Western Growers to Present at the 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Summit 

November 13th, 2024

We are excited to have Joelle Mosso, AVP of Science Programs and Jeana Cadby, Environment and Climate Director at Western Growers, presenting alongside panelists at the 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Summit on November 20, at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. This sold-out event, which is expected to attract 950-plus attendees, marks a decade of progress in advancing sustainability across U.S. agriculture. 

Jeana will moderate a session, “The Nexus of Food Safety and Sustainability,” where Joelle Mosso, alongside panelists John McKeon, Gina Colfer, Wilbur Ellis and Matthew J. Grieshop, will explore the critical intersection of food safety and sustainability on the farm. This specialty crop grower-led discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities growers face in balancing the implementation of biodiversity practices with evolving consumer demands for sustainability, all while maintaining rigorous food safety standards.  

This panel will bring a wealth of expertise, offering valuable insights into the real-world challenges faced by growers. Their thought leadership at this summit will provide attendees with actionable takeaways that can drive long-term sustainable practices in specialty crop production.  

To learn more about this event, click here.   

The full event schedule can be found here.   

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Register Today for the Western Growers Leave Law Workshop on Nov. 19

November 8th, 2024

Get ready to navigate the complexities of leave laws and disability accommodations in the workplace. Registration is now open for the Western Growers workshop designed to elevate your human resource management skills.

This hands-on opportunity, brought to you by Western Growers Legal Resources and Western Growers University, offers an in-depth look at federal leave requirements and the crucial steps for creating a discrimination-free workplace.

Presenters include Priscila Cisneros, Learning and Development Manager, Western Growers University; and Teresa McQueen, Esq. Corporate Counsel, Western Growers.

If you’re a business owner, manager or HR professional, this is a workshop you won’t want to miss!

DETAILS

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (breaks provided)

Location:
Four Points by Sheraton Yuma
2030 S Avenue 3E Yuma, Arizona, USA, 85365

Continental breakfast from 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. and complimentary lunch from 12:00-12:30 p.m.

Western Growers members enjoy special discounted pricing for this workshop.

For a full agenda and to register for the event, click here.

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Leave Laws and Resonable Accommodations Workshop

November 8th, 2024

Are You Prepared to Navigate Federal and State Leave Laws?

Join us for a one-day workshop covering leave law mandates and disability accommodation in the workplace. This unique opportunity is a chance to build and refine human resource management skills around employee leaves laws and the employer’s duty to provide a discrimination free workplace.

Those in attendance will first learn how to navigate through the most common federal and state leaves (e.g., FMLA, ADA, ACRA), and then take a deep dive into disability discrimination and the employer’s duties under state and federal law to provide a discrimination free workplace. Learn more here.

 

Workshop Details:

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Time: 10:00AM – 2:30PM

Continental breakfast: 9:30am – 10:am

Complimentary lunch: 12:00-12:30pm

Location: Four Points by Sheraton in Yuma, Arizona

 

For questions about this or any course, contact Teresa McQueen at [email protected], or Priscila Cisneros at [email protected]

For assistance registering or finding a scheduled course, contact Melanie Kisler at [email protected]

 

Register Here
 

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Western Growers Mourns the Passing of Former WG Board Member and Horse Racing Legend Don Valpredo

November 8th, 2024

The Western Growers Family of Companies mourns the passing of former WG board member Donald “Don” Valpredo, a horse racing legend and beloved agricultural industry veteran.

Known affectionately as “El Don,” “The Chairman” and “The Boss,” Valpredo’s entrepreneurial spirit followed in the footsteps of his father, John Valpredo, who also was known for his innovative farming. John Valpredo was one of the original farmers in the southernmost region of Kern County after his family relocated to the Mettler area from Saugus, Calif, according to a company release.

Building on his father’s legacy, Valpredo went on to be President of Ridge Ginning Co. and founding Partner of Kern Ridge Growers, Val-Mar Farms and related entities. In 2008, along with his son, Michael Valpredo, Don Valpredo co-founded Country Sweet Produce. The company’s Bako Sweet brand owes its origin to Don’s affinity for sweet potatoes, which stemmed from his Italian heritage and his love for Bakersfield, Calif.

