WG Center for Innovation & Technology Reaches 36 Startups, 21 Sponsors

May 2nd, 2017

Western Growers welcomes five new start-up companies to its Center for Innovation & Technology: FieldIn, iTrade Network, Tracmap, MagGrow and RootsTalk. The WG Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) now officially houses 36 agtech startups who are developing technological solutions to help agriculture solve the industry’s most pressing challenges. 

As residents of the Center, these startups will now have access to valuable resources including access to prominent networking opportunities; ample exposure to agricultural-related organizations; training and mentorship from industry professionals; routine classes and workshops designed to provide startups with the knowledge and customer connections needed to help their business thrive; and the benefits of a Western Growers member.

The Center’s newest residents include:

FieldIn: FieldIn is an end-to-end pest management software solution for growers of specialty crops. They help growers save money on more efficient crop protection practices, reducing overall use of pesticides and eliminating spray mistakes. By utilizing sensors on equipment, FieldIn provides equipment tracking, real-time alerts on spray mistakes, pest management performance reports, view of pest population hotspots, pest severity levels and more.

iTrade Network: iTradeNetwork is built for the entire food supply chain, enabling visibility, control and insights built on the largest end-to-end food-centric supply network in the industry. Through an extensive trading partner network and a comprehensive data foundation, iTradeNetwork’s products allow distributors, manufacturers, operators, retailers, suppliers and wholesalers to easily communicate and collaborate on orders, logistics and distribution. Solutions offered by iTradeNetwork reduce cost, grow revenue and strengthen trading partner relationships.

MagGrow: MagGrow has developed a patented magnetic spraying technology system for the horticulture and arable sectors of the agricultural industry. The startup currently offers a crop sprayer system and a greenhouse backpack sprayer.

RootsTalk: RootsTalk, an advanced drip irrigation system, is the first company to offer “Irrigation as a Service” through an autonomous irrigation controller. The company’s non-conventional oxygen availability method enables them to reach unparalleled results for almost any crop, under any growing condition. RootsTalk guarantees all clients a gross gain of at least $100,000.

Tracmap: Tracmap is world leader in supplying precision guidance systems for ground applications in agriculture. The capabilities of Tracmap’s online management software for farmers are extensive: draw out maps using Google Earth imagery, apply variable rates, identify hazards, retain paddock by paddock history, schedule jobs for the crew, and even link with a variety of other software packages to ensure easy integration with existing packages and processes.

WG is also excited to share that the WGCIT now has 21 sponsors. We wish to extend a big “thank you” to our newest sponsors, who are joining in the effort to support our startups in helping bring their technology from development to production.

Our newest sponsors include:

Duda Farm Fresh Foods: Duda has become one of the country’s most reputable family-owned enterprises. Currently under its fifth generation of family ownership, Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ mission is to grow healthy food products. Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ vision is “to be the preferred and profitable solution provider through innovation to our selected customers, supported by a steady stream of products, processes, packaging, and technology.”

Ocean Mist Farms: Since 1924, Ocean Mist Farms has provided multiple generations of customers with the freshest artichokes and vegetables, and is still family owned. “Ocean Mist’s mission is to provide our customers with only the very best quality Artichokes, other fresh vegetables, and uncompromising service…Every day.” Ocean Mist Farms is devoted to improving farming practices and sustainability.

Pacific Ag Rentals: For more than 30 years, Pacific Ag Rentals has been oriented to serving and fulfilling the needs of agriculture interests with quality implements, tractors, parts, hardware, and other necessities at the best prices possible. With locations in Salinas, Five Points, Stockton and Yuma, Ariz., the company specialize in renting, leasing and financing any size of equipment package.

To keep up to date on the latest happenings at the Center, visit the WGCIT website, news blog or Facebook. For more information, please contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.

