Standard Operating Procedures To Help You Get Paid (Part 2)

December 3rd, 2019

As covered in last month’s Part One blog, attorney Bart Botta laid out some of the industry’s best practices in ensuring shippers get paid on fulfilled sales transactions. Now that your sales documents are in order, and you’ve properly vetted the new customer, everything should be set for selling to this customer. Once your sales staff start selling, it is important that they are mindful of credit limits you impose on new customers (and that these credit limits are set low with new customers until they develop some good credit history with your company).

Making sure your sales department is aware of credit limits with customers is always a good idea. When you first start selling to a new customer, you do not have any sales history to rely on for credit decisions regarding the new customer. Sometimes sales staff just want to keep selling, but setting, and more importantly, monitoring credit limits is a key part of keeping accounts current (by making sure customers do not fall behind in the first place).

Your focus, once selling to a new customer begins, should turn to staying on top of that customer to make sure they do not start paying more slowly with each order. If a problem arises with a sales account, such as a customer exceeding its credit limit, or falling behind in its payment terms, it is crucial to act and execute quickly when there is any sign of a problem. 

Successful credit managers tend to develop great instincts to anticipate when a customer may be heading into financial trouble. However, with a new customer, it is not as easy to do so. Therefore, acting quickly becomes an even more important defense to make sure a slow paying customer does not turn into a no-paying customer.

Also, while as an attorney, a bias may exist in favor of contacting an attorney sooner, rather than later, the fact is that attorneys can apply pressure to a non-paying buyer. Not all situations warrant turning a collection matter over to your attorney, but often times, the sooner you act, the more likely you are to collect the balance due. Therefore, if the account has gone beyond terms, and the buyer is not taking your calls any more, it is probably time to call your attorney.

Finally, as discussed, having a standard operating procedure with specific details on how to deal with slow paying customers, when to get your attorney involved, and when to file a lawsuit, is a very important part of your strategy. This will ensure that you do not have to waste time making decisions as to what to do next when a customer starts showing signs of financial problems.

Bartholomew M. Botta
Partner Rynn & Janowsky, LLP

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Organic Grower Information Needed for USDA Survey

December 17th, 2019

Starting this month, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be reaching out to U.S. organic producers for its five-year update on the organic industry. This update is arguably the most comprehensive source of data on organic farming in the United States, with both governmental and non-governmental decision-making being heavily influenced by its findings and analyses. The most recent survey was conducted in 2015.

According to NASS, the survey will look at certified organic farming and ranching activities during 2019, including:

  • Production of field crops, vegetables, fruits, tree nuts, berries, livestock and poultry;
  • Production practices such as pest management, cover crops, crop rotation, rotational grazing, conservation tillage, water management and buffer zones;
  • Production expenses;
  • Marketing practices, including wholesale, retail and direct-to-consumer sales; and
  • Value-added production and processing.

Any producer who self-reported being an organic producer in the 2017 Census of Agriculture will receive the 2019 Organic Survey in the mail and they are required to respond under federal law. This includes producers who are certified, certification-exempt, or transitioning to certified production. Individually-identifiable information is kept confidential; data is published exclusively in tabulated totals and for statistical purposes.

The response deadline is January 10, 2020, and can be submitted online, by mail, or by phone. Results will be publicly available in October 2020.

For more information about this survey, call (888) 424-7828 or visit www.nass.usda.gov/go/organic. You may also contact Western Growers staff Dennis Nuxoll or Tracey Chow at (202) 296-0191.

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2019 Organic Grower Summit Includes WG Leadership and WGCIT Startups

December 3rd, 2019

Tomorrow, the Organic Produce Network and California Certified Organic Farmers will kick off the 2019 Organic Grower Summit (OGS) in Monterey, California. The summit brings organic growers, producers and processors together for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with their production supply chain and support service providers.

For the third year in a row, Western Growers (WG) will be heavily involved in OGS, serving as one of the conference’s key sponsors, alongside many other WG member companies. WG Senior Vice President of Science, Technology & Strategic Planning Hank Giclas and WG Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communications Cory Lunde will be moderating the Real Talk with Ag Tech Disruption Leaders workshop. This session features numerous startups housed in the WG Center for Innovation & Technology including Trace Genomics, FarmWise, Hazel Technologies and Geovisual Analytics who will be speaking about cutting-edge ag technologies and upcoming trends in the agtech space.

