WG Members Receive Less than 1% of USDA Direct Payments

June 23rd, 2020

As of June 23, USDA has allocated $4 billion of $16 billion in direct payments as part of its Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Just over $84 million has been distributed to the specialty crop industry, or 2.1%.

  • Livestock: $2 billion
  • Non-Specialty: $1 billion
  • Dairy: $895 million
  • Specialty: $84 million

For Western Growers member states – Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico – the specialty crop industry has received $36 million, or 0.9% of total allocations.

  • California: $27.7 million
  • New Mexico: $4.2 million
  • Arizona: $4.1 million
  • Colorado: $39 thousand

To assist members in accessing the CFAP direct payment program, Western Growers has summarized the key eligibility requirements, payment limitations and procedures for applying in a new CFAP Direct Payment Program Fact Sheet.

Background

CFAP provides financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

Eligibility

For eligible specialty crops, the total payment will be based on the volume of production sold between January 15 and April 15, 2020; the volume of production shipped, but unpaid; and the number of acres for which harvested production did not leave the farm or mature product destroyed or not harvested during that same time period, and which have not and will not be sold.

Eligible specialty crops include:

Fruits: apples, avocados, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, kiwifruit, lemons, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries, tangerines, tomatoes, watermelons

Vegetables: artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, dry onions, green onions, peppers, potatoes, rhubarb, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, taro

Nuts: almonds, pecans, walnuts

Other: beans, mushrooms

Additional crops may be deemed eligible at a later date.

Applying for Assistance

Producers can apply for assistance beginning on May 26, 2020. Additional information and application forms can be found at farmers.gov/cfap. Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office. Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with agricultural producers by phone and using email and online tools whenever possible.

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Register Now for WG COVID-19 Webinar Series – Part One: Friday, June 26

June 25th, 2020

With peak summer harvest season rapidly approaching, many Western Growers members may still have questions about how to implement the CDC/OSHA interim guidance for agriculture workers and employers in their operations.

To address practical applications of the guidance on farms and in facilities, Western Growers is teaming up with leading experts from UC Davis, Rutgers University and Colorado State University to conduct a three-part COVID-19 webinar series.

The first webinar, Basics of COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plans, will be held this Friday, June 26, at 11:00 a.m. PT. Following the presentation, time will be allotted for Q&A from the audience.

Register for Part One: Basics of COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plans

Speakers

  • Sonia Salas, Assistant VP, Food Safety, Science & Technology, Western Growers
  • Heather Riden, Program Director, Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, UC Davis
  • Don Schaffner, Ph. D., Extension Specialist, Food Science, Rutgers University

Topics

  • Introduction, CDC/DOL guidance purpose and current issues
  • What do we know about COVID-19 now? What key risk factors affect the fresh produce industry?
  • What is a COVID-19 assessment and control plan? How do you develop one in the fresh produce industry?
  • Screening and monitoring workers: What should you know?
  • What do you do if a worker has, or has been exposed to, COVID-19?

Save the Date

The second webinar in this series, Assessment and Control Plans: Do’s and Don’ts, will be held next Tuesday, June 30, at 9:00 AM PT. Registration for part two will be available at the end of Friday’s webinar.

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PPE Web Portal Available for California Businesses

June 30th, 2020

Last week, Governor Newsom announced the creation of Safely Making California, an online web portal (The Marketplace) designed to connect California manufacturers to employers who have the need to purchase non-medical grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

As previously reported in Spotlight, Western Growers – along with the Ag Council, California Farm Bureau and several other organizations – partnered with the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) and the State of California to help fill the critical PPE gap during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Marketplace will be built out and improved over the next few weeks, but currently provides a directory of California non-medical grade PPE, such as face masks, face shields, gowns, gloves, sanitizer and wipes.

Public health guidelines require some form of PPE for agricultural employees. Many of our members have faced challenges in acquiring protective gear. At the same time, hundreds of small to mid-sized manufacturers have indicated they stand ready to produce and supply PPE to our industry and others.

Click here to visit the Safely Making California Marketplace.

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Digital Option Available for CFAP Applications

June 30th, 2020

To date, just $113 million of the nearly $4.9 billion in funding through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) has been distributed to the specialty crop industry, only 2.3% of the total allocations.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency announced that it will now accept applications for CFAP through an online portal, expanding the options available to producers to apply for this program, which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs because of the coronavirus pandemic.

