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 […]
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…
In recognition of the value of a strong network of international connections, Western Growers executives and members of the board visited Peru this week to learn more about the agricultural successes of the country. The trip includes a meeting at the U.S. Embassy and tours of Vanguard International, Beta Agroindustrial, Mission Produce and more. The trip included Western Growers Dave…
To gain insight into current field equipment cleaning and sanitation methods, Western Growers is working with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo─in collaboration with University of California-Davis and Virginia Tech─to create and conduct a survey about sanitation methods of fruit, nut and vegetable growers. Results from this survey will help develop a better understanding of existing cleaning and…
Efficient and accessible change happens on a gradient. When it comes to green energy, much of the gradual slope needed to scale the legislative wall ahead is up to the agricultural industry to construct. Concept Clean Energy has been working in synchronicity with grower operations to create versatile energy solutions that work in unison with grower challenges to find pointed solutions to…
Listen to this week's Voices of the Valley episode here. In this week’s episode of Voices of the Valley, we’re breaking through misconceptions in agriculture with Coachella Valley farmer Celeste Alonzo. Alongside her family, Celeste grows bell peppers and corn at Junior Enterprises. She joins Julia Nellis, Social Media Manager at Western Growers, to answer questions WG received on…
Western Growers Association’s Next Gen Ag Program has garnered additional support from Bank of America as part of its workforce development focus to help connect students and young adults to high demand careers, often funding stipends and other paid opportunities. The bank’s $25,000 grant and longtime partnership will allow Western Growers and the Next Gen Ag Program to continue the work…
Cal Fleet Advisor offers a no-cost assistance program to California commercial trucking fleets and independent owner-operators to help navigate the process of obtaining medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, chargers and funding. Through this service, an advisor can help you understand your zero-emission vehicle and charging options, connect you with dealers and funding opportunities and…
The CDFA has announced that the State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program (SWEEP) has been suspended until further notice. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) offers financial assistance through their State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) to help realize grower goals to integrate irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save…
As part of the Western Growers Science team’s ongoing engagement on food safety, De Ann Davis, Senior Vice President, Science, participated in a panel discussion with other industry experts about Closer to Zero, an action plan to reduce exposures to lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury from foods commonly consumed by babies and young children to the lowest extent feasible. The panel…
In the first episode of the new season of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers’ Dennis Donohue, Center for Innovation & Technology Director, and Jeana Cadby, Environment and Climate Director, discuss how agriculture is addressing its biggest challenges this year in both innovation and science. Dennis and Jeana discuss how the organization and its team are actively addressing issues…
Everyone who participated in contributing data to the 2023 Compensation Survey was entered to win a 13" MacBook Air. This year, Carrie Jordan from Babe' Farms Inc. took home the prize. Congratulations, Carrie! All companies that participated in the 2023 Compensation Survey received the survey for free, a $2,500 value. This is the only compensation resource of its kind. With compensation…
The University of Arizona’s Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA) will showcase presentations from candidates who are in consideration for the Executive Director position. The topic of the presentations will be "Opportunities and Challenges Facing YCEDA in the Next 10 Years.” Presentations will be held on January 3 and 4 at the Yuma Ag Center (6425 W. 8th St.). The…
In an initiative to guide future solution and resources, the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) has designed the Sanitation of Agricultural Field Equipment Questionnaire to begin the research process centered around field equipment sanitation. The research will develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with field equipment sanitation and work toward…
In recognition of his many contributions to the agricultural industry and community, John D’Arrigo was presented with the 2023 Award of Honor at the Western Growers Annual Meeting in Kauai on November 14. Upon receiving his award, John spoke about the future of agriculture and the role that D’Arrigo Brothers will have in that future: “My goal for the future of our company and…