Additionally, Valpredo was deeply involved in thoroughbred horse breeding and racing for many years. He served on the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) Board from 1972-1990, including as President from 1986-1990. He was inducted into the CTBA Hall of Fame in 2017. He served as a Commissioner of the California Horse Racing Board; President of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association; Director of the Thoroughbred Owners of California and as a member of The Jockey Club in New York.

He also served on the Western Growers Board of Directors from 2003-2014 and was a WG member since 1989.

Valpredo is survived by his wife Sally; three children: Michael Valpredo, Natalia Fritz and Alexis Mosely and their spouses; and seven grandchildren.

A private memorial is expected in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Valpredo’s legacy of leadership and service be honored with donations to the National Future Farmers of America Foundation’s Leadership Fund. Contributions can be sent by check to the National FFA Foundation at 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278, or made online at ffa.org/donate.

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Best Practices: Strategies to Prevent Workplace Harassment

November 8th, 2024

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) identifies several core principles generally proven as effective in preventing and addressing harassment: 

  • Committed and engaged leadership; 
  • Consistent and demonstrated accountability; 
  • Strong and comprehensive harassment policies; 
  • Trusted and accessible complaint procedures; and 
  • Regular, interactive training tailored to the audience and the organization. 

All of the above are essential components of a successful prevention strategy, but only where employees are aware (and supportive) of them. Training all employees ensures a workforce that understands not only company policies/procedures, but expectations and consequences.  

An effective training program includes, among other things: 

  • Strong support by senior leaders; 
  • Repetition; 
  • Tailoring to the company’s specific workplace and workforce (e.g., relevant languages, daily experiences, unique work, workforce and workplace characteristics); 
  • Qualified interactive trainers or active engagement video-training. 

Employers may also consider offering additional preventative trainings that include workplace civility/respectful workplace training and/or bystander intervention training. Additional prevention resources include the EEOC’s Checklists and Chart of Risk Factors for Employers. 

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USDA Designates Two Arizona Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas for Drought S5859

November 7th, 2024

This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for eight or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional.

Impacted Area: ARIZONA

Triggering Disaster: Drought (Fast Track) from 09/10/2024

Application Deadline:  05/12/2024

Primary Counties Eligible: La Paz, Mohave

Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:

Arizona: Coconino, Maricopa, Yavapai, Yuma

California: Imperial, Riverside, San Bernadino

Nevada: Clark, Lincoln

Utah: Kane, Washington

More Resources

On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local  USDA Service Center.

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FDA and EPA Announce First Registered Antimicrobial Product for Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water 

November 6th, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced the successful registration of the first antimicrobial treatment for pre-harvest agricultural water, marking a significant milestone in pre-harvest water safety.

“This registration, a landmark achievement in our collective efforts to improve food safety, marks the first ever approval of a treatment for use against foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella and E. coli, in the agricultural water used to grow produce.” According to an update shared by the FDA. This milestone follows the FDA-EPA’s revised efficacy protocol for testing antimicrobial treatments.

This approval provides farmers with a valuable new tool to manage the safe use of pre-harvest agricultural water, helping with pathogen reduction in pre-harvest water. Robust treatment options support pre-harvest water safety, which is key under the FDA’s new rule on agricultural water.

More information can be found here.

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CDFA Awards $3 Million To Advance Sustainable Pest Management

November 4th, 2024

SACRAMENTO, October 30, 2024 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is excited to announce $3 million in funding for three projects under the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) grant program. The BIFS program supports the development, demonstration and adoption of effective and economically viable alternative management practices to address critical pest challenges across California agriculture.

“Increasing pest pressures due to climate change and invasive species, changes in regulations and consumer demands, and reduced efficacy and increased resistance to available management options are all significant challenges in our industry,” said Jeana Cadby, Environment and Climate Director for Western Growers. “Developing innovative, biologically integrated farming systems to address existing gaps in pest management is critical.”

Each four-year grant is a collaborative effort between growers, pest control advisors, commodity groups, scientists, and other stakeholders. This year’s projects focus on a range of practices aimed at reducing reliance on pesticides, including the use of steam injection and disease-resistant varieties as an alternative to pre-plant soil fumigants; promoting ecosystem services by supporting natural enemies; and implementing pheromone mating disruption to provide areawide management of pest populations. These projects focus on area-wide management and community engagement.

“This funding represents a major investment towards helping California transition to agricultural systems that emphasize ecological approaches to pest management and are more resilient and protective of local communities and the environment,” said Margaret Reeves, Senior Scientist with Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network (PAN).  “We hope these projects will expand the availability of safe, critically needed tools for growers, including organic producers and those near sensitive sites such as schools, daycare centers, and waterways.”

