Millennials, Collaboration and Taking Action for Ag Highlighted during 2017 WG Annual Meeting

November 2nd, 2017

The Western Growers 92nd Annual Meeting in Las Vegas concluded on Wednesday. More than 550 attendees enjoyed networking socials, captivating educations breakout sessions and thought-provoking keynote speeches. Highlights from the meeting include:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

  • 2017 WG Chairman Sammy Duda (Duda Farm Fresh Foods) passed the gavel to Craig Reade (Bonipak Produce) to become the 2018 WG Chairman of the Board of Directors.
  • WG Board of Directors discussed the status and potential impact of Chairman Bob Goodlatte’s “The AG Act,” as well as the state of healthcare, tax reform and trade.

CHAIRMAN’S LUNCHEON & KEYNOTE

  • Sammy Duda’s (Duda Farm Fresh Foods) speech as WG’s outgoing chairman, which weaved in themes of collaboration and innovation, left the audience with a sense of community and hope. “California by far is the most regulated state, but by far, the most profitable,” said Duda. “California and Arizona are talented in the crop space. We can’t forget the impact we’ve had in feeding the world.”
  • Kristen Soltis Anderson engaged the audience in a keynote that focused on “busting four myths” about millennials, a generation that comprises 75 million individuals in the United States. “We are not what you think we are,” said Soltis. “We are not trying to blow everything up and change all the old processes. We are actually a risk-adverse generation and doing things the old way is too risky for us.”

AWARD OF HONOR DINNER

  • Sammy Duda and A.G. Kawamura (Orange County Produce) introduced David Gill (Rio Farms, Gill’s Onions) as the 2017 WG Award of Honor. “My success is wrapped around good partnerships. Good employees, good partners and a lot of trust,” said Gill during his Award of Honor speech. Gill continued to inspire the audience with a call to action. “The challenges never stop coming to our industry. We need strong voices for our industry. Both young and old. They are so important to our future. If you want to make a difference, you need to get involved. Don’t sit back. I challenge everyone to volunteer.” In addition to receiving the Award of Honor, Gill was presented with proclamations from Congressman Jeff Denham and State Senator Anthony Cannella.
  • Frank Maconachy (Ramsay Highlander) touched on the evolving mission of the WG Foundation, which was established in 1996 to provide school-aged children with the opportunity to learn about farming, nutrition and health eating. With the advent of the Careers in Ag program, the Foundation is now helping lead the effort to build a highly-skilled workforce for the Arizona and California fresh produce industry.

PAC LUNCH

  • Western Growers Political Action Committee Chairman Ron Ratto (Ratto Bros) noted that the challenges facing the agricultural industry are as critical as ever, and urged the audience to redouble its efforts to unite behind a common political voice.
  • P.J. O’Rourke, the nation’s premier political satirist and the “funniest writer in America,” according to both TIME and The Wall Street Journal, entertained the audience with a humorous speech on all that ails the Washington apparatus.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

  • Healthcare: A panel of state and federal healthcare experts discussed a variety of issues ranging from the state of play for the Affordable Care Act to the prospects of single payer healthcare.
  • Immigration: Political insiders from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Cato Institute and AmericanHort touched on the prospects of immigration reform, the pros and cons of Chairman Goodlatte’s “The AG Act” bill and the strategy for moving an agricultural solution forward. 
  • Cannabis: With the legal non-medical use of cannabis in California set to begin in 2018, the state’s chief cannabis regulator – along with producers and advocates – examined the emerging state regulatory and marketplace structures for cannabis.
  • AgTech: Six startup companies with technology solutions for the fresh produce industry competed for real-time investments from S2G Ventures, a food and agriculture venture fund. Two companies – AgVoice and Hazel Technologies – walked away with substantial capital funding.

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Insurance Products Available to Protect Against Wildfire Damage

November 2nd, 2017

Wildfires recently raged throughout California, causing damage to crops and agriculture-related industries. While there are many types of risk protection available, there are two coverages not commonly referenced during a wildfire crisis: Crop Insurance and Weather Risk options. 