Additionally, WG Executive Vice President Dave Puglia will serve as one of the panel members in The Last Harvest Documentary-Exclusive Showing session, discussing the ag labor shortage, immigration reform, H-2A and growing innovations. He will be joined by WG members from Driscoll’s, Ganaz and Tanimura & Antle.

Click here to learn more about WG’s involvement in the 2019 Organic Growers Summit.

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Urge Your Representative to Vote Yes on H.R. 5038

December 10th, 2019

This Wednesday, December 11, the House of Representatives is set to vote on H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at securing a legal, stable workforce for American farms.

To ensure this bill moves out of the House with strong bipartisan support, which will increase the odds of the legislation being taken up by the Senate, contact your Representative TODAY and urge them to vote YES on the House floor.

The bill, authored by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), is sponsored by 28 Democrats and 25 Republicans. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act will:

  • Establish a program for experienced agricultural workers to earn legal status through continued employment in agriculture;
  • Reform the H-2A program to improve ease of use and flexibility for employers, and to provide access for employers with year-round labor needs; and
  • Establish a mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system for agricultural employment, to be phased in after the other elements of the bill are in place.

More than 300 farm groups representing the spectrum of U.S. agriculture support the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, underscoring the critical labor shortage facing the industry. We acknowledge the legislation is less than perfect. However, the only way we secure improvements is by moving the bill over to the Senate where amendments can be added. Please urge your representative to vote YES on H.R. 5038!

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House Passes Historic Ag Immigration Reform Bill

December 12th, 2019

Yesterday, Wednesday, December 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (FWMA), by a vote of 260 to 165, with 226 Democrats and 34 Republicans supporting the legislation. The bill now moves to the Senate where it must be taken up by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell with the support of President Trump.

As one of the key negotiators of the bill, Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif was on hand in the nation’s capital to participate in a press conference following the conclusion of the House floor vote. The press conference was organized by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the lead authors of the legislation, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash).

Following the historic passage of the FWMA, the first agricultural immigration reform legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in more than 30 years, dating back to the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Nassif stated:

“With today’s passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, another hurdle in the race to save America’s family farms has been cleared. Western Growers is grateful for the leadership exhibited by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and Congressman Dan Newhouse, and the statesmanship demonstrated by the bipartisan group of legislators who sponsored and voted for the bill.”

The FWMA, a bipartisan bill aimed at securing a legal, stable workforce for American farms, does the following:

  • Establishes a program for experienced agricultural workers to earn legal status through continued employment in agriculture;
  • Reforms the H-2A program to improve ease of use and flexibility for employers, and provides access for employers with year-round labor needs; and
  • Establishes a mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system for agricultural employment, to be phased in after the other elements of the bill are in place.

In his statement, Nassif continued:

“But the race is far from over. Both the Senate and President Trump must be willing to take the political stand that is required to ensure the continued production of an abundant, safe and affordable domestic food supply. Our farmers are depending on the present actions of Congress and the Administration to make possible the future viability of the agriculture industry.”

Western Growers recognizes that the task to convince the Senate to take up the FWMA, and to secure the support of President Trump, will not be easy, in particular in an election year. However, we will continue to work with our congressional champions and coalition partners to resolve any remaining stakeholder concerns, which will undoubtedly require the addition of amendments to secure the mutual support of Congress and the Administration. We will also ask you, our members, to remain engaged in the process, to help us in our effort to resolve, once and for all, the American agricultural labor crisis.

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Senator Feinstein Calls on California, Trump Administration to Work Together on Water

December 19th, 2019

With the Newsom Administration pledging to sue the U.S. Department of Interior over the latter’s proposed revisions to rules governing water operations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Senator Dianne Feinstein today urged the Governor and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to “make every effort” to find agreement and avoid legal conflict.

In a letter to Newsom and Bernhardt, Feinstein points out the harm that “protracted disagreement and lengthy litigation” would have, including:

  • Lost opportunities to maximize water supply during major storms, and less opportunity to realize “timed pulse flows” to benefit endangered and threatened fish in the Delta.
  • The likely demise of voluntary settlement agreements to resolve the State Water Board’s Delta outflows plan without protracted litigation.

