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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De Ann Davis to Speak at Virtual Symposium on Cadmium in the Food Supply – November 14
De Ann Davis, Senior Vice President of Science at Western Growers, will speak at the Symposium on Cadmium in the Food Supply on Thursday, November 14. During the session, she will deliver a Statement on the Challenges and Opportunities related to managing cadmium in food supply. De Ann will also moderate a panel on Mitigation Measures, where experts will discuss the latest research, success…
Western Growers to Present at the 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Summit
We are excited to have Joelle Mosso, AVP of Science Programs and Jeana Cadby, Environment and Climate Director at Western Growers, presenting alongside panelists at the 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Summit on November 20, at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. This sold-out event, which is expected to attract 950-plus attendees, marks a decade of progress in advancing sustainability across U.S.…
FAQ Bonus Clips from the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Webinar
With the launch of California Senate Bill 553 (SB 553), effective on July 1, 2024, it’s more important than ever to ensure compliance. This new law requires most employers to establish, implement and maintain a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP), as seen here. During our WVPP webinar on June 25, 2024, Priscila Cisneros, Learning and Development Manager, and Teresa McQueen,…
CDFA to Host Workshops on Produce Safety Program Portal
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced a series of workshops focused on the Produce Safety Program (PSP) and its data repository platform, known as the PSP Portal, a cloud-based platform designed for effective farm data management. This portal is designed as a resource to assist California produce farmers in understanding and complying with the Food Safety…
FDA Launches Environmental Microbiological Study on Cantaloupes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with Purdue University and local agricultural stakeholders, is launching a multi-year study aimed at understanding the ecology of human pathogens, particularly Salmonella, in Southwest Indiana. This initiative follows several Salmonella outbreaks linked to cantaloupe from the region. This study will examine how Salmonella is…
Don’t Miss Out: Navigate California’s New Workplace Violence Prevention Requirements
Attention HR professionals! Are the new workplace violence prevention requirements leaving some questions unanswered? Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 7, 2024— this event is a must for anyone seeking to strengthen compliance strategies. What’s It All About? Join an in-depth exploration of California’s new workplace violence prevention mandates in an engaging, in-person…
EPA Launches Online Toolbox for Pesticides and Endangered Species
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched an online toolbox that offers educational resources on pesticides and endangered species. This initiative aims to improve protection for endangered species while supporting farmers and promoting environmental safety. The Pesticide and Endangered Species Educational Resources Toolbox features a variety of materials, including: …
Management Strategies for Food Safety Workshop
This workshop offers vital insights into the qualifications necessary for food safety roles, the scientific principles behind food safety and the delicate balance between regulatory adherence and production goals. Register now to equip yourself with the tools to create a supportive culture to optimize food safety and production demands. Workshop Details: Date: November 12,…
Fresh Produce Safety Discussions: De Ann Davis Presents at the National Academies of Science
On September 4-5, 2024 the Food Forum at the National Academies of Sciences (NAS) hosted a workshop titled “Safeguarding the Food Supply: Integrating Diverse Risks, Connecting with Consumers, and Protecting Vulnerable Populations.” This event explored hazard and risk-based approaches to food safety, covering nutrition, economics and equity implications. De Ann Davis, PhD, SVP of Science…
Highlights from Our Sampling and Testing Integrity Workshop
On September 17th, Western Growers Science hosted a successful Sampling and Testing Integrity Workshop at the Grower-Shipper Association in Salinas, Calif. Led by our dedicated team members Joelle Mosso, Science Program Associate Vice President, and Gustavo Reyes, Food Safety Manager, this event brought together industry professionals to explore the critical aspects of sampling and testing in…
Farming, Monarch Butterflies, and the New EPA Workplan: What Does this Mean for Farmers?
What Growers Need to Know About the Federal ESA Listing of the Monarch Butterflies & New EPA Regulations Join Dr. Chip Taylor of Monarch Watch and Brigit Rollins from the National Agricultural Law Center for an informative webinar that will cover: The history of this important species Crucial insights on the anticipated federal ESA listing of the monarch butterfly Its impact…
AgTechX Ed: Developing The Next Generation of Tech-Savvy Ag Workers
The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, California Department of Food and Agriculture and San Joaquin Delta College have partnered to host AgTechX Ed – a half-day event dedicated to developing the next generation of tech-savvy agricultural workers. The AgTechX Ed Summit at San Joaquin Delta College will include three panel covering the following topics: industry issues…
Volunteers Needed to Review Pre-Applications for Specialty Crop Research Initiative—Honorarium Available
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is recruiting industry representatives (growers, packers, shippers, staff from organizations that represent specialty crops, etc.) to review pre-applications for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) for 2025. This is an opportunity for commodity sectors to make sure that SCRI projects are tackling a critical need for the…
CDFA Unveils New PSP Portal Website
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Produce Safety Program (PSP) has officially launched its new Farm Data Repository website, known as the PSP Portal. This digital platform is designed to help California produce growers manage their farm inspections and comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule more effectively. Key Benefits of the PSP…
CURES Video Highlights Best Practices for Managing Insecticides in Surface Water
The latest updates to the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program, known as Ag Order 4.0, will impact how Central Coast growers manage insecticides and other contaminants to protect surface water. To support growers in meeting these new requirements, the Coalition for Urban Rural Environmental Stewardship (CURES) has released a video titled “Innovations in Managing Farm Runoff and…
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…