E: [email protected]/P:949.241.5337 Kara Timmins is the Communications Manager for Western Growers. She has worked in marketing and publishing for over ten years. She has a keen interest in biological evolution and how science can be used to find solutions to human issues. Kara received her undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the University of […]
As Albert Keck passed the gavel representing the position of chair of the board to Stuart Woolf at the 2023 Western Growers annual meeting in Kauai, Hawaii, in November, it was more than a handoff of the role. It was a clear view into how deep the bench is in the Western Growers board for leadership. Though a new chair of the board may mean a different tone in guidance, the collaborative and…
The Western Growers Year in Review for 2023 is now available online. This reference shares an overview of Western Growers activities throughout the year to support and advocate for the agricultural industry. This report includes updates from the following teams: Federal and State Government Affairs Science Center for Innovation and Technology Legal Western Growers…
On Feb. 26, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission sued to block Kroger Company’s $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons Companies, Inc. alleging that the deal is anti-competitive. Announced in the fall 2022, Kroger’s agreement to purchase 100 percent of Albertsons would mean the merger of the No. 1 and No. 2 largest grocery store chains. According to the FTC’s case “the destruction of…
The third annual FIRA USA event is scheduled for Oct. 22-24, 2024, in Woodland/Sacramento, Calif. FIRA USA will showcase over 35 robots demonstrating advancements in agricultural automation solutions in three demonstration zones of vegetables, orchards and vineyards. The exhibition hall will include 70+ indoor booths. For the first time, growers will be able to attend FIRA USA for…
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released the Arizona Annual Vegetables Report summary for 2023. Some key findings from the report: Arizona harvested 68,500 acres of lettuce in 2023, up 5 percent from the 65,000 acres harvested in 2022. Arizona produced 22.06 million hundredweight (cwt) of lettuce in 2023, with a value of utilized lettuce production of…
The National Organics Standards Board (NOSB) is accepting comments until April 3, 2024 regarding recommendations for USDA organics standards. The NOSB will be meeting in Milwaukee in April 2024; written comments and requests to provide oral comments must be submitted before the meetings. Meeting Details Online Comment Webinars (2 days): April 23 & 25, 2024, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm…
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is calling for volunteers to assess their system pilot trial. They are seeking participants who can help evaluate the new Produce Safety Program Farm Database Repository and provide feedback on their experience. Participants must have undergone a FSMA Produce Safety Rule farm inspection. Those who volunteer will be able to provide…
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is accepting applications for their second and final round for The Small Food Business Recovery and Resilience Grant. This grant is the second round in an effort to increase access to and lower prices for healthy food in low income, low access areas in the state of Colorado by supporting small food retailers and small family farms. Small retailers…
The February Lunch & Learn event at Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT) was an opportunity for participants to meet Ben Palone, Western Growers new Director of Commercialization, and hear about his background and the progress of agtech solutions. The event welcomed attendees from Bio SI Technology, Alibio, LahakX, IFPA, FarmWise, Verdant, GeoVisual Analytics, Solare…
Hank Giclas’ son Henry Giclas IV and wife Kathy Giclas visited Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology to see how Hank’s vision and legacy is continuing to thrive and advance technological advantages for the agricultural industry. This is their first visit to the center. Though Hank passed away in 2022, the work he did to make the Western Growers CIT and science department a…
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) can help growers develop or build upon conservation activities that integrate with agricultural operations. Practices include cover crops, ecologically based pest management practices, and buffer strips help producers improve soil health while protecting water quality, habitats for pollinator and beneficial insect, to name a few. To apply for…
The 2024 Western Growers Compensation Survey is now open for Western Growers member companies to contribute their compensation data. Every company that submits data will receive the completed survey for free - a $2,500 value. In addition, any individual who submits data will also be entered to win a 13" MacBook Air. All information submitted will remain anonymous and will NOT be linked back…
Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT) hosted a roundtable discussion with Taylor Farms, D’Arrigo, and Steinbeck Country to connect with the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) initiative to discuss the workforce challenges growers are facing. The Monterey Bay Drone, Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) initiative aligns with the CIT’s…
