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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State Water Board to Host Second Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel Kick-Off Meetings in August
The California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) will convene the Second Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel with two upcoming meetings scheduled for: Friday, August 8, 2025 Thursday, August 14, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: Sacramento (in-person) and via Zoom The kick-off meeting on August 8 will focus on evaluating data currently collected…
Don Cameron Testifies on Ag Innovation at House Ag Committee Hearing
At Tuesday’s House Agriculture Committee hearing titled “Past Breakthroughs and Future Innovations in Crop Production,” Don Cameron, Vice President and General Manager of Terranova Ranch Inc. and Western Growers Board Member, delivered testimony highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture on the front lines of food production. Cameron was introduced by Rep. Jim…
July 31 Deadline Approaches for CDFA’s Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board TASC
If you’re interested in helping shape California’s approach to fertilizer research and water efficiency, now’s your chance. The deadline to apply for two open seats on the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee is July 31, 2025. This panel plays a key role in reviewing projects funded by the…
New Voices of the Valley: Picking Memories at Tanaka Farms
Nestled in the heart of Irvine, Calif., Tanaka Farms is more than just a working farm—it’s a living story of resilience, tradition and community. In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers’ Cory Lunde talks to fourth-generation farmer Kenny Tanaka. Join us as we dig into the farm’s rich history, the vibrant “you-pick” experiences that let visitors harvest their own…
SCFBA Secures Major Wins for Growers
Western Growers is celebrating a series of hard-fought victories that marked a transformative moment for America’s specialty crop industry. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), co-chaired by Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia, first convened in 2022 with a clear mission: to establish farm bill priorities that would bolster the long-term competitiveness of specialty crop…
CDFA Specialty Crop Block Grant Finishes Strong
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), a multi-year initiative funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and spearheaded by Western Growers, has officially concluded. The program funded by the grant, called the Next Gen Ag Worker program, launched in January 2022 with an initial award of $746,291. It was bolstered by an additional $150,000 in July 2023. The…
Nutrien Ag Solutions: Strategic Financing for Stronger Yields
In today’s ever-changing agricultural landscape, securing the right financing can be just as critical as choosing the right seed, fertilizer or crop protection products. Growers need access to capital that aligns with their agronomic plans so they can invest in the latest innovations without straining cash flow. For many growers, access to reliable and flexible credit is critical to…
Western Grower & Shipper Magazine July/August Digital Edition is Available Now
View Digital Edition The July/August digital issue of the Western Grower & Shipper magazine is available for online viewing. The issue features the articles, "Give this Senator a Chance," "Payer Beware: California Court Confirms Risk of Fraud Falls on the Party Best Positioned to Prevent It," and "The Cost of Success," as well as the cover story "Field of Dreams: How T&A…
Feeding the Future from Colorado Soil
For the Petrocco family, farming runs deeper than business—it’s a way of life, built on generations of hard work and tradition. Based in Brighton, Colo., Petrocco Farms has grown into one of the state’s largest vegetable operations, producing lettuce, cabbage, sweet corn, peppers and more across an estimated 3,000 acres. Joe Petrocco, a third-generation grower and Vice President of…
Western Growers Mourns the Passing of Former Board Chair Don Smith
Western Growers is saddened to share the passing of Don Smith, owner of Turlock Fruit Company and a former Chair of the Western Growers Board of Directors. He was 95. A lifelong resident of Turlock, Calif., Smith was a second-generation grower and shipper, continuing his family legacy that began in 1918 when his father founded Turlock Fruit Company. For more than six decades, Smith dedicated…
A Journey From Policy to Production
Chandler Farms in Selma, Calif., has a special kind of legacy. Founded in the late 1800s by W.F. Chandler, the family operation has been growing on the same land for generations. Today, fourth-generation farmer John Chandler and his brother continue that tradition, managing the day-to-day work while honoring their roots. “My great-grandfather came out from Illinois in search of fertile…
Specialty Crop Leaders Thank USDA for Expediting Critical MASC Payments
More than 70 organizations representing America’s specialty crop growers recently signed on to a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, expressing deep appreciation to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and President Donald J. Trump for swiftly advancing a second round of Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) payments. The additional $1.3 billion in funding,…
Western Growers Mourns the Passing of Former Board Member Philip Henry
Philip “Phil” Henry, who served as president of the Henry Avocado Corp. in Escondido, Calif., died June 30, 2025 of natural causes at the age of 80. He led the company’s global presence for more than four decades. Born on June 23, 1945, in Long Beach, Calif., Phil earned his degree from Cal State University at Long Beach in 1968. Although he initially pursued a career in agricultural…
Western Growers Announces Major Upgrade to Member Benefits
In a move to support the professional growth and development of its member organizations, Western Growers announces a significant enhancement to Western Growers Member benefits, designed to be as cost-effective as possible. Beginning July 1, 2025, Western Growers University (WGU) will offer its onsite learning curriculum to all Western Growers members at cost. This means that members…
Western Growers Promotes Bryan Nickerson to Director of Membership
Western Growers is excited to announce the promotion of Bryan Nickerson to Director of Membership. In his new role, Bryan will oversee the development and implementation of strategies to grow and retain Western Growers membership. He will focus on enhancing member engagement and expanding utilization of Western Growers’ broad portfolio of services and resources. Additionally, Bryan…