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WGAT Celebrates 60th Anniversary, Opening of New Oxnard Health and Wellness Center with Open House Series

May 2nd, 2017

Western Growers Assurance Trust celebrates 60 years of leadership in offering quality health care options to the agricultural community with a series of open house events in each of its four Cedar Health and Wellness Centers. The open houses will take place from May 9-12, 2017 in Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Maria and their newest location in Oxnard.

The Cedar Health and Wellness Centers offer benefits to farm workers and agribusiness employees including same day appointments, bilingual care and quality care options with lower copays than standard health plans. Health services also include immunizations, preventive routine checkups, health screenings, first aid and pediatric care for children two years and older.

The Cedar Health and Wellness Centers in Salinas, Santa Maria and Watsonville will be hosting open houses to reintroduce themselves to the business community since opening their doors. In an effort to further provide access to health services for ag workers, Watsonville has added radiology services, while Salinas and Santa Maria have moved to bigger facilities to accommodate more clients. In February, WGAT opened its newest Cedar Health and Wellness Center in Oxnard and will have an official ribbon cutting during its open house.

Agriculture employers and their employees in the local communities are invited to the following open houses, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in:

  • Salinas – Tuesday, May, 9 [951 Blanco Circle, Suite F in Salinas]
  • Watsonville – Wednesday, May 10 [150 Carnation Drive, Suite 5 in Freedom]
  • Santa Maria – Thursday, May 11 [525 E. Plaza Drive, Suite 302 in Santa Maria]
  • Oxnard – Friday, May 12 [650 Hobson Way, Suite 207 in Oxnard]

All attendees will receive a guided tour, light refreshments, and a chance to win an Apple watch (for employers) and a new bike (for employees). Employees may also receive a complimentary health screening during the open house hours.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE PRESS RELEASE FOR FULL DETAILS

Join us! For more information on Western Growers Assurance Trust, visit their website at WGAT.com or call (800) 333-4WGA.

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Register for Forbes AgTech Summit — WG Members Receive Discount

May 4th, 2017

Mark your calendars! The Forbes AgTech Summit is returning to Salinas on June 28- 29, 2017, where 600 of the smartest and most entrepreneurial minds in Silicon Valley and global agriculture will come together to tackle some of the world’s most critical challenges. Held for the third straight year, the Summit fosters lively debate and generates rich networking opportunities while showcasing the latest innovations for farmers, investors and stakeholders of the global agricultural ecosystem.

As a benefit of Western Growers’ strategic partnership with Forbes, members will receive $250 off the regular admission price. We encourage all members to attend this premier agtech event!

EVENT DETAILS
Forbes AgTech Summit
Date: June 28- 29, 2017
Registration: WG MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (use registration code: WGA17)

For questions, please contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205. Additional information about this event can be found on the Forbes AgTech Summit website.

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California Supreme Court Issues “Day of Rest” Decision

May 9th, 2017

The California Supreme Court has issued its much anticipated opinion in Mendoza v. Nordstrom, which provides much needed and welcome clarity regarding the state’s “day of rest” statutes. The rule entitles employees to one day’s rest in seven and prohibits employers to “cause” workers to work more than six in seven days.

The day of rest statutes suddenly emerged as significant new areas of concern for agricultural employers with the passage of AB 1066, which removed ag’s exemption from the “day of rest” requirements, as well as significantly altered the overtime obligations for ag workers.

Labor Code section 551 provides that “every person employed in any occupation of labor is entitled to one day’s rest therefrom in seven.” Labor Code section 552 prohibits employers from “causing their employees to work more than six days in seven.” Under Labor Code section 556, there is an exemption to these requirements “when the total hours of employment do not exceed 30 hours in any week or six hours in any one day thereof.” Western Growers provided an initial analysis of the day of rest rule in a recent “Ag in the Law” column.

