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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Charting Her Own Course
In a scene all too familiar in agriculture, young adults in rural communities are often lured to the big city in search of jobs and professional opportunities. But for those who remain, the ambitious and industrious can almost always chart a course of their own choosing. Such is the story of Tracy Jones. Tracy grew up in Reedley, California, a small agricultural town with a limited variety of…
New Trade War with China Could Hurt California Agriculture, Study Finds
Recent tariff increases put in place by the Biden administration on electric vehicles, solar cells, semiconductors and aluminum and steel products from China could have a devastating impact on exports of farm products, according to a recent study. Economists from UC Davis and North Dakota State University evaluated the potential implications of the U.S. revoking China's Permanent Normal Trade…
Food Safety Expert Frank Yiannas Shares Thoughts on New Era Challenges and Data Sharing
World renowned food safety expert and former Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA), Frank Yiannas, shared his thoughts on food safety challenges and data sharing in a recent post published in Food Safety News. Yiannas wrote, “Solving new era food safety problems is extremely challenging and it will require new ways of thinking and…
Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Lifted in Santa Clara County
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Santa Clara Agricultural Commissioner, ended the Oriental fruit fly (OFF) quarantine in Santa Clara County following the eradication of the invasive pest. The quarantine was put in place nearly nine months ago in parts of Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, San Jose, Milpitas, Mountain…
Register Now for Upcoming Western Growers University Courses
Join our experts and secure your spot for upcoming Western Growers University courses. Whether you’re a Western Growers member or a non-member, these courses are sure to take your business to the next level. Upcoming courses: OXNARD Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Course for Supervisory Employees May 29, 2024 | 9:30am - 11:30am | Spanish | Member $90 – Non-Member…
Documentary “The Green Desert” Hosts Virtual Screening Event in June
“The Green Desert,” a documentary that gives viewers a closer look into farming practices in the arid Southwest, including the challenges of water shortages and the effects of climate change, will host a virtual screening event from June 9-16, 2024. The documentary, presented by Mirage Films, has an 83-minute run time. There will be a live Q&A session with Director Leo Zahn on Sunday,…
WGCIT Hosts Sakata Seed Global Academy
The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT) in Salinas hosted the Sakata Seed Global Academy on May 16 to discuss and share valuable agtech insights. WGCIT Director Dennis Donohue addressed the 16 leaders in attendance, discussing the fresh produce supply chain and Western Growers’ innovation initiatives designed to support it. Charles McGregor, General Manager of…
WG Member Discount Available for 2024 Salinas Biological Summit
Tickets for the Salinas Biological Summit, scheduled for June 25-26, 2024, in Salinas, Calif., are available for purchase, and Western Growers members are eligible to purchase tickets at a discounted rate. Presented by Western Growers and Wharf42, the two-day Summit brings together local and international industry experts, agricultural businesses and innovators to share knowledge, insights…
Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Illness
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is reminding all employers to protect workers from heat illness as high temperatures are forecast in the coming days. Some of the highest temperatures include: Employers in California are required to protect outdoor workers from heat illness by providing water, rest, shade and training and must closely observe their…
You’re Invited: Western Growers Data Cultivation Workgroup
Join Western Growers’ first Data Cultivation Workgroup meeting, hosted by Gustavo Reyes, Food Safety Manager, Western Growers Science on June 12. The goal is to form a workgroup of industry, academics and other professionals who will work together to advance data science and develop projects to address challenges faced by the produce industry. Data science is in an uncharted area of…
Register for the 2024 Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit
Registration is open for the 2024 Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit, which will be held on June 4, 2024 at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento. “This year’s theme, Rightsizing California Agriculture for New Growth and Opportunities, will bring participants together to provide perspective on how farmers and ranchers will need to adapt,” said Agri-Pulse Editor Sara Wyant. The event will…
Register Today for the Agricultural Water Systems Workshop
Join Western Growers Science, in partnership with the UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Center, on May 28 - 29, in Salinas, Calif. for the Agricultural Water Systems - Identifying, Preventing, and Managing Food Safety Risks workshop. The workshop will delve into a range of topics related to water management and safety. Experts will explore why risk assessments are critical for…
USDA to Increase Rates for Specialty Crops Inspection Grading, Audit Services
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced its 2024/2025 fee rates for voluntary grading, inspection, certification, auditing and laboratory services for a variety of agricultural commodities, including fruits, vegetables and specialty crops. According to the USDA, these increases reflect direct and indirect costs of providing services. Direct…