Win a MacBook Air! Participate in HR Practices and Compensation Survey by March 31

February 28th, 2017

Western Growers is offering members an important tool to help attract and retain the best employees in California and Arizona’s produce industry. The annual HR Practices and Compensation Survey collects data to provide members with crucial information needed to keep compensation competitive—and your participation this year is needed!

Every WG member who participates in the surveys will receive these valuable results at no cost (a $2,000 value). Your participation also qualifies you for a chance to win an Apple MacBook Air.

This year’s survey will include:

  • New data for 13 additional field worker positions, including labor sources, compensation, eligibility for incentives and piece-rate, and worker retention programs.
  • Details for 70 roles across your entire organization, including executive, sales, marketing, plant, office, and field jobs.
  • Compensation and HR practices for over 20 categories, including base pay, health plan coverage, incentive programs, and merit increases.

Participate in this year’s survey by March 31, 2017 for free access to the results report.

How the Surveys Works

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

Professional Compensation Survey: collects base pay and variable (bonus) salary data for professional positions in the specialty crop industry. We use an independent, certified compensation specialist to protect the confidentiality of your data.

HR Practices Survey: collects information for performance appraisals, merit increases/merit budgets, bonus/incentive programs, austerity programs, health plan offerings, paid time off and more.

SIGN UP FOR THE SURVEY TODAY!

Click here for a recording of our webinar about attracting the best employees. For more information, contact Fran Mueseler at (818) 324-0035 or Karen Timmins at (949) 885-2295.

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WG Hosts Forum to Advance Water Management Technology

February 28th, 2017

Western Growers will host a “deep dive” forum to advance innovation and adoption of irrigation technology on Monday, March 27, 2017, at the Convention Center in Fresno, Calif. Join the timely discussion as we explore opportunities to drive innovation and collaboration in water management technology. We will look at balancing the promise of new ag technologies with the realities of farming to create value for growers.

Not only will we take a deeper look into the water management challenges, but also the obstacles that water technologists are overcoming to create real solutions that work for Central Valley ag. Conversations will be led by a host of pioneers in the ag, agtech and water space—including numerous Western Growers members and WG Center for Innovation & Technology start-up companies. We are pleased to announce A.G. Kawamura as our lunch keynote speaker. Join us as he discusses “Setting the Table,” sponsored by AT&T.

The event is designed to encourage an interactive discussion between a panel of growers and agtech professionals, as well as the audience, to help advance innovation and adoption of irrigation technology. The forum is offered at no cost and is sponsored by The Mixing Bowl, City of Fresno, Fresno County Farm Bureau, AT&T, Fresno State, Fresno Food Expo, Fresno Chamber of Commerce and Forbes AgTech Summit. This is the first event as part of WG Center for Innovation & Technology’s efforts to take a more solutions-orientated role, where WG plans to zero in and seek out agtech startups who are developing technologies that solve the industry’s most immediate needs.

EVENT DETAILS

Name: Getting Water Tech Flowing for Agriculture
Date: Monday, March 27, 2017
Time: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM PDT
Location: Fresno Convention Center (700 M St., Fresno, CA 93721)
RSVP: REGISTER HERE

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

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Worker Pesticide Safety More Important Than Ever After Pesticide-Related Deaths

February 28th, 2017

In light of the recent incident in Texas where a pesticide mixed with water to cause a toxic gas, businesses utilizing pesticides in their operations may face increased scrutiny by regulatory agencies. This incident caused the death of four minors and sent another five people to the hospital.

Agricultural workers and pesticide handlers are encouraged to redouble their efforts to follow the Worker Protection Standard (WPS)—a federal regulation designed to reduce the risk of accidental pesticide poisoning or exposure for the workers and pesticide handlers involved with agribusinesses. Failure to follow the guidelines set forth by the WPS can result in accidental exposure to pesticides, such as the incident in Texas.

There are three basic principles that form the foundation of the WPS:

  1. Information: Pesticide safety information is communicated through training and informative posters at centralized locations or a site affected by the application of pesticides.
  2. Protection: Protection from pesticides includes excluding regular workers and others from areas treated by pesticides, as well as prohibiting a handler from applying pesticides in a way that will expose workers or others.
  3. Mitigation: To mitigate exposure to pesticides, an employer will provide supplies to include water, soap, and single-use paper towels for routine washing and emergency decontamination.

