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 […]
When the majority of Americans think about robotics and artificial intelligence, one of the last things that comes to mind right now is the farming industry. But Paul Mikesell, Founder and CEO of Seattle-based Carbon Robotics, is looking to change that. Founded in 2018, Carbon Robotics is an agricultural startup that builds innovative tools that provides farmers with precise and cost-effective…
California is the top agriculture-producing state in the U.S., according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. But when it comes to autonomous vehicle ecosystem superiority, Arizona has not only taken a front seat—it’s also become the driver. The state has deployed a pro-business approach that has made it the hub for businesses in autonomous technology—and it’s now enjoying all the spoils…
When you start a new job with a company, the last thing you’re thinking about is the legacy you’ll be leaving behind. Rather, you may be thinking about how you’ll fit in with your new colleagues and hoping you’ll be successful in your new role, among others. When David Zanze joined Western Growers Family of Companies (WGFC) in the mid-‘80s, he was just excited to jump at the…
Marisol Moreno, Controller at Allied Potato Not too many people can say that the owner of their company made them a sandwich, but that’s exactly what happened to recent WG Women Certificate of Completion honoree Marisol Moreno when she discovered her passion for agriculture. At the time, she was working for a table grapes company as a senior accountant and was told she’d need to cover for…
Chad Amaral, D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California, Salinas, Calif. Director since 2022 | Member since 1937 | D-11 Monterey County D’Arrigo California will be celebrating 100 years of business in 2023, and Chad Amaral, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for D’Arrigo and newly elected Western Growers Board Member, has been with the company for 25 of them. Amaral…
The Western Growers Family of Companies mourns the passing of former board member Luther J. Khachigian, long-time farmer and agricultural advocate, who passed away on June 20, 2023. He was 87 years old. A life in agriculture started early for Luther; he was born on his family’s 60-acre grape and walnut farm in Visalia, Calif., later earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of…
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) invite California agricultural employers to attend a webinar on July 19 on the USDA Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program. The webinar will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to learn more about the program and how it works in California to assist farm and food workers. The…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting nominations for Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee members. Nominations for the 2023 election will need to be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2023, and the elections will occur later this year. Nominations are open for those who participate or cooperate in a USDA program and live in the Local…
It’s Cyclospora season. Cyclospora cayatenensis is a waterborne parasite that can cause intestinal illness year-round, but we typically see outbreaks of Cyclospora during its peak season in spring and summer. Western Growers’ very own Afreen Malik, Science Programs Director, talked about the growing concern of Cyclospora, and things you should know as we face peak season, in a recent article…
The Agricultural Personnel Management Association (APMA) is excited to offer the certificate program for the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Visa Program. This educational certificate program is designed to broaden your knowledge and better navigate the complex H-2A program for the novice and experienced H-2A user. Western Growers H-2A Service’s Jason Resnick will be teaching several of…
Don't miss Western Growers’ most popular annual event. Western Growers is proud to bring together the key decision-makers among America's premier growers, shippers and processors, including suppliers and fresh produce-industry allies, for Western Growers’ 97th Annual Meeting on Nov. 12-15, 2023. Surrounded by the beauty of Hawaii at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, attendees…
The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT) in Salinas had the opportunity to tour the re-opened Taylor Farms Foodservice Plant on June 12 following the devastating fire that destroyed its facility in April of last year. Hosted by Tano Padilla and Jason Sedano from Taylor Farms’ Innovation team, 15 WGCIT startup representatives were in attendance to view the rebuilt…
Amy Roberts, Director of Regulatory Affairs for Lallemand Plant Care, a business unit of Lallemand Inc., will be joining the 2023 Salinas Biological Summit to contribute her more than 30 years of expertise in biopesticide registration for products in the U.S. and internationally. Through her strong working relationships with U.S. and international regulators, Amy focuses on policy…
Rick Melnick, Partner and VP of Global Business for DunhamTrimmer, will be speaking at the Salinas Biological Summit on June 20-21, 2023. A 30-year veteran of the global commercial ag space, Rick has a deep understanding of biopesticides, crop protection, branding, marketing and strategic marketing communications. Previously, Rick served as the Corporate Editorial Director for Meister Media…
Mark Trimmer, Ph.D., will bring his more than 35 years of expertise in research, product development, registration, technical service and technology licensing in the crop protection industry to the Salinas Biological Summit on June 20-21, 2023. Mark is a Managing Partner of DunhamTrimmer, a premier market research, market data and strategic consulting firm focused exclusively on the global…
FIRA USA organizers hosted a press conference on April 27, 2023 at the Salinas Rodeo Grounds to announce the opening of registration for the second edition of FIRA USA, set for Sept. 19-21, 2023, in Salinas, Calif. The three-day event aims to bring together startups and growers in the agtech automation community for a showcase of the latest in robotic farming solutions, including…
Zach Bagley, Managing Director of the California Tomato Research Institute, will be speaking at the Salinas Biological Summit on June 20-21, 2023. Bagley has been in the processing tomato industry in California for 10 years and brings an array of experience and insight in agricultural innovation to the Salinas Biological Summit. In his current role with the California Tomato Research…
The May/June digital issue of the Western Grower & Shipper magazine is now available and can be accessed here. This issue’s theme encompasses everything about seeds and soil. The cover story, titled "How The Wonderful Company and other ag industry leaders support their communities through education," talks about how ag industry leaders are investing and supporting their workers and…
Chief Scientific Officer for the Almond Board of California Dr. Josette Lewis will be one of the featured speakers at the 2023 Salinas Biological Summit on June 20-21, 2023. Dr. Lewis brings more than 25 years of experience working in agricultural research and policy in government, academic, nonprofit and tech-based sectors. Before joining the Almond Board, she led the Environmental Defense…
Julie Henderson, Director of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, will bring her agricultural and public health expertise and insight to the Salinas Biological Summit on June 20-21, 2023. Henderson was appointed as DPR Director in December 2021 after serving as its Acting Director since July that same year. She previously served as the California Environmental Protection…