Crop Insurance has the ability to protect the remaining crop as long as the fire (or fires) is not determined to be manmade. Beyond the physical loss of the crop due to the fire, the remainder of the crop could be compromised by smoke damage or smoke taint. Smoke taint will affect the quality of the crop and could present problems at delivery. 

In addition to crop insurance, Western Growers Insurance Services offers Weather Risk to provide compensation to a business if it is affected by some defined weather event. This type of coverage can mitigate risks for growing operations and business entities from the effects of wildfires, adverse weather and price decline. If certain defined conditions occur— such as price decline, wind, excessive rain, lack of rain, freeze, excessive heat or other events— the buyer will get paid even if they do not incur a loss or suffer no financial loss. This coverage is available to any business including growers, wineries, cooling facilities, fertilizer companies, transportation companies, etc.

If you would like to learn more about Crop Insurance and Weather Risk, please contact Crop Insurance Specialist Gretchen Rooney-Adan at (530) 305-7800.

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Celebrate the Global Day of Giving with Western Growers Foundation

November 28th, 2017

Celebrate the Global Day of Giving with Western Growers Foundation

The Western Growers Foundation is ending the year by participating in #GivingTuesday. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, this special day encourages people to be charitable following the opulent and widely-recognized shopping events known as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Kick off the charitable season TODAY by donating a gift, your time, money, or the power of your voice in your local community to your favorite cause or charity.  

Is agriculture your cause of charity of choice? Then help us grow as we continue to advocate for a sustainable future for the ag industry. There are two ways to donate:

1.            Text WGFOUND to 243725 to donate; or

2.            Visit www.westerngrowersfoundation.org/donate

Unsure about how the WG Foundation promotes agriculture? Check out this infographic!

For more information, contact Ryan Zilker at (949) 885-2249.  

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Puglia Discusses CA Water Management Issues During PPIC Panel

November 7th, 2017

Western Growers’ Executive Vice President Dave Puglia was recently among a panel of water and government experts who discussed the types of legislative approaches that could help resolve California’s water woes. The discussion took place during the Public Policy Institute of California Water Policy Center’s “Priorities for California’s Water” program on October 26.

During the event, the panel focused on solutions for water issues affecting California’s cities, farms and disadvantaged rural communities. Panelists also partook in a riveting discussion about ways to improve how California manages its water supply and the natural environment, as well as reviewed proposed, passed and pending water bills.

“The state’s response through the state water board has been to treat the farmers today as industrial polluters—as s if they and their predecessors deliberately dump solvents or some other known toxic chemical into the ground. They didn’t do that,” said Puglia during the discussion.

Watch the full panel discussion here on PPIC’s YouTube channel. 

[VIDEO::https://youtu.be/LmbkHL_WgdI::aVideoStyle]

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ELD Implementation to be Detailed in Free Webinar

November 7th, 2017

On November 21, Western Growers and C.H. Robinson will overview the impact of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) on refrigerated transportation and will highlight the new ELD mandate that goes into effect on December 18, 2017. The free live webinar will begin at 11:00 a.m. PST on Tuesday, November 21, 2017.

As previously reported in Spotlight, inspectors and roadside enforcement personnel will begin documenting violations on roadside inspection reports and may issue citations to commercial drivers operating vehicles without a compliant ELD starting December 18. The out-of-service criteria will go into effect on April 1, 2018.

The webinar will highlight the impact of ELD units on the day-to-day operation, as well as provide tips on how to be a “shipper of choice.” The webinar will cover the following topics:

  • Explanation of Hours of Service Regulations. 
  • Description of the ELD unit, including a demonstration of how it works and what it records.  
  • Information about how and when the ELD requirement will go into effect.
  • Description of what police and weigh station personnel may access from the ELD.
  • Impact of ELDs, with respect to enforcement of Hours of Service Regulations. 
  • Potential penalties for noncompliance. 
  • Tips for shippers to minimize the impact of the ELD requirement.