The State Supreme Court was tasked with answering the following three questions that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals was unable to resolve given the unclear text and history surrounding these provisions:

  • What does it mean to “cause” an employee to work more than six days in seven?  Is it enough to “allow” the employee to work seven days in a row, or must the employer require the employee to work more than six days in a row to be found in violation of the statute? 
  • Is the day of rest required for any consecutive seven-day work period on a rolling basis, or is it measured based on the employer’s workweek?
  • Does the exemption from the day of rest requirement apply where the employee works six hours or less on at least one day during the workweek, or must the employee’s hours be 6 or less every day of the workweek (and no more than 30 for the entire week)? 

The State Supreme Court began its analysis by acknowledging that the text of these statutes are “manifestly ambiguous” and then answered each question in turn, as follows:

  • Employers must ensure employees at least one day of rest for each workweek, rather than one day in every seven on a rolling basis.
  • The exemption for employees working shifts of six hours or less applies only if every day involves six hours or less of work and less than 30 hours worked in the workweek.
  • An employer causes its employee to go without a day of rest when it induces the employee to forgo rest to which he or she is entitled.  The court went on to say, “an employer is not, however, forbidden from permitting or allowing an employee, fully apprised of the entitlement to rest, independently to choose not to take a day of rest.” The court elaborated further, saying “…an employer’s obligation is to apprise employees of their entitlement to a day of rest and thereafter to maintain absolute neutrality as to the exercise of that right.  “An employer may not encourage its employees to forego rest or conceal the entitlement to rest, but is not liable simply because an employee chooses to work on a seventh day.”

Ag employers are encouraged to continue to use a “voluntary work” form which has been updated by Ventura County Ag Association and provides contemporaneous documentary evidence that the employer apprised employees of their right to take a day of rest, but that the employee voluntarily chose to work on a seventh day.

If employees are required to work seven or more consecutive days due to the “nature of their work,” they must receive the equivalent of one day’s rest in seven over the course of a month (e.g. the number of rest days received by the employee must amount to the number of calendar days divided by seven.)  “Nature of the work” is not defined but likely applies to harvest and irrigation activities that cannot be put off even one day due to potential damage to the crop. Finally, overtime pay is required for all work done on the seventh day.

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

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May 25 Webinar Discusses Form I-9 Compliance

May 9th, 2017

On May 25, Western Growers will host a webinar to guide members on how to resolve common compliance challenges surrounding Form I-9.

Form I-9, which is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States, is simple, but compliance is not easy. Fines for Form I-9 errors can be high – up to $2,156 per form, for a first offense.  Those fines can quickly run up to tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of dollars. 

To help businesses stay in compliance, WG Vice President and General Counsel Jason Resnick and WG Manager of Human Resources Lupe Cuevas will lead a webinar, detailing the various complexities surrounding I-9 compliance and how to resolve common compliance challenges many companies face. The webinar will also have an extended question and answer period so members can get answers to any Form I-9 questions.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Form I-9 Compliance

Date: Thursday, May 25, 2017

Time: 10:00AM – 11:30AM PST

Speakers: Jason Resnick, Vice President and General Counsel, Western Growers. Bio.

Lupe Cuevas, Manager of Human Resources, Western Growers.

Register: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Participation is complimentary and available only to WG members.

Contact Jason Resnick at (949) 885-2253 for questions about this webinar.

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CA Standardization Advisory Committee Seeks to Fill Vacancies

May 9th, 2017

The Standardization Advisory Committee currently has numerous vacancies and is seeking interested individuals to fill the positions. The Standardization Advisory Committee advises the California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary on all matters pertaining to the Standardization Program, annual budget and the necessary fees to provide adequate inspection services. Individuals must have a financial interest, either personal or through their employment, in a commodity represented.