The Environmental Protection Agency, along with state and county agriculture commissioner’s offices, monitor compliance with the WPS through inspections. Employers of ag workers and pesticide handlers may be inspected if a complaint or tip is filed, a random selection is conducted or if they are a targeted business. Failure to comply with the label instructions can result in a pesticide misuse violation consisting of a warning letter, administrative order, administrative order with penalty, civil lawsuit or criminal charges.

Western Growers Insurance Services loss control consultants and supporting staff are available to conduct a variety of safety trainings including the mandatory WPS safety training. Additionally, the Insurance Services team can provide consultative assistance with the documentation necessary to be compliant with the federal, state or county government agencies overseeing the use of pesticides.

For more information or if you would like support from Insurance Services, please contact Ken Cooper, director of risk strategy at WGIS, at (949) 379-3858.

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Class IV Future Volunteer Leaders Installed

February 15th, 2017

Last Wednesday, February 8, the fourth class of Future Volunteer Leaders assembled at the Western Growers’ Irvine headquarters for the inaugural activities of the two-year networking and leadership development program.

Eleven Class IV participants began the three-day program with an introduction to the history and organizational structure of Western Growers, as well as an in-depth look at the member services provided by staff. The ensuing two-day Arbinger leadership seminar, titled Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box, was punctuated by a social media workshop encouraging class members to leverage existing digital tools to better tell the story of agriculture.

Members of the class will be invited to participate in all regular board meeting functions for the next two years, including the March meeting in Sacramento, Washington, D.C., trip in May, July meeting in Newport Beach and Annual Meeting in November. The second year will be also be highlighted by a Florida production tour with members of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s leadership program. 

The competitively-selected Future Volunteer Leaders Program is designed for the next generation of leaders within Western Growers member companies interested in becoming more informed and effective advocates for the fresh produce industry. These individuals are policy-minded and have expressed a desire to serve the industry – both now and in the future – in volunteer leadership capacities.

Class IV participants include:

  • Ben Barnard, Mission Produce
  • Domenick Buck, Anthony Vineyards
  • Ross Franson, Woolf Farming & Processing
  • Greg Lewis, Duda Farm Fresh Foods
  • Brent McKinsey, Mission Ranches
  • Sutton Morgan, Oasis Organics
  • Heather Mulholland, Mullholland Citrus
  • Eric Reiter, Reiter Affiliated Companies
  • Kyle Richardson, Rich-Pak Farms
  • Chris Rotticci, Taylor Farms
  • Kelly Strickland, Five Crowns Marketing

If you would like additional information about the Future Volunteer Leaders Program or are interested in applying for future classes, please contact Cory Lunde or (949) 885-2264.

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Members Encouraged to Develop and Adhere to Media Protocols

February 15th, 2017

As part of the media reaction to President Trump’s interior immigration enforcement executive order, many reporters are contacting Western Growers and our members to determine its potential impact on the agriculture industry.

Because of the uncertainties surrounding implementation of this policy, we encourage our members to develop internal protocols designating a single point of contact for all related media inquiries. Employees should be directed to decline requests from journalists to speak about this issue and politely refer reporters to the designated spokesperson for the company.

Furthermore, all staff should understand that any statements made to the media acknowledging that an individual or individuals in your organization lack proper employment authorization could constitute “constructive knowledge” – in particular, if such acknowledgement is printed in a news story – and may subject your company to a potential I-9 audit or an ICE raid.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) prohibits an employer from “knowingly” hiring or continuing to employ aliens who do not have employment authorization. The term “knowing” includes not only actual knowledge, but also knowledge that may fairly be inferred through notice of certain facts and circumstances that would lead a person, through the exercise of reasonable care, to know about a certain condition.

Western Growers is ready to assist you in the event you are contacted by a reporter on any immigration-related matter. If you would like to respond to the media request, we can help you develop your messaging. Or, if you would rather, you can simply redirect any media inquiries to Cory Lunde in the Western Growers Communications Department at (949) 885-2264.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Jason Resnick at (949) 885-2253 or Cory Lunde at (949) 885-2264. 

