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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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…
Ag Groups Call on Senate to Deliver Critical Tax Relief
Western Growers, along with more than 40 agricultural organizations have come together to urge swift Senate action on a new tax package that could bring meaningful relief to farmers, ranchers and rural businesses across the country. In a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Majority Whip John Barrasso and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, these groups expressed strong…
Lawmakers Support Invasive Species Protections for Specialty Crops
Members of Congress from key agricultural states, led by Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-1) have joined together to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize protections for America’s specialty crops. In a joint letter addressed to USDA Secretary Brook Rollins, lawmakers highlighted the urgent need to bolster efforts against invasive pests and diseases that threaten the…
CFWC Executive Director Mike Wade to Step Down After 26 Years
The California Farm Water Coalition (CFWC) announced that longtime Executive Director Mike Wade will be stepping down in February 2026. Wade has led the organization since 1998 and has played a pivotal role in expanding public education and outreach efforts around the importance of reliable water supplies for California agriculture. “It has been exciting to see the growth and success the…
CA Grown Launches Experience California Agriculture Website to Boost Agritourism
California Grown, an initiative of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), has introduced a new digital platform designed to showcase the state’s diverse agritourism opportunities. Experience California Agriculture connects visitors with California’s rich farming heritage and offers a comprehensive guide to u-pick farms, vineyard tours, farm stays, farm-to-table dining and…
Protect PAGA Reforms by Voting No on SB 310
Western Growers, along with numerous allied organizations, strongly oppose SB 310 (Wiener), citing its potential to undermine the critical 2024 Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) reforms enacted in 2024. These bipartisan reforms—SB 92 (Umberg) and AB 2288 (Kalra)—aimed to curb abuses in PAGA by reducing penalties for employers acting in good faith, expanding the right to cure violations…
WG Member Discount Available for 2025 Salinas Biological Summit
Tickets for the Salinas Biological Summit, scheduled for June 24-25, 2025, in Woodland, 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…
Help Share Your Agriculture Story with the USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to help shine a light on the voices of growers across the country. As part of that effort, the USDA plans to regularly feature short video submissions from agricultural communities on its digital media platforms. This initiative will be ongoing, giving growers more opportunities to share their stories year-round. Western Growers encourages you…
Enhancing Food Safety with Testing Program Critical Control Points
The article is now available online, but not yet formally published. Western Growers led a recent article published in the Journal of Food Protection, introducing Testing Program Critical Control Points (TP-CCP). The TP-CCP framework complements existing food safety systems, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventative Controls…
Reimagining Food Relief: The Power of Home Growers
What if every home gardener in America knew they could donate their surplus produce to a local food pantry? The impact would be transformative. Although achieving 100 percent awareness may not be realistic, even a fraction could move the needle on hunger and health in this country. Today, an estimated 62 million Americans grow food at home. If more of their surplus harvests found their way…
Berries, Borders and Business
Soren Bjorn, Driscoll's Growing up in Denmark, Soren Bjorn’s path to leading the world’s largest berry company might seem to be quite unexpected. Yet his journey to CEO of Driscoll’s is a testament to his curiosity and deep appreciation for the global food industry. A golf scholarship to Baylor University in Texas set things in motion—an opportunity made possible by a fellow Dane…
Western Grower & Shipper Magazine May/June Digital Edition is Available Now
View Digital Edition The May/June digital issue of the Western Grower & Shipper Magazine is available for online viewing here. The issue features the articles, “Mapping MAHA,” “H-2A Workers and Taxes: What H-2A Employers Need to Know,” “Have Pity for Regenerative Agriculture for Inadvertently Fighting a Two-Front War” and more. The cover article Spotlights Jacobs Farm…