Current vacancies include:

  • one fresh fruit member representing oranges, other citrus fruit, and/or table grapes
  • one fresh fruit member representing table grapes
  • one other fresh fruit member representing cantaloupe and melon
  • one other fresh fruit member subject to the Standardization article
  • three fresh vegetable members representing broccoli, lettuce, and/or tomatoes
  • two other fresh vegetable members subject to the Standardization article
  • one any commodity member

The Standardization Program, through legislation, enforces laws and regulations governing minimum standards for maturity, quality, size, standard container and pack, and container markings. Members on the committee receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources. The term of office for committee members is two years.

If you are interested in being considered for an appointment, please contact Laurel Rudolph, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch at 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or [email protected].   

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Upcoming Lunch & Learn Discusses Best Practices for Bee Safety

May 11th, 2017

Honey bees play a key role in the pollination of several specialty crops, and on May 24, you can explore best practices for keeping bees healthy and increasing their population.

Colony numbers have changed over time due to several challenges, including parasites, diseases, less genetic diversity, lack of forage diversity, poor bee nutrition, exposure to pesticides and migratory stresses. During out next Lunch & Learn webinar, we will discuss opportunities and comprehensive solutions that are meant to contribute to healthy and increasing bee populations, which will ultimately benefit bees, beekeepers, applicators, producers and consumers.

Stephanie Regagnon, CEO of FieldWatch, will provide an overview of current issues and best practices. She will also cover different stewardship efforts that connect a variety of stakeholders and enhance collaboration and communication.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Join us to hear about this topic and to ask questions.

WEBINAR DETAILS

How are producers, applicators and beekeepers working together?

Speaker: Stephanie Regagnon, CEO, FieldWatch FieldWatch, Inc.

Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PDT

RSVP: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Participation is complimentary and available only to WG members.

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

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Nassif’s Notes: How Does the UFW Still Have Influence in Sacramento?

May 11th, 2017

In the latest entry of Nassif’s Notes, Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif discusses how the UFW has been found guilty of mistreating its own employees by engaging in what amounts to wage theft, yet Sacramento remains unfazed.

“The irony is obvious, but should be stated: A union that justifies its political agenda by perpetuating myths about farmers mistreating their employees, has been found guilty of mistreating its own union employees by engaging in what amounts to wage theft.

The responses from Democratic legislators in Sacramento? Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL NASSIF’S NOTES BLOG

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Ag Secretary Perdue Announces Creation of Undersecretary for Trade

May 11th, 2017

Yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the establishment of an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs position at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The undersecretary will serve as USDA’s point person in managing and coordinating agricultural trade issues across multiple agencies and within the different USDA offices. The undersecretary will chair an inter-agency committee that will include the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, the Food Safety Inspection Service, the Agricultural Marketing Service and the Federal Grain Inspection Service. Additionally, the undersecretary will meet regularly with the undersecretaries for food safety and marketing and regulatory programs to discuss trade issues.

“Our plan to establish an undersecretary for trade fits right in line with my goal to be American agriculture’s unapologetic advocate and chief salesman around the world,” Perdue said in a USDA press release. “By working side by side with our U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, the USDA undersecretary for trade will ensure that American producers are well equipped to sell their products and feed the world.”

The addition of this position is among other organizational changes Perdue plans to make. Perdue also announced a new undersecretary will be selected for a newly-named Farm Production and Conservation mission area, which will focus on domestic agricultural issues. Just as importantly, the USDA reorganization will elevate the Rural Development agencies to report directly to the secretary of agriculture to ensure that rural America always has a seat at the table. 

The FAS, which deals with overseas markets, will now report to the trade undersecretary under the new scheme. Previously FAS, the Farm Service Agency and the Risk Management Agency reported to the undersecretary for farm and foreign agricultural services. After the reorganization, the Farm Service Agency and the Risk Management Agency will now report to the new undersecretary for farm production and conservation. For more information, view the “Report on the Proposed 2017 Reorganization of the Department of Agriculture” on the USDA website.

To address the U.S. leadership in trade, the Senate confirmed Robert Lighthizer as U.S. Trade Representative this afternoon. Western Growers looks forward to working with Lighthizer to further support the U.S. farmers, manufacturers, service providers and workers around the world.