FSA is also leveraging commercial document storage and e-signature solutions to enable producers to work with local service center staff to complete their applications from home.

Through the portal, producers with secure USDA login credentials – known as eAuthentication – can certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center.

Producers who do not have an eAuthentication account can learn more and begin the enrollment process at farmers.gov/sign-in. Currently, the digital application is only available to sole proprietors or single-member business entities.

USDA has several other options for producers to complete and submit their CFAP applications. These include:

  • Downloading the AD-3114 application form from farmers.gov/cfap and manually completing the form to submit to the local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically or by hand delivery to an office drop box. In some limited cases, the office may be open for in-person business by appointment. Visit farmers.gov/coronavirus/service-center-status to check the status of your local office.
  • Completing the application form using USDA’s CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator found at farmers.gov/cfap. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, and then signed and submitted to their local USDA Service Center.

Getting Help from FSA

New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

More Information

To find the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364.

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CA Bill Changing H-2A Travel Time Compensation Passes Senate

June 23rd, 2020

SB 1102, which attempts to change the law by changing the definition of “voluntary” and “mandated” travel time, passed off of the Senate Floor yesterday and will now head to the Assembly for consideration.

Western Growers staff and members recently mobilized to request that the provision related to travel time either be removed from the bill or amended to reflect that travel time deemed voluntary by the employer is not compensable time. We have also raised significant concerns with another provision of the bill that would declare that an H-2A employee residing in employer-provided housing is considered to be a tenant under California housing law. This provision does not make sense since the employee’s rights to housing begin and end with the employment relationship.

If passed, SB 1102 would further threaten the survival of family farms across the state, as continued rising employer costs in California have made competing with other states and nations incredibly challenging for farming operations.

We thank all the WG members who responded to our Action Alert and reached out to their State Senator to express opposition to the bill.

For questions, contact Matthew Allen at [email protected] or (916) 446-1435 ext: 7332.

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Western Growers Joins Ag Partners in Draft Order 4.0 Comment Submittal

June 23rd, 2020

Western Growers, in collaboration with numerous agricultural partners, have evaluated and responded to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Draft General Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands (Draft Order 4.0) and the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The Draft Order comment submittal also includes alternatives to what was proposed.

“The Ag Partners identified here cannot support the Draft Order as proposed. As a practical matter, the economic impact of this Draft Order will devastate agriculture in the Central Coast region. The economic cost of nitrogen discharge limits alone (for one crop, in one area) would be over $635 million annually. This, coupled with mandatory riparian and operational setbacks, ranch level monitoring, other prescriptive requirements and a seriously deficient DEIR leaves us no choice but to oppose the Draft Order.”

Click here to read the full submittal as well as other stakeholder’s comment letters.

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

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Cal/OSHA Provides Steps to Prevent Heat Illness & Spread of COVID-19 on Farms

June 4th, 2020

In light of the National Weather Service’s excessive heat warnings for high temperatures, Cal/OSHA is reminding all employers with outdoor workers to take the necessary steps to prevent heat illness.

California’s heat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor workers, including those in agriculture. Supervisors and workers must be trained on the signs and symptoms of heat illness so that they know when to take steps that can prevent a coworker from getting sick. Employers must also evaluate each worksite and make sure their workers know their procedures for contacting emergency medical services, which includes directing them to the worksite if needed.

While taking steps to protect their workers from heat illness, employers must also have a plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at each worksite. Employers should be attentive to allow enough space and time for employees to take breaks as needed in adequate shade while also maintaining a safe distance from one another. For many employers, this will require staggered breaks or increased shaded break areas, or both. Extra infection prevention measures should be in place such as disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, including the water and restroom facilities.

Employers with outdoor workers must take the following steps to prevent heat illness:

  • Plan – Develop and implement an effective written heat illness prevention plan that includes emergency response procedures.
  • Training – Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention.
  • Water – Provide drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool and free of charge so that each worker can drink at least 1 quart per hour, and encourage workers to do so. 
  • Shade – Provide shade when workers request it or when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Encourage workers to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.

Click here to read more on Cal/OSHA’s illness prevention requirements.

Click here obtain Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Daily Checklist for Agricultural Employers

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Colorado Implements New Paid Sick Leave Requirements Extending Beyond COVID-19 Issues

June 18th, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado has joined a growing number of states and municipalities in requiring most employers to provide paid sick leave. Although the COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst for this new legislation, the law is not limited to the current situation, but instead provides broad paid sick leave entitlements.

The Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (“Act”), enacted on June 16, 2020, goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2021, and provides employees in Colorado with basic paid sick leave as well as additional paid sick leave during a public health emergency. The Act establishes minimum requirements and does not preempt, limit or otherwise affect more generous laws and regulations. While many employers may already have policies that provide more generous paid sick leave, the new Colorado Act imposes additional requirements that may force employers to modify their existing policies.

For more information, please click here to read the Client Alert published by WG Ag Legal Network participating law firm, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP.

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Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Prevent Heat Illness During Period of High Heat in Recent Advisory

June 23rd, 2020

Today, Cal/OSHA released an advisory reminding all employers with outdoor workers to review high heat advisories and take steps to prevent heat illness. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories this week from Monday through Saturday, as a result of high temperatures in various California counties.

Cal/ OSHA requires employers with outdoor workers to do the following to prevent heat illness:

  • Plan – Develop and implement an effective written heat illness prevention plan that includes emergency response procedures.
  • Training – Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention.
  • Water – Provide drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool and free of charge so that each worker can drink at least 1 quart per hour, and encourage workers to do so.
  • Shade – Provide shade when workers request it or when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Encourage workers to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes when they feel the need to do so. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
  • Space — Allow enough space and time for employees to take breaks as needed in adequate shade while also maintaining a safe distance from one another; For many employers this will require staggered breaks or increased shaded break areas, or both.
  • Cleanse — Extra infection prevention measures should be in place such as disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, including the water and restroom facilities.
  • Face Coverings –provide cloth face coverings or allow workers to use their own; they should be removed in outdoor high heat conditions to help prevent overheating as long as physical distancing can be maintained.

Click here to read the full release.

For more information, please contact Jason Resnick at [email protected] or 949-885-2253.

at [email protected] or 949-885-2253.

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Western Growers Statement on Letter of Undertaking Required by Chinese Customs

June 26th, 2020

IRVINE, Calif., (June 26, 2020) — In response to reports that Chinese Customs is requiring a Letter of Undertaking of Safety of Import Food for food shipments, Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement:

“The recent move by Chinese authorities to require a statement of undertaking for food importers is not based on any legitimate food safety concern.

“Our food system is the safest in the world, and the known science behind the transmission of COVID-19 is inconsistent with the Chinese government’s call for more restrictive food safety-related trade measures. Indeed, the very food safety guidance referenced in the required statement – issued by the United Nations and World Health Organization – affirms that there is ‘no evidence to date’ of COVID-19 being transmitted through food or food packaging. This point is important for our domestic consumers to remember, as well.

“The viability of many U.S. farms and the rural economy depends on healthy, robust international trade with key partners like China. At a time when American farmers are still trying to dig themselves out of a coronavirus-induced financial hole, it will be difficult for the industry to absorb further losses due to unfounded demands like this.

“We are aware that the Trump Administration has objected to China’s actions and request that the administration continue to pressure the Chinese government until it reverses this ill-timed and scientifically indefensible trade barrier.”

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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WG Saddened by Loss of Salinas Mayor Gunter

June 30th, 2020

Western Growers wishes to extend our condolences to family and friends of Joe Gunter, the mayor of Salinas, who passed away Monday evening. Gunter was elected as mayor of Salinas in 2012 and in January was recognized for his more than 50 years of public service.

“Western Growers extends our condolences to the family and friends of Joe Gunter,” said Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia. “His enthusiastic support for and partnership with our industry was instrumental in the launch and growth of the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology. He made innumerable contributions to the health and success of the Salinas Valley agriculture community. We join so many others today in sadness at the passing of Joe Gunter.” 

“I, as well as the Western Growers family, am deeply saddened by Salinas’ loss,” said to Dennis Donohue, the director of Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, who also served as the mayor of Salinas from 2006 to 2012. “Joe Gunter was truly a great man, husband, father and mayor to all of the Salinas community. I know how proud he was of the success we all achieved in building a thriving agtech sector in the Monterey County region and the important role our Valley played in feeding the world. We will miss him.”

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Western Growers Statement on Passing of Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter

June 30th, 2020

IRVINE, Calif., (June 30, 2020) — The following statement can be attributed to Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia

“Western Growers extends our condolences to the family and friends of Joe Gunter. His enthusiastic support for and partnership with our industry was instrumental in the launch and growth of the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology. He made innumerable contributions to the health and success of the Salinas Valley agriculture community. We join so many others today in sadness at the passing of Joe Gunter.” 

