Posts By: Gustavo Reyes
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WG Science: Sampling and Testing Integrity Workshop
Sampling and Testing Integrity Workshop This comprehensive, one-day event is designed for industry professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in critical areas such as the science of sampling, maintaining testing integrity and understanding AOAC programs. Attendees will gain practical insights into advanced testing tools and programs that can improve the reliability and accuracy of…
Three Resources for Members for Agricultural and Food Safety Data
Staying informed about production trends, economic information and food safety is extremely important for grower operations. Data analysis helps in making informed decisions regarding farm management, production and food safety. This article highlights three resources that provide valuable insights into trends in the produce world and food safety: the Census of Agriculture, along with the U.S.…
Resources for the FSMA Food Traceability Rule
In September 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods” (the Traceability Rule or FSMA Rule 204), proposing regulations mandating the establishment and sharing of food production-related records to shorten the FDA’s investigations of outbreaks when they occur. By Jan. 20, 2026, all companies that are subject…
WG Science: Impact of Food Waste: Environmental and Economic Insights Webinar
Join us for a webinar with Dr. Zach Conrad from William and Mary University. Dr. Conrad will discuss the environmental and economic impacts of food waste, using data-driven approaches highlighted in his research. He will explore the relationship between food waste, diet quality, and sustainability. Event Details: Date: July 30, 2024 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT Location:…
Resources: FSMA Final Rule of Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water
On June 24th, 2024, Western Growers, along with the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association and Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association hosted a webinar on FSMA’s Final Rule on Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water. The webinar featured the following expert guest speakers: Kruti Ravaliya from the U.S…
WG Science: Data Cultivation Workgroup Meetings
Discover the Power of a Data Cultivation Workgroup in the Produce Industry! Join us for a series of virtual meetings that dive into the benefits of establishing a Data Cultivation Workgroup. Enhance your Knowledge of Data: We will start the working group with a series of presentations on how you can leverage your data, with potential applications from other industries. Risk Assessment…
Western Growers Science: LGMA Amendment Process Webinar
Webinar Discussion on the LGMA Amendment Process Western Growers Science and the LGMA will be hosting a webinar on July 11th at 1:00 PM PT to discuss the proposed changes and comments submitted to the working group during the open comment period (June 3rd to July 2nd). Following the webinar the working group will address the comments and submit proposals to the LGMA technical…
The Power of Modeling and Data Sharing
In the evolving landscape of agriculture, ensuring the food safety of produce is a top priority for growers. As the industry experiences technological advancements, the integration of modeling and data-sharing can be a vital and powerful tool to assess and mitigate risk in growing, packing, processing, and shipping produce. A collaborative approach must be adopted to create a sense of community…
Comment Period is Open for the Proposed Changes to the LGMA-Approved Metrics
The comment period for the proposed changes to the LGMA-approved metrics related to harvesting equipment sanitation (Issue 8) and a small update to the water section (Issue 6) for alignment with the FSMA final rule on agricultural water will open on Monday, June 3 and close on Tuesday, July 2. To submit your comments: Visit the Leafy Green Guidance website:…
Western Growers to Host Webinar on FSMA Agricultural Water Rule
In May 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the final rule to amend the agricultural water provision of the produce safety regulation. This update replaces previous criteria and testing requirements with a new regulatory approach emphasizing systems-based assessments to target key contamination risks, including testing in specific circumstances. It mandates timely risk-based…
Western Growers Science: FSMA Final Rule of Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Webinar
This webinar will provide insights on the implementation of the FDA’s requirements for Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water, featuring expert perspectives from academia, government, and industry. What to expect: Don Stockel from the Produce Safety Alliance will offer an academic perspective. Kruti Ravaliya from the FDA will cover compliance and rule interpretation. Cecilia Mendoza from…
FSMA Final Rule on Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Resources
On May 6, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the final rule to amend the agricultural water provision of the produce safety regulation. This update replaces previous criteria and testing requirements with a new regulatory approach emphasizing systems-based assessments to target key contamination risks, including testing in specific circumstances. It mandates timely risk-based…
Western Growers Science: Future-Proof Your Farm: Innovative Soil Health Strategies Webinar
Join us for a webinar hosted by the Western Growers Association, featuring Gus Plamann, Senior Agronomist, and Taniell Liepner, Business Development Associate at Biome Makers. This webinar will explore how biological soil analysis and application can shape fertility planning for reduced input selection strategies. Biome Makers' unique approach integrates DNA sequencing, a global soil…
Western Growers Science: Exploring Data Science Basics & Leveraging Your Data
Join our webinar, where we will dive into key concepts and practical strategies on how to leverage your data. This webinar will unpack data science fundamentals, clarifying common terms and providing industry insights on how to best leverage data for food safety. Details Tuesday, April 9, 2024 10:00am – 11:00am Virtual Webinar Register Here
2024 LGMA Amendment Process Update: Priority Setting
During the month of February, Western Growers facilitated the California LGMA priority setting process. The priority setting process consisted of five main steps: Selection of the Priority Setting Committee: A committee of nine participants, representing California, Arizona, LGMA staff, industry and academia, was chosen to lead the priority setting process. Topic Submission: 11…
Takeaway Facts from the 2022 Census of Agriculture
On February 13, 2024, the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the 2022 Census of Agriculture. The census─which been taken and released every five years since 1997─is a complete count of US farms and ranches and the people who operate them. In 2022, the response rate was reported as 61%. The data is now available on the NASS website (2022 Census). Here are a…