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Ag Groups Urge CA to Improve Water Supplies

February 3rd, 2017

Based on a snow survey conducted by the California Department of Water Resources, California already has 108 percent of its typical water supply for the entire year. In response to the findings, Western Growers, California Farm Bureau Federation and California Farm Water Coalition distributed a joint press release asking the state to use the survey data to improve water supplies for the state’s farmers and ranchers.

“You would think that a snowpack in the range of 175 percent of average would assure plentiful water supplies, but that link has long ago been severed. Wildlife agencies often hold the key to determining how much water is available, because endangered-species laws reserve water for protected fish,” said Tom Nassif, president of Western Growers, in the press release.

The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, which included short-term provisions to increase flexibility of the state’s water system, also invests in California water storage and desalination projects. The three ag agencies are urging the California Water Commission to put that money to work as quickly as possible to build new storage facilities that can capture more water during future winters.

The California Water Commission will decide later this year on water projects to be funded through the bond. Western Growers is encouraging members to tell the California Water Commission to fund new storage. Comments to the Commission can be sent to [email protected].

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

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Western Growers Signs onto Letters Supporting Estate Tax Repeal Initiatives

February 3rd, 2017

Tax reform will be a significant priority for the Congress in 2017 with both Congress and the Trump Administration looking to revamp the nation’s tax system. Earlier this month, Senator John Thune (R-ND), and Representatives Kristi Noem (R-SD) and Rob Bishop (R-UT) introduced legislation in the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, that would repeal the estate tax, while still keeping open changes to the “step-up in basis” rule. Western Growers has joined with other organizations expressing support for these measures. Two letters we have signed onto can be viewed below.  

FBETC Senator Thune Letter of Support

FBETC Noem and Bishop Letter of Support

The estate tax repeal is potentially one of many provisions that could trigger a larger tax system overhaul. Western Growers will continue to evaluate targeted proposals and any broader proposals that are developed and being considered and keep members informed of their progress.

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

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President Trump Issues Executive Orders on Immigration

February 3rd, 2017

In his first week in office, President Trump signed a flurry of immigration-related executive orders.   

The “Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements” executive order primarily concerns the building of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border. Republican congressional leaders have said they will move forward with plans to approve funds for the wall, which they estimate will cost between $12 and $15 billion.

The “Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States” executive order pertains to interior enforcement, including reversing the enforcement priorities that had been put into place under the Obama Administration, such as making agriculture a low priority for immigration enforcement. This order also calls for prioritizing the deportation of undocumented immigrants who have, among other things, been “convicted of any criminal offense,” “have been charged with any criminal offense,” “have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense” or “have engaged in fraud or willful misrepresentation in connection with any official matter.” The order also gives significant latitude to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in making such determinations.

Additionally, the interior enforcement order calls on the Department of Homeland Security to hire 10,000 additional ICE officers and empowers state and local law enforcement agencies to perform the functions of immigration enforcement.

We expect President Trump to sign more immigration-related executive orders in the near future, including one affecting foreign visa programs, including the H-2A program. Another order is expected to allow recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) authorization to remain in their current status, but disallow further DACA renewals.

Western Growers will continue to monitor how these orders are being implemented and inform members of any potential impacts to the industry.

For more information, contact Ken Barbic at (202) 296-0191 or Jason Resnick at (949) 885-2253.  

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Western Growers Mourns Loss of Ag Icon Tom Russell

February 3rd, 2017

Pacific International Marketing president, Tom Russell, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, in Phoenix. Russell was a member of Western Growers since 1990. At the time of his death, he was involved in about 40 business partnerships, including several with Western Growers’ directors and members. Russell combined his financial and sales talents to become one of the most successful marketers on the West Coast in the fresh produce industry.     

He was born in Phoenix on November 3, 1951. Although he eventually established himself as a bona-fide and iconic member of the industry, Russell did not become involved in agriculture until later in his career when he began work in the mid-1970s for the J.A Wood Company following a highly-successful career in martial arts.

