Cybersecurity Resources for Ag Operations

July 1st, 2025

Over the years, Western Growers has published a series of articles to help members understand the risks of cyberattacks and how to take practical steps to protect their business.

Explore the cybersecurity resources below:

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Western Growers Announces Major Upgrade to Member Benefits

July 2nd, 2025

In a move to support the professional growth and development of its member organizations, Western Growers announces a significant enhancement to Western Growers Member benefits, designed to be as cost-effective as possible.

Beginning July 1, 2025, Western Growers University (WGU) will offer its onsite learning curriculum to all Western Growers members at cost. This means that members requesting on-site training will only be responsible for covering the cost of materials and travel for WGU training personnel—a substantial savings designed to make professional education more accessible.

This initiative underscores Western Growers’ ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality training resources that support the evolving needs of its members—particularly in professional growth, workforce development, compliance and leadership training.

In addition to the new cost structure for on-site training, and our continued bilingual course offerings, WGU will also be rolling out a series of expanded offerings in the coming weeks, including:

  • New and timely webinar topics offered at no cost and nominal fee options
  • WGU/Legal in-person events near your locations
  • Earning HR Recertification (HRCI & SHRM) credits
  • Premium coaching sessions and professional development training*

*Premium content will be additionally priced.

With this upgrade, Western Growers continues its mission to empower the agricultural workforce by delivering relevant, bilingual and affordable education tailored to its members’ needs. Western Growers encourages all members to explore the enhanced offerings and take full advantage of the new resources available. For more information or to begin accessing training, visit the website here.

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International Biologicals Researcher Workshop Hosted by Western Growers and Plant & Food Research

July 1st, 2025

Interest and investment in biological alternatives to traditional agricultural products is accelerating globally. With the agricultural biologicals market currently valued at approximately $14.7 billion USD and projected to reach $27.9 billion by 2028, the sector is experiencing rapid growth. Despite this momentum, fresh produce growers face persistent challenges in navigating the expanding and often fragmented landscape of biological products.

To address these challenges and explore scientific and practical solutions, Western Growers and Plant & Food Research, a group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute (New Zealand) hosted the Biologicals Researcher Convening: Gaps and Opportunities for Development and Efficacy of Biological Pest Control Tools on June 26, 2025, at the Robert Mondavi Institute at UC Davis. This focused workshop gathered international researchers specializing in biopesticides from the United States, New Zealand, and Australia.

The researcher participants prioritized the following key areas:

  • Navigating the biopesticides discovery to farm adoption pipeline
  • Designing robust biological trials and defining meaningful measures of efficacy and success
  • Advancing adoption of biological pest control tools within commercial fresh produce systems
  • Identifying funding needs and opportunities to support impactful research

Participants brought diverse, international perspectives on the scientific and regulatory pathways required to validate and scale biopesticides. Participants underscored the importance of standardizing trial methodologies, increasing transparency around product performance and enhancing international, cross-sector collaboration.

The workshop offered a valuable platform for exchanging research insights, aligning priorities and fostering collaboration across regions/countries. These collaborations can accelerate the development and validation of biologicals through knowledge exchange, shared resources and counter-seasonal trialing. By highlighting gaps and identifying actionable opportunities, the workshop moved the conversation forward toward a more effective and grower-focused future for biological pest control in fresh produce.

Tangible outcomes are important, and this workshop progressed guidelines for testing field efficacy of biopesticides that will be made available to growers, biologicals companies and researchers. As well as these guidelines, the group will develop a map of biologicals development and a pathway for collaboration across all steps of that development.

 

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The NECAFS Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse (FSRC) 

July 1st, 2025

As the produce industry continues to advance food safety efforts, access to reliable, science-based, and practical information is more important than ever. The NECAFS Clearinghouse, developed by the Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety (NECAFS), is a centralized, online platform designed to address this need. It serves as a comprehensive knowledge hub supporting growers, educators, regulators and other stakeholders across the produce supply chain. 

What is the Clearinghouse? 

The NECAFS Clearinghouse is a publicly accessible, curated digital library that houses a wide range of resources related to produce safety, with a particular focus on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. It brings together content from various academic institutions, extension services, regulatory agencies and industry organizations to streamline access to information that supports education, compliance and continuous improvement in food safety. 