Western Growers applauds Senator Feinstein for her continued efforts to seek pragmatic and practical solutions to the state’s water management challenges.

Click here to read the full text of Senator Feinstein’s letter

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Employers Should Prepare Now for Higher Minimum Wage and H-2A Rates in 2020

December 5th, 2019

Employers in every Western Growers-represented state should begin preparing now to pay higher minimum wage and H-2A wage rates beginning next year.

California

On January 1, 2020, the California minimum wage is set to increase to $13.00 per hour, up from $12 per hour, for employers with 26 or more employees. The rate will rise to $12 for employers with 25 employees or fewer.  By 2023, the minimum wage will go up to $15 statewide, regardless of how many employees a company has.

The minimum salary under the white-collar overtime exemption test is two times the state minimum wage or $54,080 for employers with 26 or more employees and $49,920 for employers with 25 or fewer employees.

The minimum wage rate for H-2A workers and domestic workers in “corresponding employment,” that is the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is expected to rise to $14.77 on January 1, up from $13.92 based on FY 2019 Farm Labor Survey data.  Look for the new AEWR to be officially published in the Federal Register in the coming weeks.

Keep in mind that a number of cities and counties in California have scheduled local minimum wage increases that are higher than the state’s beginning January 2020, while others have minimum wage increases scheduled for the summer of 2020.  Moreover, some cities impose their local minimum wage obligations even if an employee spends minimal time in the city. For example, the City of Los Angeles defines “employee” as any individual who in any particular week performs at least two (2) hours of work within the geographic boundaries of the City for any Employer, and is thus entitled to earn the California minimum wage.  Employers with drivers and other employees who spend minimal time in a city with a higher minimum wage should consider whether they are in compliance with these local laws.

Arizona

Arizona’s minimum wage is set to increase to $12 per hour on January 1, up from $11. The City of Flagstaff has a local minimum wage that goes up to $13.00 per hour in January. The AEWR for 2020 is expected to rise to $12.91, up from $12.

Colorado

The minimum wage for Colorado will be $12 per hour, effective January 1, 2020.  State law previously blocked local governments from enacting their own minimum-wage laws, but that changed when Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 1210. The new law gives cities and counties permission to set their own minimum wages starting in 2020, but the new wages will not take effect until January 2021.

The AEWR for Colorado is expected to hit $14.26 per hour on January 1, up from $13.13 in 2019. This represents an 8.6% increase, on top of the 22% increase the state absorbed last year.

New Mexico

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation last April raising the state’s minimum wage for the first time in a decade from $7.50 per hour to $12 by 2023. The first increase to $9.00 per hour goes into effect January 1, 2020. New Mexico’s AEWR is expected to hit $12.91, up from $12.

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Employers should consider reviewing internal policies in preparation for the scheduled jumps. In addition, employers should ensure that their minimum wage notices and posters are compliant with the latest posting requirements ahead of the January 1 increases.

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DOL Publishes H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates for 2020

December 19th, 2019

Today the U.S. Department of Labor published in the Federal Register the 2020 Adverse Effect Wage Rates.  These rates will go into effect on January 2nd, 2020.  As anticipated, there are Steep increases in many states and regions for 2020, including the Western Growers states, as follows:

State

2020 AEWR

2019 AEWR

Increase

Arizona

$12.91

$12.00

7.6%

California

$14.77

$13.92

6.1%

Colorado

$14.26

$13.13

8.6%

New Mexico

$12.91

$12.00

7.6%

 

These states, and nearly all states, are experiencing increases that exceed the wage caps that are a pillar of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038).  The FWMA would freeze the 2019 AEWR rates for one year, and limit future increase to more than 3.25-4.25%, providing relief from the trend of rapidly accelerating AEWRs.

The 2020 AEWR rates go into effect January 2, 2020. Employers of H-2A workers are encouraged to ensure that their payroll systems are prepared for the new AEWR on and after that date, as well as the new state minimum wage rates.

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Court Blocks California Arbitration Ban

December 31st, 2019

AB 51, barring mandatory arbitration agreements in employment, won’t go into effect in January after a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) in a lawsuit alleging the law is preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA).