“Tom excelled at anything he did, whether it was personal or business related,” recalled Matt McInerney, Western Growers senior executive vice president. “His big personality and business skills certainly contributed to his success and made him an icon of the industry. He was ‘a man for all seasons’ and will be deeply missed.”  

He leaves behind his wife Carol of 33 years, three daughters, Sarah, Anna and Olivia, and his son John who works for Rousseau Farming in Tolleson, Arizona. 

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CDFA Accepting 2017 SWEEP Applications

February 8th, 2017

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced it is accepting applications for State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) grants as of February 1, 2017. According to a CDFA press release, competitive grant funding totaling approximately $3.75 million will be made available “to provide financial assistance to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water at California agricultural operations.”

Agricultural operations can apply for funding of up to $100,000 per project for irrigation projects that provide quantifiable water savings and greenhouse gas reductions. 

CDFA will hold three workshops and one webinar to provide information on program requirements and the FAAST application process (see in press release below). There is no cost to attend the workshops. Individuals planning to attend should email [email protected] and include your contact information, number of seats required and the workshop location.

CDFA’s Full Press Release    

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

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WG Files Amicus Brief in Gerawan Farming Decertification Case

February 8th, 2017

Western Growers and industry partners have filed an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief in the case of Gerawan Farming, Inc. v. California Agricultural Labor Relations Board and United Farm Workers, now pending before the California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District.

The case challenges an ALRB ruling which upheld an administrative law judge’s (ALJ) decision that a 2013 petition by a group of Gerawan workers to oust the UFW union was tainted by what the ALJ deemed to be unlawful speech by the employer. The Order found the results of the decertification election held in November 2013 to be invalid. The ballots, which have never been counted, but are believed to be heavily weighted toward “No Union” remain impounded by the ALRB pending appeal.

Eugene Volokh is a renowned constitutional scholar and professor of law at the UCLA School of Law, who authored the brief on behalf of WG, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Farm Bureau Federation, and Ventura County Agricultural Association. The brief argues that Dan Gerawan’s statements were protected by the First Amendment’s right to free speech (Gerawan made statements in support of the workers who petitioned the government for a decertification election and their right to have their ballots counted.).

In addition, the brief argues that CFFA exercised its First Amendment rights by supporting the workers’ exercise of their First Amendment rights, when the association paid for the cost of the bus charter which transported the workers to Sacramento to protest the government’s decision to impound the ballots, and that such actions, even if ruled unlawful, cannot be attributed to Dan Gerawan as a member of the association. Moreover, Gerawan’s silence about the bus trip, was itself, a protected exercise of free speech. 

Western Growers will continue to monitor this important case and keep members informed.

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

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Valadao Urges Trump to ‘Repair Broken Immigration System’

February 10th, 2017

On Tuesday, Congressman David Valadao (R-Hanford) issued a letter to President Trump urging the president to work with him and other key members of Congress to fix our nation’s broken immigration system. The son of Portuguese immigrants who represents a large agricultural district, Valadao is personally connected to the issue.

An excerpt from his letter reads, “Like you, I firmly believe securing our borders is an issue fundamental to our national security. However, as we begin to address the issue of immigration reform, it is important to modernize and streamline our current legal immigration system, and create a process by which the eleven million undocumented immigrants currently living in our country, who have otherwise followed the law, can earn legal status and continue contributing to our economy and society.”

Valadao has been a consistent and vocal leader who has advocated for agricultural immigration reform.

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Members Should Prepare for Increased ICE Audits & Raids

February 10th, 2017

As previously reported in Spotlight, President Trump issued a number of immigration related executive orders (EO), including the “Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States” EO which focuses on interior immigration enforcement.

Members should begin preparing for increased worksite enforcement and renewed emphasis on Form I-9 audits. This means that employers should be proactive to recognize and correct Form I-9 problems before ICE comes knocking on the door. Now is the time to audit all Form I-9s to ensure they are completed fully and accurately. “Minor paperwork mistakes” or “technical errors” can result in costly penalties for employers. Employers must make appropriate corrections if they have identified mistakes on their Form I-9s.