Where can I access it? 

You can access the Clearinghouse for free at https://foodsafetyclearinghouse.org/  

Find the search box, use keyword and advanced filter to access their resources.  

What type of Information can I find? 

The Clearinghouse currently houses 1,095 resources, including:  

  • Guidance documents 
  • Fact sheets 
  • Case studies 
  • Research articles 
  • Webinars and videos 
  • Templates and checklists 
  • Directory of Food Safety Experts 
  • Presentations 
  • Podcasts 

Examples of resources to be found in the Clearinghouse 

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Western Growers Assurance Trust Announces Rebrand to Western Growers Health 

July 1st, 2025

IRVINE, CALIF. (July 1, 2025) – Western Growers Assurance Trust, the leading provider of healthcare solutions for the agricultural industry, is rebranding to Western Growers Health. This transformation reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to innovation, service, and addressing the evolving needs of agricultural employers and their employees.

Since its founding in 1957, Western Growers Assurance Trust, now doing business as Western Growers Health, has been dedicated to bridging the gap between agriculture and healthcare. This rebrand includes a new name and a modernized look that underscores our focus on delivering customized, reliable healthcare plans to the agricultural community.

Western Growers Health is built on the same foundation of trust and partnership that members have relied on for decades. The organization’s mission and values remain steadfast:

  • People-Driven: Everything we do is for our member organizations —their success, satisfaction and exceeding their expectations are what drive us.
  • Forward-Thinking: We’re always looking ahead to deliver value and best serve our members organizations’ needs beyond the next harvest season.
  • Solution-Focused: At the heart of our work is the development of innovative offerings tailored to the evolving priorities of the ag industry.

“For nearly 70 years, we’ve been privileged to serve the agricultural community and this rebrand reflects our forward-thinking approach to healthcare,” said Steve Mangapit, COO of Western Growers. “While our name is changing, our commitment to innovation and personalized service remains as strong as ever. This new identity reinforces our continued focus on supporting the physical, mental, and financial well-being of the employees at our member companies — working hand-in-hand with the trusted brokers who help bring that vision to life.”

What Members Can Expect  

For members, the rebrand will not affect current coverage, plans, or services. It will enhance clarity and communication while reinforcing the organization’s dedication to excellence.

To explore the new brand and learn more about Western Growers Health, visit wg-health.com.

For more information, please contact:

Ann Donahue
(949) 302-7600
[email protected]

About Western Growers Health
Western Growers Assurance Trust (brand name Western Growers Health) is a non-profit Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) Trust and is licensed as a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) in California. Created in 1957 to bridge the gap between agriculture and healthcare, we offer health benefits coverage specifically tailored for the needs of agricultural businesses. We’re an organization with a rich history and devoted to the fundamental mission of our parent company Western Growers, which was originally founded in 1926. For over half a century, we’ve been committed to supporting the agricultural community to cultivate a healthier future for those who bring fresh produce to our tables. This means everyone from owners and managers to field workers and seasonal employees. Driven by our deep connection to agriculture, we’re focused on delivering unmatched healthcare solutions for those who nourish our nation.

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Western Growers Promotes Bryan Nickerson to Director of Membership

July 1st, 2025

Western Growers is excited to announce the promotion of Bryan Nickerson to Director of Membership. In his new role, Bryan will oversee the development and implementation of strategies to grow and retain Western Growers membership. He will focus on enhancing member engagement and expanding utilization of Western Growers’ broad portfolio of services and resources.

Additionally, Bryan continues to provide commodity and supply chain support to members, including dispute resolution services, sales guidance, PACA training and other supply chain matters under federal jurisdiction. He also oversees the Western Growers Leadership Program, one of the association’s most prominent initiatives for professional development in agriculture.

“This is a full-circle moment for both Bryan and Western Growers,” said Cory Lunde, Vice President, External Affairs. “After eleven years of serving our members in a variety of roles, Bryan is returning to where he began—this time to lead the Membership Department and champion the unmatched value our organization brings to the fresh produce community. Born and raised in California agriculture, Bryan bleeds Western Growers green and speaks our members’ language. His passion and commitment to the industry will be front and center in this new role.”

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