Programs like BIFS support priorities that public and private stakeholders identified in California’s Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap.

Funded Projects

  1. Diamondback Moth Management in Cole Crops
    • Leads: Ian Grettenberger, UC Davis; Ricky Lara, CDFA; Oleg Daugovish, UCCE; Hamutahl Cohen, UCCE; Daniel Hasegawa, USDA; Matt Grieshop, California Polytechnic State University
    • Objective:  To develop and promote a biologically integrated pest management program for the diamondback moth, a major threat to California’s $1.4 billion cole crop industry, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Current chemical management programs are proving ineffective due to the pest’s resistance to a wide range of insecticides.
    • Approach: This project focuses on sustainable practices, such as pheromone mating disruption and the use of natural enemies, to manage the pest at the landscape level. Outreach will be conducted in collaboration with the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, the California Leafy Greens Research Board, and pest control advisors.
  1. Steam Injection and Alternatives to Soil Fumigation in Strawberries
    • Leads:  Dr. Darryl Wong and Janet Broome, UC Santa Cruz; Steve Fennimore, Smart Steam Applications for Agriculture LLC; Peter Henry, USDA ARS; Mark Bolda, UCCE; Nicholas LeBlanc, USDA ARS; Oleg Daugovish, UCCE; Rachael Goodhue, UC Davis
    • Objective: To demonstrate non-chemical alternatives to pre-plant fumigants in strawberry fields, especially in areas near schools, daycare centers, and other sensitive sites.
    • Approach: The project will establish demonstration plots on the Central Coast to replace soil fumigation with steam injection, disease-resistant varieties, and other methods. Soil fumigants, used to control pathogens, nematodes, and weeds, are facing increased regulatory restrictions.
    • Key partners:  California Strawberry Commission, local growers, the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner, California Certified Organic Farmers, and the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.
  1. Watershed-Wide Mating Disruption in Nut Orchards
    • Lead: Parry Klassen, Coalition for Urban Rural Environmental Stewardship
    • Collaborators: Jhalendra Rijal, UC Cooperative Extension, East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, the California Almond Board, and pest control advisors
    • Objective: To reduce pyrethroid insecticide use in almond and walnut orchards through pheromone mating disruption of navel orangeworm and codling moth populations.
    • Approach: This project will implement mating disruption across orchards bordering agricultural waterways where pyrethroids have been detected. Outreach will encourage growers to adopt orchard sanitation practices, such as removing “mummy nuts,” which harbor pests.

More information is available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/opca/bifs.html.

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Western Growers Announces Results of 2025-2026 Board of Directors Election

November 4th, 2024

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (Nov. 4, 2024) – Western Growers is pleased to announce the results of the 2025-2026 Western Growers Board of Directors elections. The following members have been elected by the membership to serve a two-year term starting in November 2024 at the 98th Western Growers Annual Meeting:

D-1 All Arizona except Yuma County

Steve Martori III, Martori Farms

D-2 Yuma County (Arizona)

Robert Barkley, Barkley Ag Enterprises

Kristen Smith Eshaya, JV Smith

D-4 Imperial County and Blythe

Lawrence Cox, Coastline Family Farms

J.P. LaBrucherie, LaBrucherie Produce

D-5 Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego Counties

Steve Brazeel, SunTerra Produce

D-6 Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo

George Adam, Innovative Produce

John Jackson, Beachside Produce

Craig Reade, Bonipak Produce

Ryan Talley, Talley Farms

D-7 North San Joaquin and Northern California

Stephen Danna, Jr., Danna Farms

Ron Ratto, Ratto Bros.