EVENT INFORMATION

ELDs: The Latest Information on Implementation and Impact

Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Time: 11:00 a.m. PST 

Speakers: Jason Craig, Manager, Government Affairs, C.H. Robinson

Luke Gowdy, General Manager, Sourcing, C.H. Robinson

Jason Resnick (moderator), Vice President & General Counsel, Western Growers

RSVP: To attend, please register here.

For more information, please contact Jason Resnick at (949) 885-2253 or Ken Gilliland at (949) 885-2267.

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Applications Now Open for Innovators to Pitch Tech During CO Conference

November 9th, 2017

Calling all tech innovators! The Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association invites companies with tech solutions for the most pressing issues in the produce sector to submit a proposal to pitch at the 2018 CFVGA annual conference, February 20 in Denver, Colorado. 

Four businesses will be selected for the “Produce Innovation Tech Pitch” to deliver a brief presentation to a panel of judges and an audience of 300 conference attendees. The event will be followed by Q and A from judges, who will be comprised of lenders and venture capitalists.

Two winners will be selected to receive business services from the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology and specific legal services from Holland and Hart LLP.  Additionally, winners will receive one year membership in Western Growers and Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association plus publicity through CFVGA.

If any WG member is currently working with a startup or know of an entrepreneur or company who is developing ag technologies, help them scale by encouraging them to apply for the CFVGA Produce Innovation Tech Pitch.

Please review the RFP for more details.

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WG Training Aids Companies in Preventing, Addressing Sexual Harassment

November 14th, 2017

Sexual harassment affects all industries, as demonstrated by the recent incidents in Hollywood, corporate America and politics. If a company does not properly handle a complaint—or even a whisper—of sexual harassment, it could be detrimental to the future of the organization and have lasting consequences on its business, workforce and reputation.

According to a recent article published by the Society for Human Resource Management, “failing to prevent an issue—or worse, ignoring an existing problem—can have monumental, negative consequences, all of which have significant financial ramifications. If the victim complains to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the company will be the subject of an investigation, and, if meritorious, a lawsuit by the EEOC on behalf of the victim. In 2016, the EEOC received approximately 27,000 charges of sexual harassment.”

It’s important to educate your workforce. Companies must embed a culture where any inappropriate behavior is not an option. Training on sexual harassment is a great start, and Western Growers University is here to help. Western Growers’ training helps managers understand issues surrounding appropriate communication and proper team dynamics. Additionally, the training will cover a manager’s duty and responsibility for preventing and addressing these issues.

Western Growers will be offering sexual harassment training starting next year in the following cities:

  • Santa Maria, CA: February 21, 2018
  • Tulare, CA: April 3, 2018
  • Bakersfield, CA: April 4, 2018

Stay tuned to Spotlight for additional details on how to register. For questions, contact Adriana Robles at (949) 885-2297. 

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Upcoming Tech Talk Demonstrates How to Easily Collect Harvest Data in Real-Time to Improve Farm Decision-Making

November 14th, 2017

During the November 28 Tech Talk, Food-Origins CEO and Co-Founder Nathan Dorn will demonstrate new technology that provides information regarding the progress of the harvest, the density of the production in the field and the velocity of the harvest.

Food-Origins offers solutions that will significantly improve the efficiency of the $20 billion hand-harvested fruit industry with the single click of a precision data collection system. The company provides unique packaging labels that can be scanned in the field using a low-cost handheld device. The data from these scanned labels is collected in real time and can be used by farmers, marketers, retailers and consumers to provide comprehensive insights into productivity and quality.

During the Tech Talk, Dorn will explain how Food-Origins precision harvest data benefits the three main components of farm decision-making:

  • Obtaining relevant data
  • Acquiring insight through analysis
  • Enabling efficient management

For more information on how Food-Origins can benefit growers, attend the Tech Talk on November 28 and watch the video below where Dorn shares how Food-Origins helped a berry grower realize he could pick faster and more cost-efficiently using a machine rather than simply hand picking:

[VIDEO::https://youtu.be/4Gw6cIlDAzE::aVideoStyle]

EVENT INFORMATION

Food-Origins Tech Talk®

Date: Tuesday, November 28, 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 PST

RSVP: To attend, please register here.

