Update on Insecticide Sulfoxaflor

November 1st, 2016

Last November, EPA issued a cancellation order for the insecticide sulfoxaflor, the active ingredient in Sequoia, Closer and Transform, after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that EPA did not have sufficient data on risks to pollinators. Sulfoxaflor is in a new class of chemistry with a favorable risk profile that is effective against piercing/sucking insects.

Earlier this month, EPA finalized an unconditional registration for sulfoxaflor that includes additional restrictions not in place on the original 2013 registration. Now that the product is registered by the federal EPA, Western Growers has urged the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to prioritize registering sulfoxaflor in California.

The new federal registration reduces potential risks to bees so that the product could be made available without additional studies. To reduce or eliminate exposure to bees, sulfoxaflor is now registered only on crops that are not attractive to bees and in situations that minimize or eliminate exposure to bees. The new registration does not include indeterminate blooming crops including citrus, cucurbits and strawberry, and restricts application to post bloom for bee attractive crops including berries, fruiting vegetables stone and pome fruits, tree nuts and pistachios.

Additionally, EPA requires a 12 foot on field down-wind buffer zone to protect bees, and restricts tank mixing sulfoxaflor with certain products where synergistic effects have been claimed. The list of products where tank mixing is prohibited is available at isoclasttankmix.com.

Western Growers commented on the proposed registration expressing concern with these restrictions.

Western Growers is hopeful that as additional data becomes available to EPA, it will restore uses and increase flexibility in use. We continue to urge EPA to rely on a science-based, risk-benefit approach to pesticide regulation.

Before the November 2015 cancellation, Western Growers secured a special local needs registration in California. While the product was cancelled, Western Growers requested an emergency exemption for leafy vegetables and celery from EPA (made unnecessary by the renewed registration). 

More information is available here, and a copy of the final registration is available here. Contact Ben Sacher at (202) 296-0191 x 7301 or Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205 for questions. 

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Make Your Voice Heard on Pesticide Use Near Schools Regulation

November 1st, 2016

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) will be holding three public hearings to gather stakeholder input about a recently proposed regulation on agricultural pesticide use near schools and child daycare centers.

Western Growers’ members are highly encouraged to participate in these hearings and voice their concerns about how this regulation would affect operations, as DPR will use this input to develop the new regulation.

The proposed regulation, which is slated to take effect in September 2017, prohibits certain pesticide applications within ¼ mile of a schoolsite and requires notification of other pesticide applications within ¼ mile of a schoolsite. Full details about the proposed regulation can be found on the DPR website.

Western Growers is concerned that this newly proposed regulation is not based on sound science and may cause unforeseen consequences for both growers and schools. We will continue to express serious concerns on the issue, and we need our members to express theirs, as well. The last day DPR will be accepting public comments will be December 9, 2016.

WORKSHOP INFORMATION

OXNARD
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
Oxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center
Oxnard Room
800 Hobson Way
Oxnard, CA 93030

TULARE
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
Tulare Veterans Memorial Building
1771 E. Tulare Avenue
Tulare, CA 93274

SALINAS
Thursday, December, 1, 2016 at 6.00 p.m.
Salinas Sports Complex
Exhibition Mall
1034 N. Main Street
Salinas, CA 93906

RESOURCES ON PROPOSED REGULATION

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

 

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Western Growers Engages Dennis Donohue to Lead Center for Innovation & Technology®

November 3rd, 2016

Dennis Donohue, former mayor of Salinas, will work with Western Growers to further develop the Western Growers’ Center for Innovation & Technology® (WGCIT) into a premier agtech startup incubator. In this role, Donohue will drive agtech initiatives, bolster innovation programming, further facilitate relationships between start-up companies and growers and spearhead business development at the WGCIT in Salinas, Calif.

“Because the Center for Innovation & Technology offers unbeatable resources such as market access and direct connections to growers, I firmly believe that it’s one of the best advances in the agtech movement,” said Donohue. “Western Growers’ commitment to accelerating innovation and industry success is inspiring, and I’m ecstatic to work with Western Growers to drive the future of agriculture.” Full press release.

For more information, read Hank Giclas’ Letter to WGCIT Residents and Sponsors.  

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Comments Filed on Treasury’s Estate Tax Proposed Regulation

November 3rd, 2016

Yesterday, Western Growers participated in comments filed by the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition on recent proposed regulatory changes by the Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service.  