U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller wrote in her order that the lawsuit filed against the State of California by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, California Chamber of Commerce, and several other business groups has “raised serious questions regarding whether [AB 51] is preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act as construed by the United States Supreme Court.”

AB 51 prohibits employers from requiring employees to sign mandatory arbitration agreements as a condition of employment regarding disputes under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) or the California Labor Code.

The TRO effectively halts the law’s enforcement by the State of California, pending resolution of a motion for a preliminary injunction to be heard on January 10. If granted, AB 51 will not be enforced while the preliminary injunction is in effect, and until the case is decided on the merits.  Employers, at least for now, may continue to utilize pre-employment arbitration agreements.

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

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WG Applauds Japanese Approval of Trade Deal

December 5th, 2019

IRVINE, Calif., (December 5, 2019) — In response to the announcement of the Japanese Diet’s approval of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif issued the following statement:

“With Japan’s parliamentary approval of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, the final hurdle for the deal to take effect on January 1st of 2020 has been cleared. Western Growers appreciates the prompt action by the Japanese Diet, which will eliminate tariffs on a number of American fruit, vegetable and tree nut products and pave the way for significant export opportunities for our members.

“Western Growers extends its continued support to President Trump for his leadership in pursuing fairer deals for American farmers in Japan and other countries around the world.

“We urge President Trump to follow through on his pledge to engage Prime Minister Abe in further trade talks to address additional barriers to trade. Chief among our remaining concerns are the non-scientific sanitary and phytosanitary measures that will continue to prohibit many American fresh produce items from entering Japan. No trade deal will be complete without these reforms to the Japanese importation system.”

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 half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including 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. 

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Western Growers Applauds USMCA Announcement

December 10th, 2019

IRVINE, Calif. (December 10, 2019) – In response to the announcement that a deal on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was reached between the Administration and Congress, which received subsequent approval from the Mexican and Canadian governments, Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif issued the following statement:

“Western Growers applauds the Administration and a strong, bipartisan contingent of congressional representatives for their diligent work in producing an outstanding trade agreement for American agriculture. We commend President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer, Ambassador Doud and the Administration’s team for their success in renegotiating NAFTA and securing freer and fairer trade opportunities for our country.

“In this turbulent trade environment, American farmers need certainty more than ever. The USMCA not only reaffirms our strong economic ties with our North American neighbors, it offers a new model for how U.S. trade deals should be structured in the future.

“For the fruit, vegetable and tree nut industry, this deal ensures continued access to our top two export markets while making much needed sanitary-phytosanitary (SPS) updates that will improve our defenses against devastating pests and diseases. Additionally, the USMCA achieves groundbreaking labor reforms, requiring Mexico to substantially improve its wages and labor standards, which will improve the competitiveness of our domestic growers in an increasingly global marketplace.

“We appreciate the commitment both parties have demonstrated in setting aside their political differences and negotiating this agreement in good faith. The result is a deal that addresses the concerns of all sides and will enhance economic opportunities for businesses across the country. We urge Congress to quickly approve this agreement and deliver a victory for American farmers.

“Finally, we are hopeful that this spirit of bipartisan cooperation between the Administration and Congress will extend into other public policy debates impacting the agriculture industry, including the need to resolve the labor crisis facing our nation’s farms.”

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 half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including 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. 

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Western Growers Statement on House Passage of Farm Workforce Modernization Act

December 11th, 2019

IRVINE, Calif. (December 11, 2019) – In response to passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif issued the following statement:

“With today’s passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, another hurdle in the race to save America’s family farms has been cleared. Western Growers is grateful for the leadership exhibited by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and Congressman Dan Newhouse, and the statesmanship demonstrated by the bipartisan group of legislators who sponsored and voted for the bill.

“But the race is far from over. Both the Senate and President Trump must be willing to take the political stand that is required to ensure the continued production of an abundant, safe and affordable domestic food supply. Our farmers are depending on the present actions of Congress and the Administration to make possible the future viability of the agriculture industry. 

