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 […]
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…
As the 2023 Western Growers Annual Meeting in Kauai comes to a close, sights are set on the next big annual event in Scottsdale Arizona at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa in 2024. Mark your calendar for November 3-6, 2024, to attend the event of the year for industry leaders in agriculture. The 98th Western Growers Annual Meeting will include unrivaled networking…
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has announced the opening of the 2024 Grant Cycle for its Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP). To qualify for the grant, proposals should address how the funds will be used for “outreach, education, demonstration, and research projects related to the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use and handling of…
Western Growers will not be sending a Spotlight mailing for November 23, 2023. We wish you and your family a great Thanksgiving holiday.
It isn’t too late to be a part of the 2023 Western Growers Annual Meeting on November 12-15, 2023. The four-day event in Kauai will feature some of the best networking, events and entertainment that the industry has to offer. Speakers include Dr. Temple Grandin, Michael Shellenberger and Jim Carroll. The Award of Honor dinner honoring John D’Arrigo will conclude with entertainment from…
Western Growers is joining the newly launched FDA Foods Coalition, which is made up of consumer advocates, food industry representatives, public health groups and associations supporting state and local regulators. Together the contributing parties will educate policymakers, media and the public about improving the governance of the FDA Human Foods Program. “Industry needs a strong,…
The 2023 Western Growers Annual Meeting Featured Session will address a timely question: what does artificial intelligence mean for agriculture and food? Panelists will explore questions like what impact will artificial intelligence (AI) have on WG member operations and supply chains? How will AI improve and potentially accelerate automation and biological solutions, and are there over-hyped…
California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross visited Sierra College last week, making this her tenth visit to educate college student about the AgTechX Ed program and the career opportunities that are available in agriculture. The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) have been working together to…
The Western Growers 2023 Compensation Survey, the most comprehensive analysis available of California and Arizona specialty crop compensation data, is now available for purchase. Please visit the WGA.com store to purchase your copy. Only WG members who are logged into the portal can add it to their cart and make the purchase. This Compensation Survey is an invaluable tool for HR…
Western Growers Women program is set to relaunch and is now accepting applications. This program is designed to support and develop leadership, advocacy and media skills for women working for a member agricultural company. Click here to apply. Western Growers Women 2023-2024 Schedule Social Media Training - November (virtual) A two-part social media workshop designed to empower you…
The California Financing Coordinating Committee (CFCC) has set funding fair date - one in person and two virtual - to offer an opportunity for attendees to speak with federal, state and local agencies about the financial and technical resources available for specific infrastructure projects and issues. The online funding fair will be available on two days, November 1 and 8, 2023, via Zoom,…
The California Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) is offering $179 Million to disadvantaged communities and small businesses in California to have access to zero-emission off-road equipment. The CORE incentive project “is administered by the clean-transportation technology nonprofit CALSTART and funded by California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that…
The Food Traceability List (FTL) is a list of food products that require traceability recordkeeping that has been established as a part of the FDA final rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods (Food Traceability Final Rule) that go beyond those in existing regulations for persons who manufacture, process, pack or hold foods. The FDA has recently provided a…
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting proposals for their Specialty Crop Multi-State Program for 2023. The grant award amount will range from $250,000 to $1 million per project. According to the CDFA, projects that qualify are ones that are “collaborative, multi-state projects that address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including food…
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is offering a Zoom webinar on October 18, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT for public online training on the new Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation. Anyone interesting in participating must register on through the ACF website here. The ACF regulations were enacted to meet California's health-based air quality standards and greenhouse gas…
The deadline to submit an abstract for the 2023 FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference poster session is October 27, 2023. The Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH) have been working in collaboration to present the conference since 2007. The FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference includes presenters from academia, industry and agricultural…
Comedian Tom Papa will perform during the entertainment portion of this year’s Award of Honor Dinner Gala at the 2023 Western Growers Annual Meeting in Kauai. The 2023 Award of Honor event will recognize D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California CEO/President and Chairman of the Board John D’Arrigo. Papa is a stand-up comedian with more than 20 years of experience. He is one of the top comedic…
Creating an individual legacy within the framework of a multi-generational operation takes effort, ingenuity and mastery. Managing to create something new while upholding the value of what has been done before can only be done with precision and intention. John D’Arrigo learned at a young age that there are lessons in the work. As one of six kids growing up on a second-generation farm, John…
When it comes to creating a path to the future in agriculture, the City of Salinas takes its moniker of The Salad Bowl of the World seriously. In the most recent unfolding iteration of the city’s team of players, the goal is to keep growers a priority by developing and acting on plans to support and advance the farming industry. Lisa Brinton, Director for the City of Salinas Community…