The proposed regulatory change would have a significant impact on estate planning and estate tax burdens. The regulations would impair a family owned business’s ability to use valuation discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability. Click here for a broader summary of the proposed regulations.

Western Growers also joined a letter earlier this fall in opposition to these regulatory changes. In addition to concerns being raised by family businesses, there is disagreement even within the federal government on the impact of these proposed changes. The Small Business Administration’s office of advocacy submitted comments raising concerns and disagreeing with the approach proposed by Treasury and the IRS, suggesting that these changes will have a significant impact on small business entities and therefore a fuller economic impact assessment must be completed.

With the concern and opposition that has been voiced over these proposed regulatory changes, we hope that Treasury and the IRS will reconsider moving forward on these proposed changes, based on competing interpretations of whether the agencies have the statutory authority to make these changes, litigation would likely ensue if they move forward with these as proposed.    

For question, contact Ken Barbic at (202) 296-0191. 

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Voice Your Opinion on Pesticide Use Near Schools Regulation During Workshops This Week

November 15th, 2016

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) will be holding three public hearings to gather stakeholder input about a recently proposed regulation on agricultural pesticide use near schools and child daycare centers.

Western Growers’ members are highly encouraged to participate in these hearings and voice their concerns about how this regulation would affect operations, as DPR will use this input to develop the new regulation.

The proposed regulation, which is slated to take effect in September 2017, prohibits certain pesticide applications within ¼ mile of a schoolsite and requires notification of other pesticide applications within ¼ mile of a schoolsite. Full details about the proposed regulation can be found on the DPR website.

Western Growers is concerned that this newly proposed regulation is not based on sound science and may cause unforeseen consequences for both growers and schools. We will continue to express serious concerns on the issue, and we need our members to express theirs, as well. The last day DPR will be accepting public comments will be December 9, 2016.

WORKSHOP INFORMATION

OXNARD
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
Oxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center
Oxnard Room
800 Hobson Way
Oxnard, CA 93030

TULARE
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
Tulare Veterans Memorial Building
1771 E. Tulare Avenue
Tulare, CA 93274

SALINAS
Thursday, December, 1, 2016 at 6.00 p.m.
Salinas Sports Complex
Exhibition Mall
1034 N. Main Street
Salinas, CA 93906

RESOURCES ON PROPOSED REGULATION

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

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Western Growers 91st Annual Meeting Bolsters Commitment to Common Cause

November 17th, 2016

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Aloha! When the Western Growers 91st Annual Meeting in Kaua‘i concluded last week, one thing remained certain: the collective commitment to protecting the future of Arizona, California and Colorado family farmers remains as strong as ever.  

Attendees had the opportunity to gain further insight into the state of affairs in both the industry and nation through a series of educational workshops, networking opportunities and keynote addresses. Highlights of the action-packed event include:

  • Sammy Duda of Duda Farm Fresh Foods in Salinas, CA, was elected 2017 chairman of the board, replacing outgoing chairman Larry Cox of Lawrence Cox Ranches in Brawley, CA. Video.
  • Chef Adam Tabura demonstrated how to incorporate local flavors and fresh produce into delicious and nutritious dishes during the Top Chef Workshop. Video.
  • Jim Nicholson, former Republican National Committee chairman, delivered the keynote address during the PAC Lunch, sharing insight into the unconventional presidential campaign.
  • Sarah Brew of Faegre Baker Daniels LLP, Daniel Jarcho of Alston & Bird and William Marler of Marler Clark LLP addressed concerns and offered critical advice on how to navigate the potential risks of criminal and civil liability during the Foodborne Illness: Criminal & Civil Liability Workshop. Livestreamed recording.
  • Innovation Arena II hosted a “pitch session” where six agtech start-up companies competed for a complimentary one-year membership with Western Growers and an opportunity to work with the WG Center for Innovation & Technology in Salinas, CA; Agralogics and Trace Genomics took home the prizes. Video. | Livestreamed recording.
  • Larry Cox shared how his strength and achievements stemmed from his family and faith during his Chairman’s Speech at the Major Lunch. Livestreamed recording.
  • Rear Admiral Garry E. Hall, president and CEO of the Association of the United States Navy and keynote speaker of the Major Lunch, delivered a riveting speech on national security. Livestreamed recording.
  • Miles and Garland Reiter each gave heart-warming speeches while receiving the 2016 Award of Honor. Video. | Livestreamed recording.
  • Guests enjoyed a spectacular performance by celebrity-impressionist Jeff Tracta and some “friendly” competition during the Hawaiian Style Family Games and Golf Tournament. Photos.

