Western Growers Congratulates Alex Padilla on Senate Appointment

December 22nd, 2020

IRVINE, Calif. (December 22, 2020) – In response to California Governor Gavin Newsom appointing California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ Senate seat, Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement:

“On behalf of Western Growers, we congratulate Alex Padilla on this new opportunity and look forward to working with him and his team to address the many challenges facing the California growers and processors who provide the most nutritious and responsibly-produced fresh produce in the world. The next Congress will have opportunities to work in the spirit of compromise on tough issues, including immigration reform, trade policy, water infrastructure and much more. As a state legislator, Alex Padilla consistently listened to all stakeholders and gave serious weight to the facts. These qualities will serve California well as he takes his place in the U.S. Senate.”

 

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.

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Mourning the Passing of Richard Rominger

December 22nd, 2020

The Western Growers family is saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Rominger at the age of 93.

Mr. Rominger, a Yolo County farmer, served as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and contributed generously to many industry initiatives and charitable causes.

Notable among these were Mr. Rominger’s service on the University of California President’s Advisory Commission on Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the California Roundtable on Agriculture and the Environment. Additionally, he received numerous awards, including the Cal Aggie Alumni Association’s Jerry W. Fielder Memorial Award and the 2019 UC Davis Medal, the highest honor the university presents to an individual.

“Our industry has lost a true champion,” stated Western Growers President and CEO, Dave Puglia. “Richard Rominger’s passion for agriculture was undeniable, and he will be dearly missed.”

Rominger is survived by his wife Evelyne, his children Rick, Bruce and Ruth and his grandchildren.