D-8 Ventura County

Stephen Barnard, Mission Produce

George Boskovich III, Boskovich Farms

Thomas Deardorff II, Deardorff Family Farms

D-9 Kern County

Catherine Fanucchi, Tri-Fanucchi Farms

Bob Giragosian, Kern Ridge Growers

Brandon Grimm, Grimmway Enterprises

Kyle Richardson, Garry Richardson Farms

Rob Yraceburu, Wonderful Orchards

D-10 Watsonville, Gilroy, Hollister, Santa Cruz

Dominic Muzzi Jr., Muzzi Family Farms

Eric Reiter, Reiter Affiliated Companies

D-11 Monterey County

Chad Amaral, D’Arrigo Bros of California

Bardin Bengard, Bengard Ranch

Rodney Braga, Braga Fresh Family Farms

David Gill, Rio Farms

Tom Nunes V, The Nunes Company

Bruce Taylor, Taylor Farms California

D-12 East San Joaquin Valley

John Chandler, Chandler Farms

Tracy Jones, Booth Ranches

Harold McClarty, The HMC Group Marketing

Heather Mulholland, Mulholland Citrus

D-13 Riverside and San Bernardino

Albert Keck, Hadley Date Gardens

John Powell Jr., Peter Rabbit Farms

D-14 West San Joaquin Valley

Stephen F. Patricio, Westside Produce

Stuart Woolf, Woolf Enterprises

Affiliated Directors

Sonny Rodriguez, The Growers Company

Bruce Talbott, Talbott’s Mountain Gold

Directors at Large

Kevin Andrew, Vanguard International

Tim Escamilla, Bolthouse Farms

A.G. Kawamura, Orange County Produce

Cannon Michael, Bowles Farming

Mike Way, Prime Time International

Executive Committee 

Chairman: Stuart Woolf, Woolf Farming & Processing

Past Chairman: Albert Keck, Hadley Date Gardens

Vice Chair: Rob Yraceburu, Wonderful Orchards

Treasurer: Neill Callis, Turlock Fruit Company

Exec. Secretary: Don Cameron, Terranova Ranch

E.C. Member-at-Large: Ryan Talley, Talley Farms

E.C. Member-at-Large: Catherine Fanucchi, Tri-Fanucchi Farms

President & CEO: Dave Puglia, Western Growers

The Western Growers Annual Meeting is the premiere event in Western agriculture, and this year is being held from Nov. 3-6, 2024 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz. Attended by key decisionmakers from Western Growers member companies, the Annual Meeting brings growers, shippers and processors together with allies and suppliers in the fresh produce industry. The Growers Company President Sonny Rodriguez will receive the Award of Honor at the event.

For more information, please contact:

Ann Donahue

(949) 302-7600

[email protected]

 

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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Specialty Program Group Announces Association with Western Growers Assurance Trust Wholesale Employee Benefits Division

November 4th, 2024

November 4, 2024 – Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG), a leading operator of specialty insurance brokerage, underwriting and consulting facilities announced that it is beginning an association with the wholesale employee benefits division of Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT), a premier provider of health insurance and employee benefits solutions tailored to the agricultural sector.

Founded in 1957, WGAT offers health benefit plans designed specifically for agricultural and related industries, serving a wide range of businesses from farms to processors and distributors. WGAT is known for its deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by employers in the agriculture sector, offering solutions that support the health and well-being of its members’ workforce. Through this association, WGAT will continue its mission of providing flexible, high-quality employee benefits solutions, while exploring new opportunities to innovate and expand its wholesale offerings. WGAT will market under the name Western Growers Assurance Trust Specialty.

The wholesale employee benefits division of Western Growers Assurance Trust is a great association for SPG,” said Chris Treanor, President of SPG. “WGAT is well-respected in the agricultural sector, and we’re ready to build on that by bringing our strong reputation and access to expertise and resources to help grow the business and support brokers and their clients.”

“Western Growers Assurance Trust enters into this exciting partnership from a position of financial strength,” said Dave Puglia, President and CEO of Western Growers. “We are excited that SPG’s reputation as well as the resources and expertise SPG can offer will propel WGAT in the marketplace and strengthen our members’ ability to provide high quality and affordable health benefits to their employees.”

About Specialty Program Group LLC

 Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG) is a leading specialty platform headquartered in Chicago, IL, with a diverse portfolio of specialty insurance operations spanning underwriting management, digital solutions, wholesale and specialty retail brokerage, and insurance services. SPG has a track record of scaling industry leading businesses by providing access to business resources, technology and process efficiency, capital and investment, deep carrier relationships, and a broad distribution network. Visit specialtyprogramgroup.com to learn more about how SPG can help you scale your specialty business.

About Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT)

 Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) was founded in 1957 to provide health benefit solutions for the unique needs of agricultural employers. With decades of experience, WGAT serves farms, processors, distributors, and related industries, offering comprehensive health plans that address the specific challenges of this essential workforce. For more information about WGAT, visit wgat.com.