If you weren’t able to attend the Annual Meeting this year, selected events were livestreamed and can now be found on the Western Growers Facebook. You can also see images from of all the workshops, activities and keynote addresses at the 91st Annual Meeting Photo Album on Facebook. Tag yourself…and your colleagues!

Western Growers would like to once again thank all of our Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Suppliers’ Event sponsors who made this event possible.

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Q&A with Cox and Duda: Passing of the Gavel

November 17th, 2016

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The Annual Meeting kicked off with the Board Meeting where Sammy Duda, vice president of operations for Duda Farm Fresh Foods in Salinas, CA, was elected 2017 chairman of the board. Duda replaces outgoing chairman Larry Cox, owner of Lawrence Cox Ranches in Brawley, CA. We had a chance to catch up with these two industry leaders for a few words on their past and incoming chairmanships.

What’s one final thought you’d like to share with the membership?

Larry Cox: As far as my last minute thoughts about outgoing chairman, I just appreciate the people that we have here. I appreciate the love of the land they have, their love for family and their willingness to come together to further agriculture. To defend it, protect it, promote it. We are blessed to have the members that we have.

What are some of your goals for the upcoming year?

Sammy Duda: My goals for the year are from a technology standpoint. All of the things that are going on at the Center for Innovation & Technology. To be able to fully access those new ideas to minimize adversarial legislation that has prevented us from doing the things that we want to do. 

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AgTech Innovation Arena: Ready, Set, Pitch!

November 17th, 2016

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Six agtech start-up companies (all of whom are developing innovative solutions to agriculture’s most pressing challenges) competed in the Innovation Arena II where they “pitched” their ideas and technologies to a panel of judges and the audience for the coveted prize of a complimentary one-year membership with Western Growers and an opportunity to work with the WG Center for Innovation & Technology in Salinas, CA. When all the votes were tallied, Trace Genomics (Audience’s Choice winner) and Agralogics (Judge’s Choice winner) took home the prizes.

Trace Genomics: Trace Genomics has launched a genetic test for soil microbes to give growers an unprecedented look into the biology of their soil. Trace Genomics makes it easy for any grower to send in a soil sample and, within just a few weeks, receive an actionable report on both beneficial and harmful microbes that are found in the sample. The information provided by the Trace Genomics test provides the foundational knowledge that enables growers to evaluate their soils for disease pressures, microbial diversity indices that are associated with soil health and resilience, and efficacy of various cultural practices and soil amendment products.

Agralogics: Agralogics offers a collaboration management platform that allows growers to easily access and share information about the food they grow. Through SaaS-based applications and services, Agralogics provides farmers with detailed analytics about their crops – information about everything from weather, thermal energy, soil quality, pollination and more.

Watch the livestreamed video of the Innovation Arena on the Western Growers Facebook to see all the action. For more information, read the official Innovation Arena press release or visit the WG Center for Innovation & Technology website.

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Q&A with Chef Tabura: Accentuating Local Flavors in Delectable Dishes

November 17th, 2016

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During the Top Chef Workshop, Chef Adam Tabura showed the crowd how to incorporate local flavors and fresh produce in delicious and nutritious dishes. The attendees even had the opportunity to taste his creations after each demonstration! With more than 20 years of experience in cooking, Chef Adam is armed with a wealth of culinary education and expertise.

Why is it important to have fresh produce in your dishes?

As a chef growing up in Hawaii, it’s always important that we stay sustainable, first of all. And second, it’s healthy eating. Hawaii produces a lot of great vegetables, fruits and produce. But along the way, we have to use a lot of the mainland stuff, too; because of the fact that we don’t grow apples here or grapes here.

A lot of our produce does come in from the states. A chef like me likes to collaboratively use the local ingredients we have here with the mainland ingredients; putting them together to see how they face off. A lot of times it’s really good stuff.

What’s the most innovative dish you’ve created using fresh produce?

