Ann Donahue
Western Growers, Director, Marketing and Communications
Ann Donahue serves as Director, Marketing and Communications for Western Growers, where she is responsible for external communication efforts and publicizing the Association’s executives, initiatives, and members across all media platforms. Ann spent more than 20 years as an editor and reporter covering entertainment journalism, with bylines at publications including Variety, the L.A. Times, Billboard, […]
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Key Findings from CDFA’s Climate Smart Agriculture Programs
Funded through a grant from CDFA and commissioned by the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI), Dr. Nick Babin of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo led the first third-party evaluation of CDFA's Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) programs. This evaluation covers the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP), the Healthy Soils Program (HSP), the Dairy Digester Research and Development…
CDFA Lifts Queensland Fruit Fly Quarantine in Ventura and Los Angeles County
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has officially lifted the quarantine on the Queensland fruit fly (QFF) in Ventura and Los Angeles County, effective July 29, 2024. The Queensland fruit fly, first detected in California in San Diego County in 1985, was later identified in Orange County in 1991. This removal of the quarantine represents a major achievement in…
Western Growers Collaborates with Qfresh Lab to Advance Sustainable Packaging in Fresh Produce Industry
Western Growers (WG) and Qfresh Lab, a leading expert in sustainable packaging solutions, have launched a collaborative effort to advance sustainable packaging within the fresh produce industry. This initiative is part of a broader workgroup established by WG and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) aimed at standardizing packaging protocols across North America, ensuring…
Navigating Pesticide Requirements for Central Coast Growers
Introduced in 2021, the Ag Order 4.0 by the Regional Water Board regulates surface water regarding how growers must manage excessive levels of pesticides, nutrients and sediment identified in water sampling. The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) provides resources to assist Central Coast growers in understanding these pesticide requirements: Innovations in…
CDFA Selects Nine Projects for SWEEP Block Grant Pilot Program
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has chosen nine Block Grant Pilot Program (BGP) projects aimed at improving on-farm water efficiency. The BGP provides financial support to California growers through regional Block Grant Recipients (BGR), offering incentive grants and tailored technical assistance to address regional needs. This program is part of the CDFA’s…
Western Growers Science to Present at IAFP Meeting July 14-17
Western Growers Science will take center stage at the upcoming International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Annual Meeting in Long Beach, Calif., scheduled from July 14-17. Recognized as a premier global conference in food safety, IAFP attracts thousands of professionals from industry, academia and government sectors fostering valuable networking opportunities. Sessions featuring…