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

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FMCSA Expected to Publish Guidance to Ag Industry on Electronic Logging Device Requirements

November 29th, 2017

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Electronic Logging Device (ELD’s) rule is scheduled to go into effect on December 18, 2017, requiring commercial drivers to maintain hours-of-service logs electronically instead of using handwritten logs. However, in recent days, FMCSA has announced a 90-day waiver from the ELD requirement for agriculture, pending the publication of formal guidance to the agricultural industry in the Federal Register. The notice is expected to be published in early December and when available, Western Growers will immediately share the FMCSA guidance.      

Western Growers has had ongoing engagement with stakeholders and members on the ELD implementation and recently co-hosted a webinar on November 21st with our strategic transportation partner, C.H. Robinson, that covered a variety of topics related to the new rule. Members who were not able to participate in the webinar last week can log in to the WG website and VIEW IT HERE.

Additionally, in case you missed it, on November 22, Tom Oliveri, WGs Director of Trade Practices and Commodity Services, addressed the issue in his Tommy O blog.  

C.H. Robinson has also issued a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on the rule that includes a link to FMCSA’s own comprehensive FAQ page.

Look for updates in future Spotlight editions. For more information, contact Ken Gilliland at (949) 885-2267.

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WG Training Workshop Aids Companies in Preventing, Addressing Sexual Harassment

November 30th, 2017

Sexual harassment affects all industries, as demonstrated by the recent incidents in Hollywood, corporate America and politics. If a company does not properly handle a complaint—or even a whisper—of sexual harassment, it could be detrimental to the future of the organization and have lasting consequences on its business, workforce and reputation.

According to a recent article published by the Society for Human Resource Management, “failing to prevent an issue—or worse, ignoring an existing problem—can have monumental, negative consequences, all of which have significant financial ramifications. If the victim complains to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the company will be the subject of an investigation, and, if meritorious, a lawsuit by the EEOC on behalf of the victim. In 2016, the EEOC received approximately 27,000 charges of sexual harassment.”

It’s important to educate your workforce. Companies must embed a culture where any inappropriate behavior is not an option. Training on sexual harassment is a great start, and Western Growers’ University is here to help. Western Growers’ training helps managers understand issues surrounding appropriate communication and proper team dynamics. Additionally, the training will cover a manager’s duty and responsibility for preventing and addressing these issues.

Western Growers will be offering sexual harassment training starting next year in the following cities:

  • Santa Maria, CA: February 21, 2018

English | REGISTER

Spanish | REGISTER

  • Tulare, CA: April 3, 2018

English | REGISTER

Spanish | REGISTER

  • Bakersfield, CA: April 4, 2018

English | REGISTER

Spanish | REGISTER

Stay tuned to Spotlight for additional details on how to register. For questions, contact Adriana Robles at (949) 885-2297. 

 

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AgTech Companies Sought by CFVGA for Produce Innovation Pitch Event

November 30th, 2017

Inspired by the success of Western Growers’ technology events held during the last several Annual Meetings, the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) is holding a similar event during its 4th annual conference in Denver on February 20, 2018. CFVGA is currently requesting proposals from qualified startup companies that are innovating agtech solutions to meet the pressing demands and challenges of growers, shippers and fresh food processors. Proposals are due by December 20, 2017 and should be prepared in accordance with the RFP and sent to [email protected].

The pitch will be moderated by James Pritchett, Executive Associate Dean for the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University (CSU) and assisted by Robert Sakata, President of CFVGA.

The four companies selected will be subjectively evaluated by session panelists and the audience based on the criteria listed in the Request for Proposal. A ‘Panelists’ Favorite’ and ‘Audience Favorite’ award will be presented at the end of the workshop. For details, view CFVGA’s full Request for Proposal.

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

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Nov. 17 Webinar: What You Need To Know For Affordable Care Act Reporting Year 2017

November 2nd, 2017

Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc. (PCMI) will host a webinar on Friday, November 17, 2017, to cover upcoming changes to Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting requirements, as well as provide an overview of the Pinnacle ACA Dashboard.