It is important that employers perform internal audits on a regular basis and make corrections before receiving a Notice of Inspection from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”). If employers wait to make corrections after ICE sends a “Notice of Inspection,” they will likely incur much steeper fines and penalties, up to $1,100 for each I-9 or employee for even “minor” technical violations. Fines are significantly higher for more substantive I-9 violations (e.g., missing work authorization information, missing I-9’s, etc.); and up to $16,000 for knowingly employing unauthorized workers. 

Correcting Form I-9’s incorrectly can result in additional penalties, so members should consult legal counsel, or at a minimum have staff specifically trained on how to properly correct I-9’s, before making corrections.

In addition to I-9 audits, members should be prepared and help prepare their workforces for ICE workplace raids. Members are encouraged to review instructions for What to Do during an ICE Visit and, How to Be Prepared for an Immigration Raid (English). A Spanish version of this document is also available.

Members may wish to distribute the Know Your Rights pamphlet, also available in English and Spanish.

For more information, contact Jason Resnick. Members who are contacted by ICE are encouraged to immediately notify Resnick.

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Ag Industry Letter Urges Governor to Consult with Industry on ALRB Appointments

February 15th, 2017

Western Growers and industry partners have sent a letter to Governor Jerry Brown expressing dismay with the process for appointing Isadore Hall to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board as well as conflicts of interest demonstrated by Member Hall, a staunch UFW supporter. 

The letter notes that “the ALRB has been, and continues to be, aligned with the predominant labor union (the United Farm Workers Union) in matters brought to, and initiated by, the Board.” And yet, the letter goes on, former ALRB Chairman William Gould recognized in his resignation letter that the UFW has “’absolutely no interest in organizing the unorganized.’ Given that reality, we would have appreciated some outreach and even consultation before former Chairman Gould was replaced with a UFW ally.” 

While noting that Board member Hall is “respected and well-liked by members on both sides of the aisle in the Legislature,” and wanting to give him the benefit of the doubt, it is harder to do so “in light of the support he has received from the United Farm Workers union, public statements by the UFW’s President in support of Mr. Hall’s candidacy for Congress, and public displays featuring Mr. Hall marching with UFW activists.”

The letter concludes with an appeal to the Governor:

California’s farmers continue to struggle with increasingly powerful international and domestic competition, fueled by our state’s uniquely complicated regulatory environment. We desperately need leaders in government who will seek our engagement as partners, especially on those issues most heavily colored by conflict. It is unfortunate that this did not occur in this matter. We appeal to your leadership to set a different course as future opportunities unfold.

The letter to the Governor was submitted by the following organizations:

  • California Fresh Fruit Association
  • California Strawberry Commission
  • Grower Shipper Association of Central California
  • Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association
  • Ventura County Agricultural Association
  • Western Growers 

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

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Have You Posted Your OSHA 300A Summary?

February 16th, 2017

Most employers are required to complete OSHA’s Form 300A and post the “Summary” page from February 1 to April 30 of the year following the year covered by the “Summary.” It must be displayed in a conspicuous location where notices to employees are customarily posted.

A copy of the “Summary” must also be made available to employees who move from worksite to worksite and employees who do not report to any fixed establishment on a regular basis. At the end of the three-month period, the “Summary” should be taken down and kept on file for a period of five years following the year to which it pertains.   

The law requires that the log must be completed even if there were no recordable injuries or illnesses during the year. In such cases, employers are required to post the summary with zero (0) appearing on the total line.

Businesses with 10 or fewer employees are exempt from the requirement unless there was an employee fatality, hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. In addition, certain industries are partially exempt. View: List of partially exempt industries. 

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

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Know Your Rights: “Day without Immigrants” Walkout Activities Begin TODAY

February 16th, 2017

Immigrant rights groups have leveraged social media to organize employee walkouts and protests across the country today, Thursday, February 16. The planned “Day without Immigrants” is intended to protest the Trump administration’s executive orders with respect to immigration and underscore the importance of migrants to the country’s economy and social structure. It is unclear to what extent agricultural workers intend to participate.

The Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA) and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects farmworkers and all other workers (whether unionized or not), respectively, who engage in lawful concerted activity for purposes of mutual aid and protection. Generally, when an employee acts on behalf of others, or if a group of employees raise work-related issues to management, such action is deemed to be protected concerted activity. However, employees who protest government action without raising workplace concerns are generally not afforded such protection under either statute.

