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AZDA Agriculture, Soil Health, and Water Efficiency Innovation Pilot Program Now Accepting Applications

The Arizona Department of Agriculture's (AZDA) Agriculture, Soil Health, and Water Efficiency Innovation Pilot Program is now accepting applications. The purpose of the program is to provide a source of funding for agricultural landowners, beneficial owners of trust land, lessee of agricultural land or irrigation districts to implement and collect data for water-focused soil health innovations…

State Water Board to Hold Public Working Group Sessions for Second Statewide Ag Expert Panel

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) will hold public working group sessions for the Second Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel on the following dates: Friday, November 14, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm These sessions will facilitate Panel deliberations on issues relevant to the Panel charge questions,…

Caribbean Fruit Fly Quarantine Issued in Part Of Los Angeles County

A portion of Los Angeles County, Calif. has been placed under quarantine for the Caribbean fruit fly (CFF) following the detection of two adult CFFs in and around the City of Montebello. The quarantine area measures 75 square miles, bordered on the north by the city of Alhambra; on the south by the city of Downey; on the west by the city of Huntington Park; and on the east by the city of…

Western Growers Association Joins U.S. Food Waste Pact

The Grower Association Becomes the First Signatory Representing the Agricultural Sector [Chicago, IL, October 7, 2025] — Western Growers Association, the trade association representing farmers in the West and Southwest regions of the United States, has joined the U.S. Food Waste Pact (Pact), a joint initiative led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to reduce food waste…

Western Growers University: Having Tough Conversations Webinar – English and Spanish Sessions

Are you struggling to give direct feedback and helpful corrections? This interactive session will provide you with tools to structure difficult conversations in ways that are both respectful and productive. You’ll learn seven proven tips to navigate tough discussions that build more authentic, meaningful working relationships while driving stronger performance across your team. Why…

Ag Leaders Urge Emergency Aid for Specialty Crops

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 6, 2025) – The co-chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) today urged President Trump to ensure specialty crops be included in any emergency economic aid initiatives for the agricultural sector. Fruit, vegetable, tree nut, and landscape plant growers across the country are facing an immediate and mounting economic crisis. The group’s letter to the…

Farmers Take the Driver’s Seat at FIRA USA 2025: Hands-On Autonomous Ag Robotics 

Woodland, California – September 24, 2025 – FIRA USA 2025 puts farmers at the center of agtech innovation. From October 21–23 in Woodland, California, growers get free admission and access to the brand-new VIP Grower Tour, featuring tailored visits, one-on-one meetings with robotics manufacturers, and a curated agenda addressing real farm challenges — from automating harvests and…

Government Shutdown: What It Means for Fresh Produce

With the federal government now shut down, several agencies vital to agriculture have scaled back operations. Essential services such as produce inspections, export certifications and outbreak response remain in place, but many programs – like organic oversight, pesticide residue testing, USDA data reports and H-2A labor certifications – are suspended. Members should expect delays in labor…

Fresh Produce Industry Leaders Release Groundbreaking Roadmap for Sustainable Packaging

IRVINE, CALIF. & OTTAWA, ON – September 30, 2025 – The Sustainable Produce Packaging Alignment (SPPA), a consortium of North American fresh produce industry leaders, today announced the publication of its "Roadmap to Sustainable Fresh Produce Packaging: A Guide to Reducing Food Waste, Mitigating Emissions, and Enabling Sustainable Fresh Produce Supply Chains." This pivotal guide aims to…

Agenda for Public Listening Session of Second Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel on Oct. 1

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) will hold the first public listening session of the Second Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel on Wednesday, October 1 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.  PST. The Meeting Agenda can be found here: https://waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/agriculture/docs/2025/10012025-agenda-listening-session1-ag-expert-panel.pdf. For additional…

USDA Alerts Produce Sellers: Increase in Imposter Fraud

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2025– The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) Division has recently received a significant increase in allegations of fraudulent activity involving individuals and entities falsely claiming to be licensed PACA members and legitimate produce buyers. These fraudsters place orders for fruits and vegetables, divert the…

Western Growers University: Being Accountable for Your Results Webinar (English & Spanish Sessions)

HRCI recertification credits available. Highly productive people know how to create high-impact results in a short amount of time. In this session, you will explore how your thought patterns influence the way you see yourself, others, and your tasks. Learn to shift from a reactive to a proactive mindset, align your actions with meaningful goals, and apply practical techniques to hold yourself…

California’s Legislature Has Waited Too Late to Extend Cap-and-Trade This Year

Organizations representing a wide array of the state’s economic sectors urge lawmakers to reject any last-minute, hastily written proposals (SEPT. 8) SACRAMENTO -- California business leaders expressed disappointment today that no comprehensive, economically viable plan to extend California’s Cap-and-Trade climate program has emerged at the state Capitol – thus urging the Legislature to…

The Reservoir Launches First On-Farm AgTech Innovation Hub for Specialty Crops

Creating an ‘Olympic Village of AgTech’ in Salinas, CA, to Accelerate Precision Ag and Robotics, led by Driscoll’s, John Deere, Netafim, Nutrien, Taylor Farms, Hartnell College, Naturipe Berry Growers, Tanimura & Antle and Western Growers Salinas, CA – August 28, 2025 – As a historic milestone for specialty crop production and agricultural technology, the Reservoir today broke…

New Resource: Printable “No Entry” Sign Available

Western Growers members can now download a printable sign to post at farm entrances, reinforcing that no one may enter unless authorized by management. The sign also instructs all visitors and law enforcement to call or report to the farm office before entering. This resource is designed to help members protect their property rights and employees ensure proper procedures are followed. WG…

John Deere Partners with the Reservoir to Accelerate High-Value Crop Innovation

MOLINE, Illinois (August 19, 2025) — John Deere (NYSE: DE) announced today the start of a strategic collaboration with the Reservoir, a California-based agricultural technology on-farm incubator platform that brings together grower networks and deep tech R&D studios to accelerate innovation in high-value crop (HVC) agriculture. The partnership links John Deere’s innovative…

CDFA Now Accepting Proposals for 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grants and Technical Review Committee

SACRAMENTO, AUGUST 15, 2025 - The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is accepting proposals for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and the 2026 SCBGP Technical Review Committee (TRC). 2026 SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM Each year, CDFA conducts a two-phase competitive solicitation process to award funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of…

DWR Releases Draft Best Management Practices on Managing Land Subsidence in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – For almost a century, parts of California have been gradually sinking, impacting critical infrastructure and the communities who rely on it. Recognizing this challenge, the Department of Water Resources has released a draft Best Management Practices document for public comment that will help local water agencies address this growing concern and support groundwater…

Rethinking the Status Quo in Food Safety Systems

We’ve built food safety systems on rules, checklists and audits, efforts that have brought real structure to the fresh produce industry. But one uncomfortable truth remains: improvement isn't showing up as much as we'd hoped. Across the supply chain, food safety professionals face growing pressure, navigating shifting requirements without clear direction or shared understanding. And while…

Improving Economics through Sustainability: Field Day at Braga Fresh, August 26

Join us for Improving Economics through Sustainability field day on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Braga Barn in Soledad, California from 8:30-12:30. Lunch will be provided. An optional afternoon add-on includes a field visit to Dole Ranch for the Dole cover crop study. See the event agenda here. Economic sustainability is a critical component to building resilient and profitable…