Resident ACA expert and PCMI Compliance Counsel, Jon Alexander, will guide you through the 2017 updates to the ACA regulations, mandates, and reporting requirements.

When you attend, you’ll learn about:

  • ACA Updates
  • Employer Mandate Update (Pay or Play responsibilities)
  • ACA Reporting Requirements & Updates
  • Health Insurance Exchange Subsidy & Penalty Notices
  • Deadline dates for Reporting to the IRS
  • Potential IRS Fines
  • Pinnacle’s ACA Dashboard Reporting Tool

 

WEBINAR DETAILS

ACA Reporting and the Pinnacle ACA Dashboard

Speaker: Jon Alexander (Bio), Compliance Counsel, Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc.

Date: Friday, November 17, 2017

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

RSVP: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Participation is complimentary

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

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Produce Safety Rule Workshops Now Available

November 2nd, 2017

Western Growers and AgSafe will be hosting a series of two-day workshops in California to assist fresh produce companies in meeting training requirements under the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule: Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption. Workshops will be available in Imperial, Mecca and Oxnard.

The two-day workshop will kick off with a PSA Grower Training Course and conclude with an engaging course on how to implement the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule. Participants can register to attend one of both days.

Day One – PSA Grower Training Course

8:00am – 5:00pm – ENGLISH

Who Should Attend?

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘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.

Topics Include:

  • Introduction to Produce Safety
  • Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
  • Soil Amendments, Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
  • Agricultural Water
  • (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Post-harvest Water)
  • Post-harvest Handling and Sanitation
  • How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

Participants who successfully complete Day One will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO).

Day Two – How to Implement the FDA’s Produce Safety Course

8:00am – 12:00pm – ENGLISH
1:00pm – 5:00pm – SPANISH

Who Should Attend?

Employees who share in the responsibility of executing your company’s food safety program are strongly encouraged to attend this course. This course will provide an overview of the major provisions of the produce safety rule. It will also cover templates/other resources, as well as integrate group and individual activities to facilitate the implementation and understanding of these provisions. This half-day training is meant for those who have already attended  this or other standard PSA class (Day 1) and are looking to enhance their understanding and obtain resources to implement the produce rule. (Discounted group rates are available for this class.)

This course will provide the following:

  • Tools to identify key requirements of the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule.
  • Practical resources to facilitate the rule’s implementation.
  • A better understanding of compliance dates and exemptions.
  • Resources to develop or update a food safety plan and robust training program.

COST:

  • Day 1
    AgSafe/Western Growers Members: $360 | Non-Members: $435
  • Day 2
    AgSafe/Western Growers Members: $175 | Non-Members: $205
    Group Rate: $160 each participant (Day 2 Only)
     
  • Day 1 & Day 2
    AgSafe/Western Growers Members | $485 Non-Members: $585

REGISTRATION:

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

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California Approves New Rules on Ag Pesticide Use Near Schools and Child Day Care Facilities

November 8th, 2017

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) recently released new regulations that place additional restrictions on the agricultural use of pesticides. These new regulations apply to applications that are made within ¼ mile of public schools or child day care facilities

The restrictions apply Monday through Friday from the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and goes into effect on January 1, 2018. Applications will be restricted based upon the distance from the schoolsite, equipment used to make the application and pesticide being applied.

The DPR regulations also include an annual notification requirement which mandates that property owners of the land being treated must provide written notice to the school principal or child day care facility administrator, and the county agricultural commissioner. The notice must provide specific information as outlined in the regulation. The first set of annual notifications will be due on April 30, 2018, and will cover the period of July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

The regulations also include a provision that if a pesticide has not been included in the annual notification, the owner of the property must provide this information to the schoolsite and commissioner at least 48 hours prior to the application.

Growers are encouraged to contact their county agricultural commissioner for additional information and to have any specific implementation questions addressed. Details on the regulation can be found on the DPR website here. 