Based on precedent, the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) would likely take the position that workers who walk off the job or fail to show up for work may be protected under the ALRA or NLRA. Employers are advised NOT to discipline employees who choose to participate in the boycott.

It is generally not necessary to pay employees for time missed for participating in the boycott. Moreover, under California and federal law (Fair Labor Standards Act), an employer can deduct the full-day salary of an overtime exempt employee for absences for vacation, sickness or personal reasons, when no leave is available without affecting the employee’s exempt salaried status.

Since the purpose of being absent in this case is due to participating in political activities, it is also not necessary to pay California-based employees for paid sick time. Employees may use paid sick days for diagnosis, care, or treatment of an existing health condition of, or preventive care for, an employee or employee’s qualified family member. (Employees may also use leave for specified purposes if the employee is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.) Of course, if employees request paid sick leave for being absent on this day, the employer must inquire as to the reason for the leave, and pay for paid sick time if the employee is eligible and gives a valid reason under Labor Code section 246. Also, if the employee has available vacation time, then he or she could use vacation time if doing so is consistent with the company’s vacation policy.

If your employees walkout or don’t show up to work as part of the “Day without Immigrants” protests, we want to hear from you. Contact Cory Lunde at (949) 885-2264 to let us know about any activities related to these events.

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

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AZ Ag Department to Hold Listening Sessions on Reducing Regulatory Impacts on Businesses

February 24th, 2017

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is inviting stakeholders to participate in a series of listening sessions that are “part of the governor’s mission to reduce regulatory burden and promote customer-service-orientated principles” for the agriculture industry and the general public. The Department will not be discussing proposed language changes for the rules, but instead is seeking input about how these rules impact individual businesses and organizations. 

According to a letter to stakeholders, five specific rules will be targeted in three meeting events. The following rules will be discussed: Transportation and Packing; Regulated and Restricted Noxious Weeds; Prohibited Noxious Weeds; Nut Tree Pests; and Nut Pests.

Read the department’s full letter and see dates and times for each listening session  

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

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Western Growers Co-hosts 2017 Arizona Ag Day at the Capitol

February 28th, 2017

Along with a group of other agriculture and horticulture organizations, Western Growers co-hosted a luncheon for Arizona legislators on the grounds of the state Capitol earlier today. A bi-partisan group of fifty-six legislators, members of their staffs and other public officials came out to the annual ‘Ag Day at the Capitol’ to socialize with members from the host organizations and each other in support of Arizona agriculture.

Arizona produce growers including Rousseau Farming Company, Duncan Family Farms and Tanimura & Antle all participated in the event. Guest enjoyed lunch with their colleagues and hosts and were provided with bags of fresh produce.

Participating organizations included:

  • Western Growers
  • Agri-Business & Water Council of Arizona
  • Arizona Agriculture Aviation Association
  • Arizona Cattlemens Association
  • Arizona Cotton Growers Association
  • Arizona Crop Protection Association
  • Arizona Farm Bureau
  • Arizona Nursery Association
  • CropLife America
  • United Dairymen of Arizona
  • Western Plant Health Association
  • Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association

Pictured above is WG’s Manager of AZ Government Affairs, AnnaMarie Knorr and state Senator Lisa Otondo (LD-4) of Yuma.

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

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Farm Organizations: Snow Survey Must Lead to Improved Water Supplies

February 3rd, 2017

When state snow surveyors visit the Sierra Nevada, they will find a snowpack well above average for the date—and California agricultural organizations say they hope that translates into improved water supplies for the state’s farmers and ranchers.

“You would think that a snowpack in the range of 175 percent of average would assure plentiful water supplies, but that link has long ago been severed,” said Tom Nassif, president of the Western Growers Association. “Wildlife agencies often hold the key to determining how much water is available, because endangered-species laws reserve water for protected fish.”

Nassif noted the passage of federal legislation called the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, which included short-term provisions to increase flexibility of the state’s water system.