Contact Ken Gilliland at (949) 885-2267 or Ken Barbic at (202) 296-0191 for questions. 

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Pyrethroid Comment Period Re-Opens

May 16th, 2017

In a memo distributed on May 8, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the re-opening of the comment period on the ecological risk assessment for the pyrethroid chemicals; comments must be received by July 7, 2017.

EPA is re-opening the comment period in response to a number of extension requests received from various stakeholders who have cited reasons including the difficulty of commenting due to the length, quantity, and complexity of the assessments for these particular chemicals, in addition to resource and time constraints.

Western Growers encourages members to submit comments. Your input will provide helpful information to address concerns that the EPA’s preliminary ecological risk assessment for this group of pesticides does not take into account the totality of relevant scientific data, and fails to fully recognize the critical role pyrethroids play in the success of your industry and business. Your comments should focus on the importance of pyrethroids to your toolbox — including efficacy, economy, resistance management, and lack of effective alternatives. This information will help EPA understand the critical nature of this class of chemistry to assess the benefits.

Growers can find language for comments and submit comments directly to the EPA by visiting the Pyrethrioid Working Group’s Action Center.

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

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Only Two LGMA Listening Sessions Remain – Register Today

May 16th, 2017

There are only two listening sessions left about the potential changes to the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA)-approved food safety metrics: May 23 in Imperial, Calif. and May 24 in Yuma, Ariz.

This month, Western Growers (WG) has been hosting a series of listening sessions to provide interested parties and signatories of either the California or Arizona LGMAs with an opportunity to comment on possible changes to the LGMA-recognized metrics and audit checklist. Listening sessions have already taken place in Santa Maria and Salinas.

WG has been leading an effort to release a fully-revised version of the LGMA-approved metrics. This effort goes beyond the current annual LGMA-approved metrics amendment process managed by WG. This initiative incorporates peer-reviewed research presented at the Center of Produce Safety Symposiums, as well as input from an independent expert review panel, the Harmonized Food Safety Standard and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Produce Safety Rule. As a result, a revised LGMA audit checklist could be in place later this year. 

Don’t miss this opportunity and join us for at least one of these listening sessions. The first 50 people to register and arrive will get a seat. These listening sessions are free to attend. Coffee and light snacks will be provided.

Listening sessions will be held at the following locations and dates:

May 23: Imperial at the Farm Credit Services Southwest. Register here.

May 24: Yuma at the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture. Register here.

All session will be from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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

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Managing Employee Compensation Workshop Available on May 24

May 18th, 2017

Competitive compensation is one of the major issues every organization must face in balancing productivity with cost. On May 24, Western Growers’ Senior Vice President of Human Resources Karen Timmins will lead a workshop that explores current concepts, approaches, and techniques that shape the development of compensation strategy, plans and policy.

Attendees will also learn approaches for communicating compensation programs to employees and for monitoring the effectiveness of compensation policy. Timmins will cover topics including the following:

·         Competitive salary analysis and labor market dynamics

·         Salary administration, incentive plans and deferred compensation

·         Budgeting underlying the development of compensation programs

·         Design of compensation packages

·         Compensation theories

EVENT INFORMATION

HR 104: Managing Employee Compensation Programs

Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Location: Malloy Imrie & Vasconi Insurance Services
899 Adams Street – St. Helena, CA 94574

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM with lunch provided from 12:00-12:30 PM

Cost: $150/person for members of APMA and co-sponsoring organizations; $195/person for non-members

RSVP: Please click here for online registration

For more information, view the event flier or contact Karen Timmins at (949) 885-2295.

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May 23 Tech Talk Highlights Aerial Imagery for Agriculture

May 18th, 2017

During this month’s Tech Talk, TerrAvion will reveal how to utilize aerial imagery to make farming operations more profitable. TerrAvion Vice President Bob Westbrook will discuss how their aerial imagery subscription service delivers weekly images at plant or row-level resolution to guide management, agronomy, pest protection and forecasting.