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Produce Safety Rule Workshops Now Available in Oxnard and Mecca

November 14th, 2017

Western Growers and AgSafe will be hosting a series of two-day workshops in California to assist fresh produce companies in meeting training requirements under the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule: Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption. Workshops will be available in Imperial, Mecca and Oxnard.

The two-day workshop will kick off with a PSA Grower Training Course and conclude with an engaging course on how to implement the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule. Participants can register to attend one of both days.

Day One – PSA Grower Training Course

8:00am – 5:00pm – ENGLISH

Who Should Attend?

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘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.

Topics Include:

  • Introduction to Produce Safety
  • Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
  • Soil Amendments, Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
  • Agricultural Water
  • (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Post-harvest Water)
  • Post-harvest Handling and Sanitation
  • How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

Participants who successfully complete Day One will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO).

Day Two – How to Implement the FDA’s Produce Safety Course

8:00am – 12:00pm – ENGLISH
1:00pm – 5:00pm – SPANISH

Who Should Attend?

Employees who share in the responsibility of executing your company’s food safety program are strongly encouraged to attend this course. This course will provide an overview of the major provisions of the produce safety rule. It will also cover templates/other resources, as well as integrate group and individual activities to facilitate the implementation and understanding of these provisions. This half-day training is meant for those who have already attended  this or other standard PSA class (Day 1) and are looking to enhance their understanding and obtain resources to implement the produce rule. (Discounted group rates are available for this class.)

This course will provide the following:

  • Tools to identify key requirements of the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule.
  • Practical resources to facilitate the rule’s implementation.
  • A better understanding of compliance dates and exemptions.
  • Resources to develop or update a food safety plan and robust training program.

COST:

  • Day 1
    AgSafe/Western Growers Members: $360 | Non-Members: $435
  • Day 2
    AgSafe/Western Growers Members: $175 | Non-Members: $205
    Group Rate: $160 each participant (Day 2 Only)
     
  • Day 1 & Day 2
    AgSafe/Western Growers Members | $485 Non-Members: $585

REGISTRATION:

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

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WG Calls on Trump Administration to Modernize, Not Terminate NAFTA

November 16th, 2017

In response recent public statements made by President Trump and members of his Cabinet indicating that the U.S. may withdraw from NAFTA, Western Growers sent a letter urging the Administration to modernize, not terminate NAFTA.

In the letter, WG President and CEO Tom Nassif cites the economic benefits that NAFTA has provided the domestic fresh produce industry and stated, “…withdrawing from NAFTA is not an option. The disruption created from such a move would be a disaster for U.S. produce companies.”

Recognizing that NAFTA has not always been perfect for U.S. growers, the letter goes on to identify areas where the trade agreement can be updated, creating a “win-win” for all countries involved. Suggestions include enhancing sanitary and phytosanitary measures and incorporating provisions to protect against bankruptcy and non-payment.

To read the complete letter and full set of recommendations, please click here.

Please contact Dennis Nuxoll at (202) 296-0191 for more information.

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Projected H-2A Wage Rates for 2018

November 17th, 2017

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released data that will be used to calculate the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A workers for 2018. According to the data, it is projected that:

  • Arizona’s AEWR is expected to decrease from $10.95 to $10.62 per hour (-4.47%).
  • California’s AEWR is expected to increase from $12.57 to $13.18 (4.85%).  
  • Colorado’s AEWR is expected to decrease from $11.00 to $10.69 (-2.82).
  • New Mexico’s AEWR is expected to go down from $10.95 to $10.46 (-4.47%)

Western Growers’ coalition partner, Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform (ACIR), engaged economist Stephen Bronars, Ph.D. to analyze the just-published USDA Farm Labor Survey data to project the 2018 AEWR.

These numbers are highly likely to become the actual wage rates, but will not be official until the Department of Labor announces the 2018 wage rates in the Federal Register, which typically occurs during the last two weeks in December. Once the AEWR is published in the Federal Register, the new wage rates takes effect immediately. 

For over a decade, Western Growers Labor Services has helped WG members successfully apply for and navigate the complex H-2A temporary ag worker program. If you are anticipating having a shortage of reliable labor in 2018, please contact WG Vice President and General Counsel Jason Resnick for information about our H-2A services at (949) 885-2253.

