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Reps. Panetta, Valadao Introduce Supplemental Appropriations Bill to Assist Ag Producers Impacted by Natural Disasters

WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and David G. Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. The bill provides an additional $14 billion to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist agriculture producers impacted by losses caused by natural disasters in 2023. “Our farmers and ranchers have been getting hammered with…

New Ag Seasonal Platform Manager, H2 Organizer, Launches to Support Farmers and Temporary Farmworkers

H2 Organizer's companion app, MiChamba, will allow for onboarding, documentation storage, payroll, and communication with managers via mobile app Western Growers, WAFLA, and Scaroni Family of Companies are partner organizations at launch AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology platform H2 Organizer officially launched today with agriculture staffing solution partners…

Card Check: Year One Recap and Insights Webinar

Join Raul Calvo, Owner of Employer Services Consulting, LLC. and Jason Resnick, Sr. Vice President & General Counsel at Western Growers, as we mark one year into the card check process. This webinar will recap the factors influencing the successes and setbacks of the UFW’s unionization efforts and the legal challenges involving the UFW and the Agricultural Labor Relations Board…

Resources for Seasonality and Transition Periods

[last updated 4.2.2025] Leafy Green Industry Stakeholders, We urge you to remain vigilant to maintain best practices during this seasonal transition period. To provide support during this critical time, please reference the resources below, including the recording from the webinar series hosted by Western Growers and the Arizona and California LGMAs covering this topic.  Leafy Green…

 EPA Unveils Final Herbicide Strategy

Strategy reflects extensive input of growers and other pesticide users WASHINGTON – Today, Aug. 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its final Herbicide Strategy, an unprecedented step in protecting over 900 federally endangered and threatened (listed) species from the potential impacts of herbicide, which are chemicals used to control weeds. EPA will use the strategy to…

Dacthal (DCPA) Product Handling Guidance Provided by AMVAC

Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the emergency suspension of all registrations of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Effective immediately, the EPA’s Emergency Order suspends all registrations- including all sale, distribution and use of DCPA…

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…

Western Growers Statement on Imposition of Tariffs on Goods from Canada, Mexico and China

IRVINE, CALIF. (Feb. 1, 2025) - In response to President Donald J. Trump's imposition of 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico and 10 percent tariffs on goods from China starting Feb. 4, 2025, Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement: "Canada and Mexico are the first- and second-largest importers of U.S.-grown fresh produce while China, another…

Mountain Fire Resources from Farm Bureau of Ventura County

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…

In Memoriam: Western Growers Mourns Passing of Agricultural Leader Edward “Ed” Duda

DUDA announced the passing of Edward “Ed” Duda on Sunday, August 11, 2024. He was 91. During a career that spanned decades, Ed built a lasting legacy that will continue to impact agriculture for generations to come. His loss will be felt throughout the industry. Ed started his career as a third-generation farmer with DUDA in 1957. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Ed worked in various areas…

EPA Issues Emergency Order to Stop Use of Pesticide Dacthal to Address Serious Health Risk

WASHINGTON – Today, Aug. 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the emergency suspension of all registrations of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This is the first time in almost 40 years EPA has taken this type of emergency action, following several years of…

USDA Invests Up to $400 Million to Address Drought, Conserve Water through Production of Water-Saving Commodities

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $400 million with at least 18 irrigation districts to help farmers continue commodity production while also conserving water across the West. This funding – which will support irrigation districts and producers in using innovative water savings technologies and farming practices while producing…

Western Growers Commends Court Decision on Card Check Law

IRVINE, CALIF. (July 19, 2024) - Following the recent court decision to grant Wonderful Nurseries' request for a preliminary injunction to halt the bargaining process with the United Farm Workers union, Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement: "We applaud the court's decision to halt the certification process and thoroughly examine the constitutionality of…

Historic PAGA Reform Signed by Governor Newsom

Agreement Between Business, Community and Labor Groups Will Create a Better, Fairer System for Workers and Employers Sacramento – Today, the Fix PAGA coalition, representing non-profits, social justice advocates, family farmers, health care providers and businesses, applauded Governor Newsom and legislators for enacting historic reform to the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). Governor…

Western Growers University: Leave Law Event

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…

Agreement Reached to Reform Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) to Create a Better, Fairer System for Workers and Employers

For immediate release: June 18, 2024 Legislation to be introduced this week Sacramento – Today, the Fix PAGA coalition, representing non-profits, social justice advocates, family farmers, health care providers and businesses, announced their support for legislation to reform California’s broken Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The agreement was announced by Governor Gavin Newsom,…

Navigating California’s New Workplace Violence Prevention Requirements – Webinar

Join us for a crucial and timely webinar focused on California’s new workplace violence prevention mandates, specifically tailored for human resources professionals in the agriculture sector. This 1.5-hour session will be presented by Western Growers Learning and Development Manager, Priscila Cisneros and Corporate Counsel, Teresa McQueen who will provide you with the essential knowledge and…

Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Commends Movement on Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 11, 2024) – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has issued the following statement following the release of a farm bill framework by Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Boozman. “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance commends Sen. Boozman for his contribution to moving the 2024 farm bill process forward today. The specialty crop industry plays a…

Specialty Crops Applaud House Farm Bill Moving Forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 24, 2024) – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has released the following statement following the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s passage of the farm bill: “We thank Chairman Thompson and his staff for including so many investments for specialty crops in his bill, as well as the countless Democrats and Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee…

Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Applauds Movement on Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 21, 2024) – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has issued the following statement following the release of the U.S. House farm bill draft: “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance appreciates the work of House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson and others for moving the farm bill process forward and for recognizing the importance of specialty crops with…