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CONTACT:

SPG Media: Danny Fogel

Phone: 312-279-4755

[email protected]

WGAT: Ann Donahue

Phone: 949-302-7600

Email: [email protected]

 

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Hub International Expands Agribusiness Insurance and Risk Solutions with Acquisition of Western Growers Insurance Services in California

November 4th, 2024

Chicago and Irvine, California, November 4, 2024 – Hub International Limited (Hub), a leading global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, and Western Growers Association (WG) today announced that Hub has acquired the retail insurance brokerage business of Western Growers Insurance Services (WGIS). The acquisition will enhance Hub’s services in the agribusiness industry and better position WGIS for long-term growth through expanded scale and capabilities. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With 10 offices located in California and Arizona, WGIS provides full-service risk mitigation and management solutions, including insurance products and employee benefits. Their focus on the agribusiness and farm industry supports Hub’s Specialty practices by complementing and strengthening its existing capabilities.

“We are excited to welcome the WGIS team to Hub,” said Darren Caesar, CEO of Hub Central & Northern California (Hub CNC). “California is one of the largest agricultural markets in the country, and WGIS’ depth of knowledge and experience will bolster our offerings to clients in this key industry.”

As a result of the transaction, WGIS’ current clients will gain access to a wider variety of insurance solutions, while maintaining a strong connection with best-in-class regional expertise in the agriculture and food space.

Jeff Gullickson, President of WGIS; Jodi Martin, Director, Employee Benefits Leader; Natalie Berend, Senior Director, P&C Leader; Ken Cooper, Director, Operations & Risk Strategy Leader; and the WGIS team will join Hub CNC. Gullickson will become head of the Agribusiness practice in the region and will continue to serve in his position as President of WGIS following the transaction.

“Not only does Hub offer expanded scale and capabilities for WGIS, Hub also has a deep understanding of the agriculture industry. This transaction allows WGIS to focus on its core services while also providing industry-leading services and capabilities to our members and clients, both in employee benefits and commercial lines,” said Dave Puglia, President and CEO of WG.”

MarshBerry served as an advisor to WG.

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. Among the many products and services offered to members, Western Growers specializes in the administration of health plans. Since 1957, Western Growers Assurance Trust has been one of the nation’s largest providers of health benefits for agricultural employers and their employees. Pinnacle Claims Management is a leading third-party administrator for employers who self-fund their health care benefits.

About Hub’s M&A Activities

Hub International Limited is committed to growing organically and through acquisitions to expand its geographic footprint and strengthen industry and product expertise.  For more information on the Hub M&A experience, visit WeAreHub.com.

About Hub International

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker and financial services firm providing risk management, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management products and services. With more than 18,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub’s vast network of specialists brings clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy, so clients are ready for tomorrow. For more information, visit Hub Media Center.

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CONTACT:

Hub Media: Jessica Wiltse

Phone: 312-596-7573

[email protected]

Western Growers Media: Ann Donahue

Phone: 949- 302-7600

[email protected]

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Think Covid Messed Up Supply Chains?

November 14th, 2024

Wait Until California Mandates Electric-only Trucks

Sometimes I lazily revert to a line used by the title character in the movie “Forrest Gump” to explain whatever California policy madness has animated a family member or friend: “California is as California does.”

For those who don’t know the reference, my apologies. But there’s really no rational way to explain why California’s air quality regulators – and the Newsom Administration – would knowingly put our state on the road to a supply chain calamity.

Finalized by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in October 2023, the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule mandates many businesses operating in the state transition their medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to zero-emissions by 2045.

As with so many regulatory dreams, the ACF rule aims at a worthy outcome. The regulation aims to reduce greenhouse gases and improve air quality by requiring fleet owners to gradually replace their existing diesel trucks, buses and vans with battery- or hydrogen-powered vehicles over the next two decades. Furthermore, additional CARB regulations outside the scope of the ACF rule require that all new California-certified medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales be zero emissions starting in 2036.

According to American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear, the ACF rule is destructive and “sets wildly unrealistic targets and timelines that are already creating confusion on the West Coast and threaten to cause severe disruptions to our supply chain nationwide.”
We learned in the early weeks of the COVID shutdowns that supply chain disruptions have enormous economic consequences, particularly for perishable products. Yet the State of California is hellbent on a repeat.