TerrAvion, an agtech startup in the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, provides growers with up-to-date maps and data of fields to help growers direct resources more efficiently and save time. For example, a grower can look at a photograph of a field provided by TerrAvion and compare it to images taken of the same field throughout the season. If they see yellowing in the middle of an area that was not there the week before, they can visit that field to determine the problem and solve it.

During the Tech Talk, Westbrook will provide an overview of the key services, including:

  • High Resolution: Row level resolution lets growers see what’s really happening.
  • Lowest Prices: No one has published or quoted lower prices on imagery than TerrAvion’s standard prices.
  • Themography: See water (or lack thereof) before it damages plants.
  • Reliable: Unlike satellites and drones, TerrAvion work around clouds so delivery of imagery remains consistent.
  • Most Images per Season: To help growers make decisions every week.

 

For more information about how the service works, read the “Aerial Imagery: Using ‘Old’ Technology for New Analytics” story in WG&S Magazine and join us for the Tech Talk on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.

EVENT INFORMATION

TerrAvion Tech Talk®

Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2017

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 PDT

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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Produce Safety Workshops Available in June and July

May 23rd, 2017

Western Growers and AgSafe will be hosting a series of workshops throughout June and July to assist fresh produce companies in meeting training requirements under the final FDA’s produce safety rule “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption.”

These two-day workshops will be offered in 12 different locations. During the first day, participants will have the opportunity to take the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Growers Training Course. During the second day, they will have the option to receive bilingual training on how to implement the FDA’s produce rule.

The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that calls for “at least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.” The course will cover everything from Introduction to Produce Safety to How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan. After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials that verifies they have completed the training course.

The How to Implement the FDA’s Produce Rule Course will offer attendees tools and key requirements to assist those engaged in produce safety to identify key requirements of the FDA’s produce rule and to access practical resources to facilitate its implementation. This class will be taught in English and Spanish and will provide participants with the basics of this rule, key requirements, a better understanding of compliance dates and exemptions, resources to develop or update a food safety plan as well as to develop a robust training program. After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from AgSafe and Western Growers that verifies they have completed this training course.

These courses are open to all those stakeholders interested in produce safety. Members of AgSafe and Western Growers will receive a special discount.

TRAINIING DETAILS

Dates

Arizona

  • June 6 – 7: Raul and Theresa’s Restaurant, 519 W. Main Street, Avondale, AZ 85323
  • June 8 – 9: Springhill Suites by Marriott, 1825 E. 18th Street, Yuma, AZ 85365

California

  • June 13 – 14: Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, 1201 L Street, Modesto, CA 95353
  • June 15 – 16: San Joaquin Ag Center, 2101 E. Earhart Avenue, Stockton, CA 95206
  • June 20 – 21: Ricochet Community Center, 450 W. Aten Road, Imperial, CA 92251
  • June 22 – 23: Galilee Center, 66-101 Hammond Road, Mecca, CA 92254
  • July 11 – 12: A Royal Place, 6720 District Blvd., Bakersfield, CA 93313
  • July 13 – 14: Fresno County Farm Bureau, 1274 W. Hedges Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728
  • July 18 – 19: Orvene S. Community Center, 530 Park Avenue, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
  • July 20 – 21: Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92102
  • July 25 – 26: Monterey County Farm Bureau, 1140 Abbott St., Ste C, Salinas, CA 93901
  • July 27 – 28: Bonipak, 1850 W. Stowell Road, Santa Maria, CA 93458

