnity agreements and the federal government’s criminal prosecution philosophy, among other topics.     

Speakers (View each speaker’s full bio)

  • William Marler, Managing Partner, Marler Clark LLP, PS
    Widely recognized as the nation’s top personal injury lawyer and expert in foodborne illness litigation, Mr. Clark has represented thousands of litigants in some of the highest profile cases in the nation.
  • Sarah L. Brew, Partner, Faegre Baker Daniels
    Ms. Brew has a national reputation for effectively representing food processors, distributors and retailers in foodborne illness and contamination cases, commercial litigation and supply chain disputes, and consumer fraud labeling class actions.
  • Daniel G. Jarcho, Partner, Alston & Bird
    Mr. Jarcho has represented clients in numerous FDA-related civil actions for seizures, injunctions, and civil penalties and in a wide variety of criminal investigations initiated by FDA.

Western Growers’ Board member Stuart Woolf, president and CEO of Woolf Farming and Processing in Fresno, Calif., will moderate the workshop.        

For more information about the Annual Meeting or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Randy Hause at (949) 885-2265.

Register and book your spot at the 91st Annual Meeting NOW!

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