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California Contractors Fined over $240k by Cal-OSHA for Valley Fever Violations

November 20th, 2017

In a press release issued today, Cal/OSHA announced it cited six employers $241,950 for workplace safety and health violations after reports that workers contracted Valley Fever on a solar project construction site in Monterey County.

“Employers who work in areas endemic to Valley Fever must take preventative measures to protect workers who may be exposed,” said Juliann Sum, Chief of Cal/OSHA said in the release.

The agency took the opportunity to provide tips to employers for reducing the risk of Valley Fever exposure, which include:

  • Determine if a worksite is in an area where fungal spores are likely to be present.
  • Adopt site plans and work practices that minimize the disturbance of soil and maximize ground cover.
  • Use water, appropriate soil stabilizers, and/or re-vegetation to reduce airborne dust.
  • Limit workers’ exposure to outdoor dust in disease-endemic areas by (1) providing air-conditioned cabs for vehicles that generate dust and making sure workers keep windows and vents closed, (2) suspending work during heavy winds, and (3) providing sleeping quarters, if applicable, away from sources of dust.
  • When exposure to dust is unavoidable, provide approved respiratory protection to filter particles.
  • Train supervisors and workers in how to recognize symptoms of Valley Fever and minimize exposure.

 Read Cal/OSHA’s Full Release

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

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California Supreme Court Denies Gerawan’s Bid to End Forced Union Contracts

November 28th, 2017

The California Supreme Court on Monday upheld a state law that compels agricultural employers and their employees’ unions to enter into forced union contracts, overturning an appellate court ruling that the law discriminates against farmers by holding them to different standards.

Gerawan Farming, Inc. challenged the constitutionality of the compulsory arbitration process known as “Mandatory Mediation and Conciliation,” or “MMC”, under the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act. Under MMC, the Agricultural Labor Relations Board may impose a binding “agreement” drafted by a private, third party “mediator” with the power to determine virtually every aspect of a grower’s relationship with its workers. The employees have no right to ratify or reject the “contract” imposed upon them, and would require them to pay union dues or lose their jobs.

In a 7-0 decision, the court rejected the constitutional arguments, concluding “…that the MMC statute neither violates equal protection nor unconstitutionally delegates legislative power.”

Gerawan argued that the United Farm Workers Union forfeited their right to represent the workers when the union abandoned Gerawan’s workers shortly after it was certified by the ALRB in 1992. UFW did not contact Gerawan until 20 years later when it demanded contract negotiations and thereafter invoked the MMC process. The ALRB forced Gerawan into MMC, ruling that the UFW is “certified until decertified [by the workers].” A decertification election was held, but the ballots have never been counted due to the ALRB’s ruling that the election was allegedly marred by employer influence.

The Court of Appeal for the Fifth District in Fresno agreed with Gerawan that the UFW forfeited its right to represent the workers when after abandoning them for two decades.

But the State High Court disagreed with the court of appeal. “In sum, we hold that an employer may not defend against a union’s MMC request by challenging the union’s certification as bargaining representative on the basis of abandonment. The Board did not abuse its discretion when it declined to consider Gerawan’s abandonment argument.”

The decision marks the second, and likely final time, that the California Supreme Court has had the opportunity to review the only law in the nation that imposes binding interest arbitration on private employers and employees. Gerawan said it intends to petition the United States Supreme Court for review.

In a companion case, Tri-Fannuchi v. Agricultural Labor Relations Board, the state Supreme Court considered whether union abandonment is a defense to a make-whole relief remedy. Under the ALRA, make-whole relief is intended in part to compensate employees for employer-caused delays in the collective bargaining process.

In rejecting the employer’s defense, the court said, “[f]or the reasons set forth in Gerawan Farming, Inc. … we hold that the Court of Appeal correctly rejected Tri-Fanucchi’s assertion of an abandonment defense. As we explain in Gerawan, the ALRA does not permit an employer to “unilaterally declare that it will refuse to engage with the union because it believes the union has abandoned its employees… As to the issue of make-whole relief, we hold that the Court of Appeal did not accord the Board sufficient deference and improperly exercised the Board’s remedial authority. We thus reverse in part the Court of Appeal’s judgment.”