Innovative ways of cooking as a chef is that today I used fresh taro that comes from Hawaii. It’s a Kalo. I put it in my crab cakes. It’s like east meets west. I used Hawaiian ingredients such as Maui sweet onions, Calamansi Juice and fresh Dungeness crab. I made a nice little crab cake that we seared off with some Japanese breadcrumbs; it was really nice and unique. Crab cakes are familiar but it’s never used with Kalo or Taro.  

What’s one tip you would give people who are looking to get started in cooking?

To all the young chefs out there or chefs starting their business, be true to your menu. Take care of your farmers, get to know your farmers and know your product. You learn more from a farmer than you think.

I like to work with farmers on the daily and my biggest saying is this: keep it real, use fresh produce and try to keep it local.

Read more on Chef Adam.

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Applications Open for WG Center for Innovation & Technology® Scholarship Program

November 17th, 2016

In July, Wells Fargo awarded a $30,000 grant to the Western Growers Foundation to establish a scholarship fund for agtech startups. The application period for the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology® (WGCIT) Scholarship Program officially opened today.

This is arguably the first scholarship program of its kind in that it provides the winner with residence at one of the country’s premier agtech incubators designed to assist start-up companies who are developing agricultural technologies.

Each scholarship will underwrite the cost of a “hot desk” (non-reserved workstation) or defray the costs of a desk within the WGCIT for one year, and recipients will receive all the benefits of being a Western Growers’ member and resident of the Center. Scholarships are open to any individual or company that is working on ideas or technology that will assist the fresh fruit, nut and vegetable industry to produce more food using fewer inputs and with less waste. For scholarship requirements and information on how to apply, click here.

Western Growers Foundation will grant up to 10 scholarships, each worth up to $3,000. Read the press release for full details on the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology® Scholarship Program.

Contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205 for additional information or questions. 

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Reporting Deadline for 1095-B and 1095-C Now Extended

November 22nd, 2016

The IRS recently issued a notice granting an extension of the 1095-B and 1095-C reporting. Specifically, the notice extends the due date for furnishing the 2016 Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, and the 2016 Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage, from January 31, 2017, to March 2, 2017.

Following consultation with stakeholders, the Department of the Treasury and the IRS have determined that a substantial number of employers, insurers and other providers of minimum essential coverage need additional time beyond the January 31, 2017, due date to gather and analyze the information and prepare the 2016 Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to be furnished to individuals.

The extension applies to insurers, self-insuring employers, and certain other providers of minimum essential coverage under section 6055 of the Internal Revenue Code and to applicable large employers under section 6056 of the Code. This notice also extends good faith transition relief from section 6721 and 6722 penalties to the 2016 information reporting requirements under sections 6055 and 6056.

This extension does not apply to the filing of information returns to the IRS and the deadline for filing paper returns remains February 28, 2017, while the electronic filing deadline is March 31, 2017.

For more information, please contact Jonathan Alexander at (949) 885-2330. 

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Farm Management Innovation Discussed During Dec. 8 Tech Talk

November 22nd, 2016

Join Western Growers on Thursday, December 8, 2016 for the HeavyConnect Tech Talk® centering on paperless time and attendance in the field.

HeavyConnect, one of the Western Grower’s Center for Innovation & Technology’s inaugural residents, builds simple and efficient apps that save time. HeavyConnect simplifies the workday by removing paperwork from the field operation and allows you to comply with time and attendance regulations. HeavyConnect’s TimeKeeper app allows harvesting operations to comply with AB1513 by accurately documenting break-times and non-productive time with common mobile devices (iOS & Android).

During the Tech Talk, HeavyConnect will discuss and answer questions about their innovative solution to farm management operations. For more information about HeavyConnect, join us for the Tech Talk in-person or online and read the “HeavyConnect Builds Technology Out of Farming” story featured in the WG&S Magazine.

EVENT INFORMATION

HeavyConnect Tech Talk®

Date: Thursday, December 8, 2016

Location: Online or in-person.

Online: you will be emailed a link when you register.

In-person: Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (150 Main Street, Suite 130, Salinas, CA 93901)

Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST

RSVP: To attend in-person, please RSVP to Emily Lyons at [email protected].
To attend online, please register here.

Tech Talks, which are offered at no cost, are hosted by the Center to introduce WG members and the community to the latest innovations. For more information about the Tech Talk Series or the Center, contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.