 

The following statement can be attributed to Dennis Donohue, the director of Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, who also served as the mayor of Salinas from 2006 to 2012

“I, as well as the Western Growers family, am deeply saddened by Salinas’ loss. Joe Gunter was truly a great man, husband, father and mayor to all of the Salinas community. I know how proud he was of the success we all achieved in building a thriving agtech sector in the Monterey County region and the important role our Valley played in feeding the world. We will miss him.”

 

About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook. 

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Upcoming AgTech Webinar: Contactless Timekeeping for Your Operation

June 30th, 2020

It is imperative for employers to maintain a safe and healthy work space now more than ever. Join PAGO CEO Michael Dodson this Thursday as he shares how his platform allows labor contractors and growers to carry out crucial labor activities, including contactless timekeeping.

As an ag labor platform, PAGO gives growers real-time actionable data related to their operations, assists with scheduling crews and crew monitoring, and calculates both time and piece rates.

As previously reported in Spotlight, the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) has launched the “Innovating in Challenging Times” webinar series to demonstrate how technological development continues to advance during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The series, which is moderated by WGCIT Director Dennis Donohue, features entrepreneurs from different agtech startups who share how the crisis has impacted their company as well as the creative methods they are implementing to move business forward.

To learn more about Pago, read the “Pago: The Ag Labor Platform” story featured in WG&S Magazine and tune in to the webinar this Thursday! 

WEBINAR DETAILS

Presenter: Michael Dodson, CEO, PAGO

Date: Thursday, July 2, 2020

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT

RSVP: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For more information, contact Dennis Donohue at [email protected] or (831) 594-4883.

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Upcoming Web Discussion Covers LGMA-Approved Field Sanitation Guidelines

June 25th, 2020

Western Growers invites you to join a web discussion to review proposed changes to the LGMA-approved guidelines surrounding Field Sanitation. This web discussion will be held on July 1, 2020, from 9:00 am. – 11:00 a.m. PDT. The web discussion will offer an opportunity to review proposed changes to the LGMA-approved metrics and provide feedback.

Don’t miss the discussion, register for the July 1 webinar now!

Webinar Details

LGMA Guidelines Discussion: Field Sanitation – Part Two

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. PDT

RSVP: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

Click here for additional information about the LGMA-guidelines review process.

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Upcoming AgTech Webinar: Collect Data in Minutes with KipTraq

June 23rd, 2020

Join KipTraq CEO Bryan Banks this Thursday as he speaks about an innovative flexible mobile data collection tool that streamlines any data collection process in minutes. During this week’s “Innovating in Challenging Times” webinar, Banks will be showcasing how growers and processors are staying on top of their operations with this agtech, as well as detail how current customers are using KipTraq to complete many other tasks within their company.

As previously reported in Spotlight, the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) has launched the “Innovating in Challenging Times” webinar series to demonstrate how technological development continues to advance during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The series, which is moderated by WGCIT Director Dennis Donohue, features entrepreneurs from different agtech startups who share how the crisis has impacted their company as well as the creative methods they are implementing to move business forward.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Presenter: Bryan Banks, CEO, KipTraq

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2020

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT

RSVP: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For more information, contact Dennis Donohue at [email protected] or (831) 594-4883.

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Register for the Field Sanitation Web Discussion

June 23rd, 2020

Western Growers invites you to join a web discussion to review proposed changes to the LGMA-approved guidelines surrounding Field Sanitation. This web discussion will be held tomorrow, June 24, 2020, from 8:30 a.m. to10:30 a.m. PDT. The web discussion will offer an opportunity to review proposed changes to the LGMA-approved metrics and provide feedback. To view the working draft, click here. The discussion will begin at comment #21. 

Don’t miss the discussion; register for tomorrow’s webinar now!

Webinar Details

LGMA Guidelines Discussion: Field Sanitation

Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. PDT

RSVP: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

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“Bring the Lab Into the Field” in Upcoming Webinar

June 16th, 2020

Don’t miss this Thursday’s “Innovating in Challenging Times” webinar series with ChyrsaLabs’ Samuel Fournier! Fournier will be presenting ChrysaLabs’ soil fertility assessment technology and the trials they are planning in California this season. This technology measures, in real-time, soil nutrients and soil health, providing needed information within seconds to producers and agronomists with the same exact accuracy of a laboratory.