“Agriculture has made its case for a narrow, surgical fix to the farm labor crisis. The rationale, that foreign hands will harvest our fruits and vegetables and perform many of the other skilled jobs required on American farms, has long been accepted on both sides of the aisle. The substance, maintaining the existing, experienced workforce while reforming the H-2A program for future workers, has been carefully crafted with the input and approval of virtually every key stakeholder. All that remains now is for the Senate and President Trump to act.

“Granted, the bill is not perfect. No piece of legislation ever is. However, the need to secure an adequate, reliable and skilled workforce for U.S. agriculture cannot be overstated. The farm labor crisis is real and crippling, and the demand to provide a workable legislative solution is immediate and critical, which is why we urge the Senate and President Trump to engage in the legislative process to improve the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, adding those amendments that are necessary to secure the mutual support of Congress and the Administration.”

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 half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including 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. 

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Western Growers Statement on U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement

December 16th, 2019

IRVINE, Calif. (December 16, 2019) – In response to the announcement that the U.S. and China have reached an agreement on a Phase One trade deal, Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif issued the following statement:

“President Trump is following through on his promise to rebalance the relationship between the U.S. and many of our global trading partners. In the wake of the early harvest trade deal with Japan and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the phase one trade deal with China represents another encouraging step forward in the effort to level the playing field for American farmers in this important market.

“We are excited to hear from the Administration that the deal is to include not only substantial increases in agricultural purchases by China and a return to normal, but also commitments to address China’s non-tariff barriers. Non-scientifically based sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards have been used too often to deny access of American product to the Chinese market, and we’ve long urged that this problem be resolved. We look forward to reviewing additional details of the phase one deal and working with the Administration to ensure the deal delivers wins for our fruit, vegetable and tree nut growers.

“While U.S. agriculture has borne the brunt of the trade war with China, many of our farmers understand that, at times, short term pain must be endured to achieve long term gains and appreciate the efforts of President Trump to offset the damages incurred by our industry through trade mitigation assistance programs.

“Nevertheless, no amount of government aid can make up for lost market shares or displacement by competing suppliers. For this reason, we urge the Administration to quickly finalize and implement this deal, bringing us one step closer to restoring market access and getting back to normal for American fruit vegetable and tree nut producers.”

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 half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including 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. 

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Relive the Western Growers Annual Meeting 2019

December 5th, 2019

Mahalo for helping to make Western Growers Annual Meeting 2019 a memorable experience! As they say in Hawaii, “A hui hou” (Until we meet again)!

We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas next year!
November 9-12, 2020
The Palazzo – Las Vegas

In the meantime, relive Annual Meeting 2019 through photos! Click here to view pictures from the event. 

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CDC Reports 35 Additional Illnesses due to E.coli Outbreak

December 5th, 2019

As previously reported in Spotlight, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently disseminated notices regarding the current E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California growing region.

According to the CDC, there is now a total of 102 E. coli O157:H7 reported illnesses across 23 states—an additional 35 illnesses since last reported on November 26. This outbreak is caused by the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 that caused outbreaks linked to leafy greens in 2017 and to romaine lettuce in 2018.

For full details, please access the CDC website.

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

Click here to read the latest CDC alert.

Click here to read the latest FDA alert.

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USDA Extends the Application Deadline for the Market Facilitation Program

December 17th, 2019

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline to submit applications for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) through December 20, as a result of the prolonged and extensive impacts of weather events this year.

As previously reported in Spotlight, the MFP provides direct payments to producers impacted by export market losses caused by foreign retaliatory tariffs. It is part of the government’s efforts to support producers while they continue to work on free, fair and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets to help American farmers compete globally.

To be eligible for payments, applicants must either have an average adjusted gross income (AGI) for tax years 2014, 2015 and 2016 of less than $900,000 or derive at least 75 percent of their AGI from farming or ranching. Payment limits have been altered and producers are now eligible for up to $250,000.

Almonds, fresh grapes, fresh sweet cherries, pecans, pistachios and walnuts are among the eligible specialty crop commodities.

