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, […]
Posts By: Anna Ramirez-Castro
- All
- June, 2026
- May, 2026
- April, 2026
- February, 2026
- January, 2026
- December, 2025
- November, 2025
- October, 2025
- September, 2025
- August, 2025
- July, 2025
- June, 2025
- May, 2025
- April, 2025
- March, 2025
- February, 2025
- January, 2025
- December, 2024
- November, 2024
- October, 2024
- September, 2024
- August, 2024
- July, 2024
- June, 2024
- May, 2024
Save the Dates: 2025-2026 Western Growers Women Event Schedule Now Available
The Western Growers Women program is excited to announce its confirmed lineup of virtual and in-person program activities for 2025-2026. Designed to support professional growth and open new pathways to influential leadership in the fresh produce industry, this year’s sessions offer a mix of webinars, workshops and retreats tailored to help participants succeed. Upcoming Highlights: …
CDFA Opens Grant Applications for Adaptive IPM for Invasive Agricultural Pests
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for its Adaptive IPM for Invasive Agricultural Pest grant program. With $500,000 available in this grant cycle, the program will fund one project aimed at developing and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that address the growing threat of invasive pests across California…
FDA Opens New Method for Ranking Chemicals in Food Supply for Public Comments
On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its proposed method for ranking chemicals in food supply for public comments. “This method provides a transparent, systematic, and science-based approach to determine which chemicals the agency would prioritize for post-market assessments through the agency’s post-market chemical review program,” FDA said in a…
Scholarship Application Open for CRARS Regenerative Agriculture TAP Certificate Program
Chico State's Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS), in collaboration with other project partners, are accepting scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 Regenerative Agriculture Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) Certificate Program. The program trains agricultural professionals to deliver systems-based technical assistance in the field, and scholarships are…
APHIS Accepting Proposals for Plant Protection Act Section 7721 Funding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is accepting proposals for Plant Protection Act Section 7721 (PPA 7721) funding to protect American agricultural and natural resources from invasive plant pests and diseases. Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program (PPDMDPP): Applicants can submit suggestions for…
New Whitepaper Evaluates Tools to Verify Cleaning of Produce Harvest Bins
The Western Growers Science team recently completed a real-world study comparing different methods for verifying harvest bin sanitation in produce operations. Their findings are now available in a new whitepaper that looks at how tools like Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), traditional microbial tests and the CytoQuant® flow cytometer perform under field conditions. The paper provides…
Submit Your Comments for the Cantaloupe National Best Practice Guidance Document by May 31
The Western Growers science team has been leading an industry-wide effort—alongside subject matter experts and key stakeholders—to update the National Best Practice Guidance Document for Cantaloupe and Netted Melons. The draft is focused on growing, packing and post-harvest handling practices designed to help operations serving U.S consumers. We're calling on industry members,…
CPS Research Symposium Set for June 17-18 in La Jolla
Western Growers will be at the 2025 Center for Produce Safety (CPS) Research Symposium, taking place June 17-18 at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla. This year’s event will feature final research reports, master classes and industry panels– highlighting the latest advancements in produce safety with expert-led discussions. De Ann Davis, Senior Vice President of Science, will join as a…
The Role of Personality in Building a Strong Food Safety Culture
In food safety, technical skills and regulatory knowledge are essential, but they are not the only ingredients for success. At the heart of every effective food safety program are the people leading it, and the personal qualities they bring to the role. A strong food safety culture starts with individuals who are not only trained, but who think and act with purpose. Certain personality…
Seeds for Bees® Program Offers Free Cover Crop Seeds to Farmers in California
Applications are now open for Project Apis m.'s Seed for Bees® program, supporting honeybee and soil health through the use of cover crops. This opportunity is available to farmers and beekeepers throughout California. New participants can qualify for up to $2,500 in free seed, while second year participants may receive up to $1,500 in free seed. The application period for the 2025…
Earn CEU Credit for the Diamondback Moth Control Webinar on April 30
1 DPR CEU “Other” Approved Join us on April 30, 2025, for a discussion about Diamondback Moth (DBM), a significant pest of brassica, and what future options show promise for control of this species. In this webinar, we will explore Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a tool for effective control of DBM in New Zealand fresh produce crops and introduce emerging opportunities and tools that…
Western Growers at MRL Harmonization Workshop on May 6-7
Mark your calendars for May 6–7, 2025, in San Diego, as the MRL Harmonization Workshop returns with a timely and forward-thinking agenda. This interactive workshop brings together a broad audience to explore practical solutions, regulatory updates and emerging trends shaping key export markets. We’re proud to share that Jeana Cadby, Environmental Director at Western Growers, will be…
Watch Episode 2 of the Data 101 Series: Understanding Summary Statistics
As discussed here, Gustavo Reyes, Food Safety Manager at Western Growers, emphasizes the importance of being able to summarize raw numbers to make informed decisions. His article breaks down the fundamentals of summary statistics, using clear examples and sample datasets to explain his point. Whether your data comes from field trials, water use or food safety monitoring, understanding how to…
Food Safety Video Resouces by University of Minnesota Extension
The Extension at the University of Minnesota put together a series of informative webinars for growers. There's a wealth of useful information in this series that would benefit a broader audience, so be sure to check them out. Topics include: Excluding Wildlife from Produce Fields About Wells Water Testing Update on FSMA Water Rule Low-Cost Packshed Designs …
Management Strategies for Food Safety Workshop (Fresno, Calif.)
Navigating food safety compliance while meeting production goals is no easy task—but the right knowledge can make all the difference. Join Joelle Mosso, AVP of Science Programs at Western Growers, in Fresno, Calif., for a workshop designed to equip leaders with the skills to confidently manage the dual responsibilities of food safety compliance and production demands. Gain a clear…
Strategies for Workplace Violence & ICE Readiness Seminar (Fresno, Calif.)
Join us in Fresno Calif., for the Strategies for Workplace Violence & ICE Readiness Seminar, a vital in-person event designed to help agricultural employers navigate key regulatory challenges. This seminar features two essential programs: Get Ready for ICE: Essential Tips for Mitigating Risk This program will focus on the essential aspects of preparing agricultural operations for ICE…
Strategies for Workplace Violence & ICE Readiness Seminar (Salinas, Calif.)
Join us in Salinas Calif., for the Strategies for Workplace Violence & ICE Readiness Seminar, a vital in-person event designed to help agricultural employers navigate key regulatory challenges. This seminar features two essential programs: Get Ready for ICE: Essential Tips for Mitigating Risk This program will focus on the essential aspects of preparing agricultural…
Infographics on Sustainable Packaging in Fresh Produce
Sustainable packaging goes beyond just eliminating plastics—it focuses on reducing overall packaging waste while ensuring fresh produce remains protected and high-quality. These infographics help illustrate key strategies for recyclability, post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and compostable materials to support sustainability efforts. Western Growers will continue to provide valuable…
CDFA Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Resources
The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) hosted an information session this past February 19, 2025 on its Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant. You can access a copy of the recording here. You can also view the slide deck here. CDFA is also hosting several Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant virtual Application Office Hours sessions planned in Feb - April. Times and…
UCANR Offering Free Plant Pathogen Testing Opportunity for Growers
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) is offering free pathogen testing to growers. This program is supported by the California Leafy Greens Research Board and provides no-cost testing for pathogens submitted to the UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Monterey County office in Salinas. Soilborne pathogens, Pythium and INSV Infections Soilborne pathogens pose a significant threat to…