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Take Action on Pesticide Use Near Schools Regulation

November 22nd, 2016

The last public hearing to gather stakeholder input about Department of Pesticide Regulation’s recently proposed regulation on agricultural pesticide use near schools will be on December 1, 2016 in Salinas.

Western Growers’ members are highly encouraged to participate in this hearing and voice their concerns about how this regulation would affect operations, as DPR will use this input to develop the new regulation. Members are also encouraged to send emails and letters to DPR. Pre-scripted messages are available on Western Growers Voter Voice Campaign website here.

The proposed regulation, which is slated to take effect in September 2017, prohibits certain pesticide applications within ¼ mile of a schoolsite and requires notification of other pesticide applications within ¼ mile of a schoolsite. Full details about the proposed regulation can be found on the DPR website.

Western Growers is concerned that this newly proposed regulation is not based on sound science and may cause unforeseen consequences for both growers and schools. We will continue to express serious concerns on the issue, and we need our members to express theirs, as well. The last day DPR will be accepting public comments will be December 9, 2016.

WORKSHOP INFORMATION
Thursday, December, 1, 2016 at 6.00 p.m.
Salinas Sports Complex
Exhibition Mall
1034 N. Main Street
Salinas, CA 93906

RESOURCES ON PROPOSED REGULATION

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

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Tech Talk: HeavyConnect Discusses Farm Management Technology on Dec. 8

November 30th, 2016

Join Western Growers on Thursday, December 8, 2016 for the HeavyConnect Tech Talk® centering on paperless time and attendance in the field.

HeavyConnect, one of the Western Grower’s Center for Innovation & Technology’s inaugural residents, builds simple and efficient apps that save time. HeavyConnect simplifies the workday by removing paperwork from the field operation and allows you to comply with time and attendance regulations. HeavyConnect’s TimeKeeper app allows harvesting operations to comply with AB1513 by accurately documenting break-times and non-productive time with common mobile devices (iOS & Android).

During the Tech Talk, HeavyConnect will discuss and answer questions about their innovative solution to farm management operations. For more information about HeavyConnect, join us for the Tech Talk in-person or online and read the “HeavyConnect Builds Technology Out of Farming” story featured in the WG&S Magazine.

EVENT INFORMATION

HeavyConnect Tech Talk®

Date: Thursday, December 8, 2016

Location: Online or in-person.

Online: you will be emailed a link when you register.

In-person: Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (150 Main Street, Suite 130, Salinas, CA 93901)

Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST

RSVP: To attend in-person, please RSVP to Emily Lyons at [email protected].
To attend online, please register here.

Tech Talks, which are offered at no cost, are hosted by the Center to introduce WG members and the community to the latest innovations. For more information about the Tech Talk Series or the Center, contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.

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Last Public Hearing on Pesticide Use Near Schools Regulation is Thursday

November 30th, 2016

The last public hearing to gather stakeholder input about Department of Pesticide Regulation’s recently proposed regulation on agricultural pesticide use near schools will be on December 1, 2016 in Salinas.

Western Growers’ members are highly encouraged to participate in this hearing and voice their concerns about how this regulation would affect operations, as DPR will use this input to develop the new regulation. Members are also encouraged to send emails and letters to DPR. Pre-scripted messages are available on Western Growers Voter Voice Campaign website here.

The proposed regulation, which is slated to take effect in September 2017, prohibits certain pesticide applications within ¼ mile of a schoolsite and requires notification of other pesticide applications within ¼ mile of a schoolsite. Full details about the proposed regulation can be found on the DPR website.

Western Growers is concerned that this newly proposed regulation is not based on sound science and may cause unforeseen consequences for both growers and schools. We will continue to express serious concerns on the issue, and we need our members to express theirs, as well. The last day DPR will be accepting public comments will be December 9, 2016.

WORKSHOP INFORMATION
Thursday, December, 1, 2016 at 6.00 p.m.
Salinas Sports Complex
Exhibition Mall
1034 N. Main Street
Salinas, CA 93906

RESOURCES ON PROPOSED REGULATION

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

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USDA Releases New Pesticide Data Report

November 30th, 2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its latest Pesticide Data Program (PDP) report, revealing that 99 percent of the samples tested had pesticide residues well below the tolerances established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with 15 percent having no detectable pesticide residue.

The report is based on data from 2015.