“Among its provisions, the WIIN Act allows water agencies to capture more water during winter storms and requires them to maximize supplies consistent with law. This winter will be a good test of how agencies adhere to that law,” said Paul Wenger, president of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

The WIIN Act also invests in California water storage and desalination projects, complementing the investments California voters made when they passed the Proposition 1 water bond in 2014.

“We’ve had to let too much water run out to sea this winter, because we didn’t have any place to store it,” said Bill Diedrich, president of the California Farm Water Coalition. “We should be doing everything we can to save today’s rain and snow for use tomorrow.”

The California Water Commission will decide later this year on water projects to be funded through the bond.

“We will continue to urge the commission to put that money to work as quickly as possible to build new storage facilities that can capture more water during future winters such as we’ve seen in 2017,” Diedrich said.

 

Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California and Colorado. Our members and their workers provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. For generations we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.

California Farm Bureau Federation:
The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 48,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 6.2 million Farm Bureau members.

California Farm Water Coalition:
The California Farm Water Coalition is a non-profit, public education organization dedicated to providing fact-based information to the public. www.farmwater.org Twitter: @farmwater Facebook: foodgrowswherewaterflows

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Three Startups Receive Scholarship to Advance Agricultural Technologies Development

February 13th, 2017

Western Growers announces first set of scholarship winners; seven scholarships still available

IRVINE, Calif. (February 13, 2017) – Western Growers has selected three start-up companies to receive a Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology® Scholarship: AgVoice, Food Origin and Wexus Technologies. Each winner will receive invaluable resources to support their growing businesses and advance the development of their innovative technologies that will be crucial to the sustainability of agriculture.

“Our scholarship is one of the first scholarship programs of its kind, and we were impressed with the caliber of applicants we received during the first round,” said Hank Giclas, Western Growers’ senior vice president, strategic planning, science & technology. “We, along with Wells Fargo, are proud to support the entrepreneurs and companies who are developing significant technologies that will help agriculture feed 9.3 billion people within the next 30 years.”

Wells Fargo Bank awarded Western Growers Foundation a $30,000 grant last July to establish a scholarship fund for agtech startups. Ten scholarships, each worth up to $3,000, will be awarded; seven scholarships still remain. All startups interested in applying can view the full scholarship requirements and apply here.

The scholarship will underwrite the cost of a “hot desk” (non-reserved workstation) or defray the costs of a desk within the Center for Innovation & Technology for one year. Recipients will also receive all the benefits of being a Western Growers’ member and resident of the Center, including access to prominent networking opportunities with leading fresh produce companies; ample exposure to agricultural-related organizations throughout California, Arizona and Colorado; training and mentorship from industry professionals, including legal, HR, insurance, financial and communications experts; routine classes and workshops designed to provide startups with the knowledge and customer connections they need to bring their technology from development to production. They will also be offered the amenities of a traditional office, including internet and phones, printers and copiers, meeting and conference rooms, and cutting-edge technology to live stream events and presentations.

Information about the three start-up companies selected to receive the scholarship are as follows:

  • AgVoice: AgVoice provides a voice-to-data, workflow management service for food and ag professionals. By combining a uniquely tailored industrial-grade voice-enabled user experience with a cloud-based proprietary analytics platform, AgVoice enables users to achieve verifiable fast inspections, reporting and workflow management for the agri-food supply chain more accurately than existing outdated processes. These accurate, actionable insights can improve yield, reduce risk and optimize sustainable use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
     
  • Food Origins: Food-Origins will significantly improve the efficiency of the $20B hand harvested fruit industry with the single click of a precision data collection system. The ability to collect actionable data for hand-picked, high-value specialty crops will bring the benefits of precision agriculture to this industry. Those benefits include the three main components of farm decision-making: obtaining relevant data, acquiring insight through analysis, and enabling efficient management. Captured with one click of a low cost handheld device in the field, Food Origins offer precision harvest data in real time. 
     
  • Wexus Technologies: The Wexus team has built the world’s first “early warning system” for the ag industry that alerts growers to actual costs and potential equipment problems of their irrigation systems in real time. By accessing smart meter technology in the cloud, the Wexus (Water-Energy-Nexus) software platform makes the most complicated utility data simple, usable and actionable to empower growers to save money, time, energy and water.

About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California and Colorado. Our members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations, we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.

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