Since the zero-emissions truck rule was first floated, Western Growers has been working publicly and behind the scenes – both independently and as part of larger business coalitions – to push back on the ACF rule, most recently with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
CARB must receive a waiver of preemption from the EPA under the federal Clean Air Act, which historically grants California the latitude to set its own air emissions standards. A waiver would pave the way for full implementation of the zero-emissions mandate.

WG is among a host of trade organizations that oppose this waiver request. By law, EPA is required to consider, among other factors, the availability of technology and ability of fleets to comply in its determination.

Penske Truck Leasing offers a sobering analysis of the current zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) landscape: “ZEV trucks remain significantly more expensive than conventional models, and their prices continue to rise. The performance, range and payload capabilities of the current generation of ZEVs create unavoidable inefficiencies that require more vehicles for the same work.”

Unfortunately, the EPA has a long track record of rubberstamping CARB waivers. This time, however, a rubber stamp would unleash an economic nightmare.

In our recent comments to the EPA, we focused on the timelines, infrastructure and cost constraints of the rule.

Agriculture is a transportation-dependent industry. Whether it is hauling fresh produce from the fields to coolers, processing facilities and – ultimately – the buyers or hauling the people, supplies and equipment that make such food production possible, our industry will be disproportionately impacted by the zero-emissions truck rule.

Farming has hours, miles and horsepower requirements that have been shunted aside by CARB. Commercially viable and cost-effective replacement vehicles for agricultural production are still years away. Even further away is the rural electrical grid required to put charging stations for thousands of pieces of heavy equipment in place – not to mention the state’s already-strained electricity generation capacity.

Beyond its impact on agriculture, the bigger picture of the zero-emissions truck rule may be this: What starts in California too often spreads to other states. Look no further than the wholesale adoption of California’s agricultural labor policies in states like Colorado.

The state’s regulatory authorities are proud of this. (Sigh.) CARB has an entire webpage dedicated to tracking the number of states that have adopted California’s vehicle emissions standards in lieu of the federal requirements. (The answer is 17 states, including the WG home states of Colorado and New Mexico, and our nation’s capital.)

Gov. Newsom has two more years at the helm. In that remaining time, he has many opportunities to rebalance state policies impacting economic vitality, just as he did on PAGA reform. He can direct his regulatory apparatus to pursue a reasonable compromise that considers not only California’s climate goals, but also its business climate and the realities of an interconnected global economy.

I am quite certain that his successor, whoever it turns out to be, would be very grateful.

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Mountain Fire Resources from Farm Bureau of Ventura County

November 15th, 2024

Farm Bureau of Ventura County has created a series of webinars for the ag community to provide support for the ag communities experiencing the Mountain Fire.

The next webinar event will be Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Webinar 2: Recovery Resources on November 18, 2024.

For more information on upcoming events, sign up for the Farm Bureau of Ventura County newsletter here.

The Farm Bureau of Ventura has collected the following wildfire resources:

VCEmergency.com

Venturacountyrecovers.org

211 Now : Active Disaster Resource Search Tool

Ventura County Fire Department Ready, Set, Go!

Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner

Ag Passes and other Information

805-933-2926 [email protected]

Ventura County Fire Safe Council Community Wildfire Protection Plans, Home Hardening Assessments, Training, Chipper Events, Interagency Coordination

[email protected]

The Ventura County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VC VOAD) Impacted Household Needs Assessment

Fire Recovery for Avocado and Citrus Growers -UCCE agronomic resources

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers disaster assistance and low-interest loan programs to assist in the recovery efforts following wildfires or other qualifying natural disasters.

Available programs and loans may include:

  • 2024 Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) – provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters including excessive wind and qualifying drought (includes native grass for grazing).
  • 2024 Tree Assistance Program-Report your tree/bush/vine losses within 90 Days of the disaster or disease. TAP provides assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for qualifying tree, shrub and vine losses due to natural disasters including fire.
  • Emergency Loan Program – available to producers with agriculture operations located in a county under a primary or contiguous Presidential or Secretarial disaster designation. These low interest loans help producers recover from production and physical losses. Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) – provides emergency funding for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate land severely damaged by natural disasters; includes fence loss. Note: ECP for fire damage is not yet available. Use the QR code or link above to report your damage.

For more information on these programs, contact your Santa Barbara and Ventura County USDA Service Center at (805)928-9269 Ext. 2 or check out fsa.usda.gov/disaster.

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