For specialty crops, producers will receive a payment based on 2019 acres of fruit or nut bearing plants. Rates include:

  • Nuts: $146 per acre
  • Sweet cherries (fresh): $0.17 per pound at 9,148 pounds per acre
  • Table grapes: $0.03 per pound at 20,820 pounds per acre

The first payment will be comprised of the higher of either 50 percent of a producer’s calculated payment or $15 per acre. The first payment will be made in mid-to-late August. MFP payments will be made in up to three tranches (or portions), with the second and third tranches evaluated as market conditions and trade opportunities dictate. If conditions warrant, the second tranche will be made in November, and the third in early January.

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U.S. – China Phase One Deal Reached

December 17th, 2019

On Friday, December 13, the White House announced that it reached a phase one deal with China—the most notable step, thus far, toward resolving the nearly two-year trade conflict that has significantly harmed the agriculture industry. While full details and numbers are expected to be released soon, the general overview is that the deal addresses agriculture, intellectual property, technology, financial services and enforcement measures. 

“President Trump is following through on his promise to rebalance the relationship between the U.S. and many of our global trading partners. In the wake of the early harvest trade deal with Japan and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the phase one trade deal with China represents another encouraging step forward in the effort to level the playing field for American farmers in this important market,” said Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif in a press statement.

China appears to have committed to returning to 2017 levels of U.S. purchases, plus $200 billion, in two years, essentially doubling the United States’ total annual exports to China. This is across all sectors; target purchase amounts for specific sectors or commodities are not expected to be released publicly. The deal is tentatively expected to be signed in early January 2020, with enactment 30 days after. According to President Trump, negotiations on phase two are expected to begin immediately in early 2020, but this remains in flux.

Western Growers has long been pushing the Administration to resolve this conflict and restore normal terms of trade for our industry. In an earlier letter to USTR with industry allies, WG urged the elimination of China’s retaliatory tariffs on fresh fruit, vegetables and tree nuts. WG also highlighted matters like reductions or eliminations of certain pre-retaliation tariff rates, as well as improvements to China’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regime. This regime can be notoriously difficult to navigate and has repeatedly blocked several U.S. commodities from the country. As such, certain other crops like strawberries require more than just retaliatory tariff removal to truly penetrate the market.

Western Growers will continue to follow the progress of the negotiations closely and reiterate the industry’s needs to USTR, USDA and Congress. If you or your operation has current or previous issues getting into the China market (tariffs or otherwise), we encourage you to contact us with your stories at [email protected].

Click here to read Western Growers’ full statement on the U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement.

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WG Tech Center Hosts Salinas Valley Energy Forum on January 27

December 18th, 2019

The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) will be hosting a Salinas Valley Energy Forum on January 27, 2020, to address energy concerns in Monterey County. This event will provide valuable insight to ranchers, farmers, food processors and/or affiliate businesses with energy concerns in the Salinas Valley.

Energy along the 101 corridor in the Salinas Valley is a pain point for anyone involved with produce. With questionable power quality and potentially 10 years of PG&E power shut offs ahead of us, energy poses a major disruption to businesses. Fortunately, the energy industry as a whole is going through a transformation, with significant benefits to the ag industry.

WGCIT resident Concentric Power has assembled an expert panel of energy developers, government agencies and solution providers to offer insight on energy geared toward sparing businesses from the next outage and saving them money while meeting some of the businesses’ sustainability goals.

The event will be held in Salinas, Calif. Stay tuned to Spotlight for further details on the event and how to register. Have questions in the meantime? Please feel free to email Loree Dowse of Concentric Power.

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WGCIT Hosts “Home for the Holidays” Networking Mixer

December 19th, 2019

The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT) has launched several workforce development programs in an effort to encourage youth to pursue careers in agriculture. Join WGCIT on December 23, 2019, as they host the third annual “Home for the Holidays” networking mixer for all college students returning home to the Salinas Valley for the holiday break. Come learn about the latest career opportunities in AgTech!

EVENT DETAILS

Third Annual ‘Home for the Holidays’ Networking Mixer

Date: Monday, December 23, 2019

Time:  4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PDT

Location: Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology

150 Main St, Ste 130

Salinas, CA 93901

RSVP: Contact Emily Lyons at (831) 272-0661 to register for the networking event.

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Western Growers Wishes You a Very Merry Christmas

December 19th, 2019

Western Growers wishes you and your family a safe and merry Christmas. As a reminder, our office will be closed On Tuesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th.

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