Costs

  • Day 1: PSA Grower Training Course (8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
    • AgSafe and Western Growers members = $360/person
    • Non-Member = $435/person
  • Day 2: How to implement the FDA’s Produce Safety Course (English 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & Spanish 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
    • AgSafe and Western Growers members = $175/person
    • Non-Member = $205/person
    • Group Rate (3 or more participants) = $160/person
  • Day 1 & Day 2 Package:        
    • AgSafe and Western Growers = $485/person
    • Non-Member = $585/person

Register

Registration is open and seating is limited, save your spot. Register now!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Stay tuned to Spotlight for dates, locations and additional details. For questions about the content of these workshops, contact Western Growers at [email protected]. For questions related to workshop logistics and registration, contact AgSafe at [email protected] 

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OSHA Postpones Electronic Recordkeeping Rule

May 23rd, 2017

A rule scheduled to take effect July 1 requiring employers to electronically submit workplace injury and illnesses information to the government has been delayed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

OSHA had originally issued the rule requiring most employers to post such information in May 2016.  However, OSHA has announced that the filing deadline will be postponed indefinitely.

OSHA has not published an official notice in the Federal Register or otherwise regarding extending the July 1st deadline. Rather, the OSHA recordkeeping website states the following:

“OSHA is not accepting electronic submissions of injury and illness logs at this time, and intends to propose extending the July 1, 2017, date by which certain employers are required to submit the information from their completed 2016 Form 300A electronically. Updates will be posted to this webpage when they are available.”

The rule would have required employers to electronically submit injury and illness information so that it could be publicly posted on OSHA’s website. Furthermore, the rule would have strengthened the agency’s anti-retaliation positions with respect to injury reporting, which were interpreted to limit employers’ abilities to engage in common activities such as mandatory post-accident drug testing and safety incentive programs.

The delay does not come as a surprise, as many observers had expected the Trump administration to delay implementation or Congress to deny funding to the program. It is not known what DOL will do with the rule going forward. The language on the OSHA website suggests OSHA will take further action to formalize the extension.

It is not clear whether any formal extension of the electronic reporting requirements will have any impact on the anti-retaliation regulations, found in the same rule. Two lawsuits are now pending in federal court challenging the rule, and some unions and advocacy groups have petitioned the court to defend the rule. Look for updates on the rule in future editions of Spotlight.

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

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Cal/OSHA Urges Continued Diligence in Protecting Workers from High Temperatures

May 23rd, 2017

As California braces for triple digit temperatures this year, Cal/OSHA is reminding employers to be diligent in protecting their workers during the current and future heat waves. California’s outdoor workplace Heat Illness Prevention regulations require employers to take four steps to prevent heat illness:

  • Training – Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention.
  • Water – Provide enough fresh water so that each worker can drink at least one quart per hour, and encourage workers to do so.
  • Shade – Provide shaded areas upon request or when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, and encourage any worker to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes to protect against overheating. Workers should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
  • Planning – Develop and implement effective written emergency response procedures for complying with Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Standard.

Cal/OSHA will inspect outdoor worksites of industries such as agriculture, construction, and landscaping throughout the heat season. For additional information, visit Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention web page or Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention e-tool.

Western Growers Insurance Services has trained safety specialists who can also assist members with heat illness training and preparation. For information, please contact Ken Cooper, director of risk strategy at WGIS, at (949) 379-3858.

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Lunch & Learn TOMORROW – Producers, Applicators and Beekeepers Supporting Bee Health

May 23rd, 2017

Honey bees play a key role in the pollination of several specialty crops, and on May 24, you can explore best practices for keeping bees healthy and increasing their population.

Colony numbers have changed over time due to several challenges, including parasites, diseases, less genetic diversity, lack of forage diversity, poor bee nutrition, exposure to pesticides and migratory stresses. During out next Lunch & Learn webinar, we will discuss opportunities and comprehensive solutions that are meant to contribute to healthy and increasing bee populations, which will ultimately benefit bees, beekeepers, applicators, producers and consumers.