The PDP tested a total of 10,187 samples—9,872 samples of fresh and processed fruit and vegetables and 315 samples of peanut butter. Residues exceeding the established tolerance were detected in 0.53 percent (54 of 10,187) of the samples, and 3.9 percent (394 of 10,187) of the samples had residues with no established tolerance for the specific commodity tested. Commodities tested included apples, cherries, cucumbers, grapefruit, grapes, green beans, lettuce, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pears, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes and watermelon.

Based on the PDP data and on EPA’s assessment, the small amount of pesticides found in a few of the samples present no health risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has concluded that pesticide residues do not pose risk to consumers’ health.

Published annually, the PDP provides regulators, scientists, farmers, processors, manufacturers and consumers with important insights into the actual levels of pesticide residues found on widely consumed foods. EPA uses PDP data to conduct dietary risk assessments and to ensure that any pesticide residues in foods remain at safe levels.

RESOURCES

For more information, please contact Matt McInerney or (949) 885-2263. 

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New Nassif Notes Blog Highlights “What Trump’s Election Means for Agriculture”

November 30th, 2016

In the latest entry of Nassif Notes, Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif pens about his views on how the new administration will impact agriculture. Nassif details how “President-elect Trump is aligned with agriculture on many issues, including the need to rebalance the regulatory climate for American farmers, especially those in the West who have been subjected to the most aggressive federal dictates.”

Nassif highlights his optimism on working with Trump to fix issues such as the labor crisis, international trade, the Endangered Species Act, crop protection regulations and more. The full entry can be found here: “What Trump’s Election Means for Agriculture”

Launched earlier this year, the Nassif Notes blog provides commentary on timely topics, events and people by WG President & CEO Tom Nassif. The blog also encourages meaningful dialogue among Western Growers members, policymakers, reporters and the general public around key issues impacting fruit, vegetable and tree nut farmers in Arizona, California and Colorado.

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Western Growers Announces Class IV Future Volunteer Leaders

November 17th, 2016

In 2011, Western Growers welcomed its inaugural class of Future Volunteer Leaders. The two-year program is dedicated to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders within our Regular Member companies. Participants in the program have an expressed desire to learn about the federal, state and local public policy issues facing the agriculture and are interested in becoming advocates for the fresh produce industry.

During the program, Future Volunteer Leaders attend all board meetings and participate in the committee meetings and other board functions, in addition to leadership and social media training and other educational and networking opportunities. 

Applications for Class IV, which will begin in February 2017, have been received and vetted by staff and approved by the Executive Committee. The selected members of Class IV reflect the demographic diversity of the Western Growers membership, as well as the level of talent inherent in the family-run businesses that define our organization.

Click here for a complete list and bios of Class IV participants. For more information about the Future Volunteer Leaders Program, please contact Cory Lunde at (949) 885-2264. 

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Coalition Seeking Signatories for Pro TPP Letter to Congress

November 1st, 2016

The U.S. Coalition for TPP is collecting signatures for a joint sign-on letter urging support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The letter will be delivered to all members of Congress this fall. This letter is open to all businesses/corporations, business associations, state and local chambers and allied organizations. Please consider joining onto the letter by clicking here to add your name today!

The deadline for signatures is Monday, November 7, 2016 by 5:00 p.m. EST.

Additionally, the coalition is ramping up a social media presence to promote TPP. WG encourages all members supportive of the trade pact to engage your followers on Twitter and Facebook as often as you can. Feel free to contact Jeff Janas of our communications team for any suggestions.

For additional information, please contact WGs’ Ken Barbic at (202) 296-0191.

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New Countywide ACP Quarantine in Fresno Co. Will Make Citrus Shipping Easier for Growers

November 1st, 2016

Western Farm Press is reporting that Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner Les Wright has implemented a countywide Asian citrus psyllid quarantine for Fresno County. Wright’s decision eliminates regulatory restrictions and makes it easier for growers to ship citrus within the county and from Tulare County in Fresno County.

Several pest discoveries around the state made over the past year in several locations warranted to move.   

According to Western Farm Press, “both counties grow a considerable amount of the state’s fresh citrus and numerous citrus packing sheds are located” there. “Close to 90 percent of the state’s total citrus acreage of well over 250,000 is found in the counties of Fresno, Tulare and Kern.”

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