SB 54 Plastic Packaging Resources and Updates. Access Here.

Skip to main content

Posts By: Western Growers

January, 2025
USDA Secures $129.2 Million in Emergency Funds to Combat Exotic Fruit Fly Outbreaks

WASHINGTON, January 17, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is using emergency funding to respond to the threats associated with growing outbreaks of exotic fruit flies. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack approved the transfer of $129.2 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to APHIS to directly support…

The Wonderful Company Commits $10 Million to LA Fire Relief Efforts

The Wonderful Company today announced it is committing $10 million to fire relief efforts in the Los Angeles area. Immediate donations will support first responders, with plans to expand to broader relief efforts. The company will also match L.A. fire-related donations made by its 10,000 global employees through its giving program or personal contributions. “We are profoundly grateful to…

Western Growers Mourns the Passing of Food Safety Veteran Tony Banegas

Tony Banegas, Vice President of Quality, Food Safety and Industry Relations at Bonduelle Americas, passed away on Dec. 15, 2024. A respected 30-year veteran in food safety, Banegas joined Bonduelle Fresh Americas in 2009, then known as Ready Pac Foods, as National Director of Quality Assurance. Throughout his career, Banegas was deeply involved in numerous Western Growers initiatives and…

WG to Facilitate IAFP Discussion on Field Flooding Preparedness and Food Safety

On January 30, 2025, WG’s Sonia Salas will facilitate a panel discussion during the International Association for Food Protection's webinar on crop field flooding and its impact on food safety. This session will highlight recent research, key food safety considerations and best practices for managing and preparing for flooding events. Recent and ongoing weather events emphasize the…