Stephanie Regagnon, CEO of FieldWatch, will provide an overview of current issues and best practices. She will also cover different stewardship efforts that connect a variety of stakeholders and enhance collaboration and communication.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Join us to hear about this topic and to ask questions.

WEBINAR DETAILS

How are producers, applicators and beekeepers working together?

Speaker: Stephanie Regagnon, CEO, FieldWatch FieldWatch, Inc.

Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PDT

RSVP: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Participation is complimentary and available only to WG members.

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

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Register for WG’s 92nd Annual Meeting in Vegas

May 25th, 2017

Join us at Western Growers’ 92nd Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 29 – November 1, 2017. This year’s meeting will focus on the latest topics impacting the agricultural industry, including cannabis industry growth, healthcare reform, immigration and innovation. It will highlight the hottest trends in technology, as well as analyze how data and social media are being used to transform electoral politics.  

Come and engage with more than 500 ag industry pioneers from California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Together, we can collaborate and learn new tips and tactics to further influence change through advocacy, ensuring the industry’s stability and your success.

This year we welcome featured guests such as Grammy-nominated entertainer Jim Gaffigan; Republican millennial pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson; and best-selling author and premier political satirist P.J. O’Rourke. We will continue to add more riveting speakers and special guests to our breakout sessions in the coming months. Stay tuned to Spotlight for the latest Annual Meeting updates.

Click here to register for the 2017 Western Growers Annual Meeting today!

We’d like to thank our sponsors who are helping support this premiere event! More information about the 2017 Western Growers Annual Meeting can be found on our newly launched website: http://www.wgannualmeeting.com/  

For all further inquiries and meeting details, please contact Cheryl Hall at [email protected]. 

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Electrocution Incident Reminds Employers to Develop Illness and Injury Prevention Plan

May 25th, 2017

After criminal charges were recently filed against an employer for an electrocution of its employees in 2014, Western Growers Insurance Services would like to remind WG members to reinforce their personal and business risks associated with safety. 

In 2014, a two-man crew had been hired to hang a banner at a high school stadium. The man who climbed onto the scaffolding to attach the banner was electrocuted from the overhead electrical lines that were a mere two feet from the scaffolding and was killed instantly by high voltage from a 12,000-volt line. Climbing to assist, his coworker was also jolted. According to Cal/OSHA Regulations, the minimum approach distance to the line should have been six feet.

The county’s District Attorney has filed criminal charges against the safety coordinator, president and crew supervisor. They each face up to three years in prison and $250,000 fines if convicted, and the company itself faces fines up to $1.5 million.

This unfortunate incident is a reminder that liability exposure—including OSHA fines, criminal charges and penalties—potentially exists for both businesses and the specific individuals designated as responsible parties.

Members are encourage to develop and adhere to an Illness and injury Prevention Plan (IIPP), a workplace safety and prevention program. IIPPs need to be reviewed annually or more frequently as needed for potential updates or procedural/personnel changes. If you or any of your team members have questions about developing safety programs in the workplace, please contact Ken Cooper, director of risk strategy at WGIS, at (949) 379-3858.

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Register Today for Forbes AgTech Summit — WG Members Receive Discount

May 25th, 2017

Mark your calendars! The Forbes AgTech Summit is returning to Salinas on June 28- 29, 2017, where 600 of the smartest and most entrepreneurial minds in Silicon Valley and global agriculture will come together to tackle some of the world’s most critical challenges. Held for the third straight year, the Summit fosters lively debate and generates rich networking opportunities while showcasing the latest innovations for farmers, investors and stakeholders of the global agricultural ecosystem.

As a benefit of Western Growers’ strategic partnership with Forbes, members will receive $250 off the regular admission price. We encourage all members to attend this premier agtech event!

EVENT DETAILS
Forbes AgTech Summit
Date: June 28- 29, 2017
Registration: WG MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (use registration code: WGA17)

For questions, please contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205. Additional information about this event can be found on the Forbes AgTech Summit website.

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