As previously reported in Spotlight, the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) has launched the “Innovating in Challenging Times” webinar series to demonstrate how technological development continues to advance during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The series, which is moderated by WGCIT Director Dennis Donohue, features entrepreneurs from different agtech startups who share how the crisis has impacted their company as well as the creative methods they are implementing to move business forward.

WEBINAR DETAILS

Presenter: Samuel Fournier, ChrysaLabs

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2020

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT

RSVP: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For more information, contact Dennis Donohue at [email protected] or (831) 594-4883.

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COVID-19 Extension of Certain Group Health Benefit Plan Timeframes & Optional FSA Changes

June 4th, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting national emergency declarations, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Internal Revenue Service issued rules and guidance that mandate extensions of certain timeframes for participants covered under group health plans and allow plans to ease restrictions on some Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) plan regulations.

The Departments recognize that plan participants may encounter problems, such as exercising rights to COBRA continuation coverage or difficulty filing or perfecting claims, and extend timeframes for certain activities. This is accomplished by excluding the “Outbreak Period” when calculating plan deadlines for the specified activities. The Outbreak Period is identified as the period beginning with the declaration of national emergency (March 1, 2020) and ending 60 days after the national emergency ends.

Click here to read more about these changes.

Click here to view the WGAT COVID-19 Resources Page.

For more information on WGAT, feel free to contact the Customer Service Team at (800)777-7898.

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Western Growers Welcomes De Ann Davis as Senior Vice President, Science

June 16th, 2020

IRVINE, Calif., (June 16, 2020) — Western Growers is pleased to announce the addition of De Ann Davis, PhD, as Senior Vice President, Science. Davis brings extensive expertise to the leadership team with more than 25 years of experience in the development and execution of technical global programs, including food safety, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

“Western Growers has long led our industry’s efforts to develop and embrace food safety best practices based on science,” stated Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia. “The retirement of Hank Giclas – a pioneering leader in food safety – created a serious challenge for us in finding the right person to continue and enhance our commitment. Fortunately, today we are welcoming De Ann Davis to our team. With her uncommon blend of technical know-how, cross-sector experience, and demonstrated management capacity, De Ann is poised to take this position and drive further value to our members and the broader fresh produce industry.”

“Joining Western Growers is an exciting opportunity for me to really leverage my diverse experiences and technical background to advance food safety and scientific programs across its membership and the produce industry as a whole,” said Davis.

Following an impressive run in consumer products safety, Davis transitioned to packaged and fresh produce safety nearly a decade ago. She most recently served as Food Safety Director for Commercial Food Sanitation, a provider of strategic consulting services, expertise and training that addresses food safety and sanitation challenges for food processing plants.

Previously, Davis was Vice President of Food Safety and Quality for both Church Brothers Farms and Earthbound Farm, and earlier as Chief Food Safety Officer for Kraft Foods Group, where she was engaged in the development of the regulatory framework for Food Safety Modernization Act.  

Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Chemistry from Point Loma Nazarene University and her PhD in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University. She is also a certified Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, where she has served since 1996.

Davis holds several committee appointments within the produce industry, including having recently served as the Chair of the Board of Advisors for the Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia. In 2018, Davis was appointed to the USDA National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Food.

Western Growers’ Science division leads the association’s engagement in several issue areas, including food safety, crop protection, sustainability and industry data initiatives.

A high-resolution image of De Ann Davis is available here. 

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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2020 CPS Research Symposium Webinar Series Kicks Off June 23

June 2nd, 2020

Don’t forget to register for the 2020 CPS Research Symposium Webinar Series, which begins June 23, 2020. Through a series of five weekly webinars, 24 scientists, in collaboration with the Center for Produce Safety (CPS), will present their research projects on topics ranging from agricultural water treatment, wildlife co-management on farms, Listeria growth potential, and Cyclospora prevalence. This year’s Symposium is hosted online for the first time and the registration is complementary.

Mark your calendar for the following dates and times:

Tuesday, June 23   10:00am – 11:30am PDT

Tuesday, June 30   10:00am – 11:30am PDT

Tuesday, July 7      10:00am – 11:30am PDT

Tuesday, July 14    10:00am – 11:30am PDT

Tuesday, July 21    10:00am – 11:30am PDT

Click here for the full agenda.

Click here to register.

Western Growers is a Platinum Sponsor this year and encourages your participation. To view the list of scientists who will present a final report on their research projects, please CLICK HERE.

To view the list of scientists who will present an interim report on their research projects, please CLICK HERE.

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