Big Data. Agriculture. What is the nexus between the two? How can using data analytics help to make your operation more profitable and efficient? This Western Growers’ Lunch and Learn webinar will provide an overview of big data concepts, management and general applications. It will offer the opportunity to learn about a few examples of specific applications ...
Western Growers Vice President and General Counsel Jason Resnick has been appointed by Agricultural Labor Relations Board Chairman William B. Gould IV to serve on a newly created ad hoc labor-management advisory committee representing labor and management. The committee will meet to discuss issues and concerns of general interest to the ALRB and to provide ...
Yesterday, the Regional Career Pathway program was held in conjunction with the Fresh Produce and Floral Council Expo in Anaheim, California. The goal of the Career Pathway program is to attract talent for the produce and floral sectors by providing information and networking opportunities to top agriculture, agribusiness, food marketing, food science and horticulture students ...
The Washington Supreme Court, in a 9-0 decision, ruled Thursday that piece-rate farmworkers must be paid separately for rest breaks. The court also addressed the question of the applicable rate of pay for piece-rate workers while taking rest periods. The court held that pieceworkers must be paid at least the minimum wage or the pieceworker’s ...
The State Water Resources Control Board has notified the West Side Irrigation District of Tracy to halt diversion of water from the Old River in San Joaquin County. The Board’s draft cease and desist order comes on the heels of recent curtailment notices issued by the Board on May 1 to hundreds of junior water ...
On July 15, 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Division, issued new interpretive guidance on proper classification of employees and independent contractors. In the guidance document, the DOL claims that misclassification of employees as independent contractors is “one of the most serious problems facing affected workers, employers, and the entire economy.” ...
C.H. Robinson (CHR), our partners in Western Growers Transportation Program, issued a notice to customers today reminding them that CHR stands ready to help with transportation contingency planning due to the closure of Interstate 10 near the California/Arizona border. The road and a bridge were washed out as a result of heavy rains that occurred ...
Earlier this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service published revisions to the listing/delisting process for species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Western Growers filed comments with both agencies praising the revisions that have been proposed. The proposed revisions provide for more state government input and increase the ...
The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) has prepared a new Joint Notice for Family Care and Medical Leave (CFRA Leave) and Pregnancy Disability Leave for employer use. A Spanish translation of the notice is expected to be released soon. The new joint notice is worded differently than the prior version of the notice ...
The California State Water Resources Board has a low-interest loan funding program available for agricultural projects. Example projects that may be funded include, but are not limited to, implementation of Ag Management Practices and installation of Drip and Micro-drip Irrigation. For the Board’s Loan Brochure, CLICK HERE For a link to the Board’s financial assistance ...
Western Growers is proud to announce that we have engaged Financial Recovery Strategies (FRS), a leading asset recovery and cost reduction firm, as WG’s exclusive class action settlement claim consultant. Every year throughout the U.S., tens of billions of dollars are recovered in class action settlements. These allege that products, like containerboard, automobile parts, agricultural ...
Western Growers is promoting a small, but important, legislative fix to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that would help employers determine the healthcare eligibility for their seasonal workers. The legislation, known as the Stars Act (Simplifying Technical Aspects Regarding Seasonality), aims to permanently codify IRS regulations defining who is considered a “seasonal worker” under the…
Western Growers Chairman Vic Smith will gavel to order the Orange County Board of Directors meeting tomorrow morning in Newport Beach. Committee meetings are scheduled all day on Wednesday and will include discussions on a variety of topics affecting the industry, including water, labor, food safety, agtech, legislative proposals, trade, and transportation issues. The full ...
UFW has been actively filing ‘Notices of Intent to Take Access’ with the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB). Over 30 access filings have been submitted over the last 30 days. UFW organizers have visited a number of farms along the southern and northern coasts and the Central Valley. In those instances when the UFW has ...
Last week, the leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) — in advance of this fall’s federal elections — made a platform commitment to introduce payment protection for produce sellers similar to the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) offered in the United States. The Canadian Produce Marketing Association and the Canadian Horticultural Council praised NDP ...
The Western Growers Board of Directors wrapped-up a successful meeting today in Orange County, having deliberated top issues affecting the fresh produce industry. Chairman Vic Smith of JV Smith Companies led two days of committee meetings and a general session that included policy discussions on water supply, labor, food safety, trade, transportation issues, and innovation. ...
Western Growers is your connection to success. From government affairs to health care and human resources needs to innovation, we exist to support you. 5 Reasons to Renew Your Membership Today To make sure your voice is heard. Our federal and state government relations team interacts with decision makers to address water, immigration, environment, crop ...
We would like to recognize and thank the companies who became part of the Western Growers family. Your patronage is appreciated. We look forward to working with you and your employees in 2015 and beyond. Members Belmont Produce Sales Black Jack Farms Cardenas Brothers Farming Inc Desert Custom Farming Inc Double Date Packing Inc Earthbound ...
Western Growers would like to recognize and extend a special welcome to the following companies that have become members of Western Growers through our strategic relationship with the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA). New Colorado Grower And Allied Members American Ag Credit Kaiser Permanente Kunugi Farms Local Food Catalysts LLC Matt Proctor Farms ...
This November, Western Growers will hold our 90th Annual Meeting at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego. Like our previous Annual Meetings, this year’s event promises to be memorable, featuring one of Southern California’s most spectacular resorts. For three days, you will have the opportunity to connect with old friends, make new ones, and ...