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

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Hazel Technologies, AgVoice Offered $2.25 Million in Equity Investment during AgTech Pitch Competition

November 3rd, 2017

Western Growers’ AgSharks™ is the first agricultural technology competition to offer real-time investment opportunities and decision-making in front of a live audience

IRVINE, Calif. (November 3, 2017) – Hazel Technologies, a start-up company that develops products that extend the shelf life of fresh produce, and AgVoice, the world’s first voice and data management startup that allows ag professionals the freedom to work hands-free while on-the-go, received a $2.25 million total investment offer from S2G Ventures (Seed 2 Growth) during Western Growers’ AgSharks™ competition on October 31, 2017. S2G Ventures, a multi-stage food and agriculture venture fund, offered Hazel Technologies $2 million in equity investment, while offering AgVoice $250,000 in seed funding.

The two agricultural technology (agtech) startups faced off against four other companies in a fierce AgSharks pitching event. AgSharks is the first competition in the nation to provide agtech startups the opportunity to pitch their technologies in front of a live grower audience to a panel of investors and industry-leading farmers for substantial on-the-spot capital funding.

“Western Growers continually strives to provide innovative opportunities that allow start-up companies that are developing cutting-edge technologies the ability to scale,” said Tom Nassif, president & CEO at Western Growers. “AgSharks is an unprecedented event demonstrating the full potential of Western Growers’ innovation efforts. AgSharks brought together growers, investors and agtech startups in a single forum to prioritize and fund technology that will help solve agriculture’s most pressing issues and move the industry forward.”

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Western Growers which brings trust and access to local and regional farmers providing over half the nation’s fresh produce,” said Sanjeev Krishnan, managing director of S2G Ventures. “By providing capital to the entrepreneurs at Hazel Technologies and AgVoice, S2G and Western Growers support innovation on the farm and in the supply chain to improve farmer productivity and profitability.”

“Our success at the AgSharks event is the latest market validation point for Hazel Technologies,” said Aidan Mouat, CEO and Co-Founder at Hazel Technologies, Inc. “We are grateful that Western Growers and S2G gave us this platform to show how Hazel Tech increases returns, reduces labor cost, and opens new markets for grower-shippers.”

“We entered the competition because we wanted the opportunity to come on stage and earn the funding needed to build services that will be beneficial to agri-food professionals. These are specialists like agronomists, plant breeders and crop inspectors who provide support to the farmers, ranchers and growers who feed our nation and world,” said Bruce Rasa, CEO of AgVoice. “Prior to AgSharks, our team had never seen this type of live negotiation event take place in the agtech community, and we are so thankful that Western Growers and S2G had the bold vision to bring it to fruition.”

AgSharks, an initiative sponsored by S2G to identify key innovations in the fresh produce industry, is the latest Western Growers’ (WG) effort to support agtech startups in accelerating the introduction of unique products and services to the market. In December 2015, WG opened an agtech incubator—the WG Center for Innovation & Technology—in Salinas, California to provide startups with the resources and mentoring needed to get their companies and technologies up and running. The Center now houses 52 startups, including both Hazel Technologies and AgVoice. Startups involved with WG and the WG Center for Innovation & Technology are afforded the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking events, such as AgSharks.

Click here for a hi-resolution image from Western Growers’ AgSharks™ competition.

About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. 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.

About S2G Ventures:
S2G Ventures (Seed to Growth) is a multi-stage venture fund investing in food and agriculture in the U.S. The fund’s mission is to catalyze innovation to meet consumer demands for healthy and sustainable food. S2G has identified sectors across the food system that are ripe for change, and is building a multi-stage portfolio including seed, venture and growth stage investments. Core areas of interest for S2G are agriculture, ingredients, infrastructure and logistics, IT and hardware, food safety and technology, retail and restaurants, and consumer brands. For more information about S2G, visit www.s2gventures.com.

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