Michelle Rivera
Western Growers, Communications Manager
E: [email protected]/P: 949.885.4778 EXT 4778 Michelle Rivera serves as the Communications Manager for Western Growers, where she is responsible for ensuring effective internal and external communications for Western Growers members, industry partners and consumers across all platforms. Michelle has more than 15 years of marketing and communications experience in various industries, including adtech, consumer products […]
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New Voices of the Valley: Inside the Hidden World of Insects in Ag
In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers' Jeana Cadby sits down with USDA research entomologist Dr. Daniel Hasegawa to explore the surprising role insects play in agriculture. From beneficial pollinators and parasitoid wasps to destructive pests and insect-borne crop diseases, Dr. Hasegawa breaks down how insects shape the food we grow and eat every day, and the cutting-edge…
DOL H-2A Wage Rule Remains in Effect After Court Denies UFW Motion
The District Court in the Eastern District of California has released an order denying the United Farm Workers’ (UFW) request for Preliminary Injunction in the litigation against the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on the DOL Interim Final Rule (IFR) updating how Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) are calculated for non-range H-2A occupations. In the order, the Judge found that the UFW failed…
Western Growers Honored in the Congressional Record for its 100th Anniversary
During Western Growers’ annual fly-in to Washington, D.C. this week, members of the Board of Directors met with lawmakers and administration officials to discuss the top issues impacting agriculture. As part of the visit, Rep. Jim Costa formally recognized Western Growers on the floor of Congress and presented a copy of the Congressional Record (CR) recognizing our 100th anniversary, which…
Western Growers at 100: A Century of Championing Agriculture
Founded on March 9, 1926 as the Western Growers Protective Association, Western Growers began with a clear mission: to represent the interests of western produce shippers during a time when the industry faced mounting regulatory and transportation challenges. In the last century, Western Growers has evolved alongside the industry it represents—expanding its services to meet the changing…
Johnston Farms: 80 Years in the Making
The future of Johnston Farms was once a young girl riding her bike through a packing house while her father Dennis loaded produce onto nearby trucks. Today, that girl is Jaclyn Johnston-Green, who is helping to lead a fourth-generation family operation nestled at the base of the Tehachipi Mountains in California. With nearly 80 years of history behind it, Johnston Farms is entering a new…
New Voices of the Valley: Celebrating Women in Ag
This episode of Voices of the Valley highlights the voices and experiences of women shaping the future of agriculture. Hosted by Western Growers’ Michelle Rivera and Cierra Allen, the conversation features Briana Giampaoli of Live Oak Farms and Kristen Camarena of Bonipak, who share their career journeys, challenges and perspectives on leadership in the industry. In recognition of 2026 as the…
Western Grower & Shipper Magazine Q2 2026 Digital Edition is Available Now
The Q2 2026 digital issue of the Western Grower & Shipper magazine is available for online viewing. This special 100th anniversary edition highlights the history of Western Growers, showcases our evolution of support and services and takes you on a visual journey through the years with unique photos unearthed from the Western Growers archives. Find the full digital edition of the issue…
Last Chance: Contribute to WG’s 2026 Compensation and Benefits Survey by May 4 for a Free Copy of Report
Where does meaningful compensation data in agriculture come from? It starts with you. The 2026 Western Growers Compensation and Benefits Survey is still open for Western Growers member companies to contribute their compensation data. The last day to do this is Monday, May 4. All members who participate in the survey will not only receive a free copy but will also be entered to win a…
Customs Sets Up Refund Process for Unlawful Trump Tariffs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released details on a formal refund process for billions of dollars in tariffs imposed under the Trump administration following a February 2026 Supreme Court ruling that found the measures unlawful under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The first phase of its refund system will launch on April 20, 2026, with a new…
Industry Leaders to Tackle Rising Produce Fraud in 2026 Forecast Webinar
As fraud grows more sophisticated across the fresh produce supply chain, industry leaders are coming together to help businesses stay one step ahead. On April 21, 2026, experts from Blue Book Services, the Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC), the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) and Western Growers will host the 2026 Produce Fraud Forecast Webinar. The webinar will be a timely…
California Gubernatorial Candidates Discuss Affordability and Rural Issues at Fresno Forum
An estimated 525 attendees gathered at Fresno State University for the California Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, “Affordability and Rural California,” for a wide-ranging discussion that highlighted the economic pressures facing the state’s rural communities and agricultural industry. Hosted at the Ruiz Event Space in the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union, the event brought…
EPA Accepting Nominations for National Drinking Water Advisory Council
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking nominations for qualified candidates to serve on the National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC), according to a recently published notice in the Federal Register. EPA welcomes candidates from the general public; state and local governments concerned with water hygiene and public water supply; and representatives of private…
New Voices of the Valley: From San Francisco to the Farm with Jacie and Zac
In this episode of Voices of the Valley, we sit down with Jacie Johnston Green and Zac Green of Johnston Farms and WN Citrus, a fourth-generation family operation nestled at the base of the Tehachapi Mountains. What began nearly 80 years ago with a single potato crop has grown into a diverse farm producing citrus, potatoes, peppers, carrots and more across thousands of acres. Jacie and Zac…
WG Joins State and Academic Leaders to Launch California Agricultural Research & Innovation Roadmap
A coalition of state, academic and agricultural industry partners has introduced the California Agricultural Research & Innovation Roadmap, a new blueprint designed to accelerate research, innovation and real-world adoption of next-generation tools for California agriculture. Developed collaboratively by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), University of California…
Arizona Department of Agriculture Welcomes USDA’s $263 Million Investment in Farm Commodities
The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) welcomed the announcement made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase $263 million in agricultural commodities using its Section 32 authority, noting that the investment will help stabilize markets by channeling locally produced goods into federal food programs. The investment creates direct market opportunities for producers in…
Lina Quesada-Ocampo to Lead IR-4 Project as Executive Director
Lina Quesada-Ocampo, a vegetable pathologist and Extension specialist at North Carolina State University, has been named the next Executive Director of the IR-4 Project, effective March 9. IR-4, a federally funded program headquartered at NC State, supports specialty crop growers nationwide by facilitating the registration of safe and effective pest management tools for fruits, vegetables,…
What You Need to Know About the USDA Specialty Crop Economic Relief Program
UPDATE (March 31, 2026): The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the agency is reopening the 2025 crop acreage reporting period required for specialty crop producers who want to apply for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program. The deadline has changed from March 13 to April 24, 2026. ______ The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released key details…
Western Growers 2025 Year in Review Now Available
The Western Growers 2025 Year in Review is now available online. The Year in Review 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 H-2A Western Growers…
Arizona Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Accepting Applications Until March 6
The Arizona Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) grant manual is now available and applications are being accepted. The grant application deadline is 10:59:59 p.m. (PST) / 11:59:59 p.m. (MST) Friday, March 6, 2026. All applications must be submitted online. The purpose of this program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Agriculture…
Western Growers Innovation Launches New AgTech Newsletter
Want an inside look at how innovators, growers and industry partners are working together to advance technology in agriculture? The Western Growers Innovation Team has launched a new weekly agtech newsletter focused on technology shaping specialty crops. From agtech trends and developments to hands-on case studies and industry events, the Western Growers Innovation Team keeps you informed on the…