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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WG’s Jeana Cadby Graduates from CA Ag Leadership Class 53: Advancing Leadership in Agriculture
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) celebrated the commencement of Class 53 on Saturday, February 8, in Fresno, Calif. This event marked the end of an intensive leadership training journey for fellows representing the ag industry throughout California. Jeana Cadby, Environment and Climate Director at Western Growers, was selected as one of 24 fellows to join the 53rd…
Employers Urged to Complete Critical Survey to Help Shape the Future of California’s Ag Workforce
The Specialty Crop Ag Workforce Development Program is conducting a critical employer survey to help shape workforce training programs that meet California’s specialty crop industry needs. California’s agricultural success depends on a skilled workforce to supply the U.S. and global markets with high-quality specialty crops. But the industry is evolving—embracing new technology,…
CDFA Developing Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is currently developing a Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture. This initiative aims to unify the state’s diverse agricultural climate actions into a cohesive framework, outlining both the progress of current efforts and a clear vision for future initiatives. The CDFA will also be hosting the following public…
Former USDA Deputy Under Secretary to Take Helm of Nonprofit Dedicated to Preventing Foodborne Illness on Feb. 24
Stop Foodborne Illness (STOP), a national public health nonprofit dedicated to preventing foodborne illnesses, has announced that Sandra Eskin, a renowned food safety advocate and former USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, will take on the role of CEO starting Feb. 24, 2025. Eskin, who has played a pivotal role in advancing food safety reform throughout her career, succeeds Mitzi…
President Trump Directs Agencies to Restart Water Infrastructure Plan for California
President Trump has ordered the immediate resumption of efforts by the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation and other federal agencies to route more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Central and Southern California. The directive seeks to revive plans from the President's first term, which aimed to improve California’s water…
A Century of Farming, Faith and Family
Nestled in California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley in Fresno, Calif. lies a multi-generational family farm with quite a story. Baloian Farms traces its roots to an incredible journey that began over a century ago, when an immigrant named Charles Baloian fled Armenia during the Armenian genocide in search of a new life in America. “My grandfather started with nothing but determination,”…
Making Sustainable Decisions for Today and Tomorrow
Amid the challenges facing small and mid-sized farms today, Deardorff Family Farms stands out as an organization full of resilience and progress. Now led by a fourth generation of family farmers, the operation thrives by seamlessly combining time-honored traditions with innovative practices. Today, Deardorff Family Farms in Oxnard, Calif., is led by Tom Deardorff II, President, and his cousin…
I Can “SEEAG” Clearly Now
How a Ventura Organization Connects the Community to Farms and Fields For many consumers, a trip to the grocery store is just another errand. How many have the chance to connect with the farmers responsible for growing their food? The answer is only a select few - and that’s not good enough. Enter Students for Eco Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), an organization in Ventura, Calif. that…
CalRecycle to Host SB 54 Public Information Session
The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) will host a public information session on February 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. This session will provide an overview of the recently published updates to the Covered Material Categories (CMC) List, including revised recyclability and compostability determinations, as well as insights from the Source Reduction Baseline Study. You can find…
New Voices of the Valley: Connecting Community to Farms and Fields
In this episode, we talk to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and explore how the organization inspires a deeper connection to the agricultural industry by promoting a greater understanding of how food gets from farm to table. SEEAG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between farmers and the community by educating students and the public about the…
Growers Urged to Complete 2025 Ag Equipment and Vehicle Survey
The California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Energy Commission (CEC) and California Farm Bureau are conducting the 2025 Agricultural Vehicle, Equipment, and Infrastructure Survey. This survey gathers critical data on on-road vehicles and off-road agricultural equipment across all fuel types, including electric, used by producers, custom operators and processing facilities. The…
Western Grower & Shipper January/February 2025 Digital Issue Available Now
The January/February 2025 digital issue of the Western Grower & Shipper magazine is now available online. The issue features the articles, “Legislation and the University of California,” “New California Employment Laws for 2025,” and “Sustainable Data Management: What is it and why does it matter?” and more. The cover article spotlights SEEAG and how it’s working with…
Join the CDFA Standardization Advisory Committee
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking candidates for vacancies on the Standardization Advisory Committee, which advises on the Standardization Program, proposed regulations, annual budget, assessment rates and fees to provide adequate inspection services. Vacancies include positions for Fresh Fruit (oranges), Fresh Vegetables (broccoli, tomatoes, or lettuce), and…
Western Growers Members Appointed to USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of 25 industry leaders to the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC), including several members of Western Growers. These appointees will serve two-year terms, advising the Secretary of Agriculture on key issues affecting the fruit and vegetable sector. Western Growers congratulates the following…
Specialty Crops Secure $650 Million in Additional Funding for USDA Initiative
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 6, 2025) – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s updates to the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) initiative, which include an additional $650 million investment. “Specialty crop growers across the U.S. are facing severe and unique challenges. As we wrote…
Arizona’s Willcox Groundwater Basin Designated as Active Management Area
On Dec. 19, 2024, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) officially designated the Willcox Groundwater Basin as the state’s seventh Active Management Area (AMA). The date of designation, as defined in A.R.S. § 45-402, took effect on January 1, 2025. According to the Department, “Pursuant to A.R.S. § 45-416 irrigation users may irrigate only those acres of land within the…
New Voices of the Valley: The Connection Between Farming, Food and Wellness
In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between the food we eat, provided by the farmers who grow our food, and our overall health and wellness. From fueling our bodies and preventing disease to supporting a balanced lifestyle, we discuss how nutrient-rich crops play a crucial role in our well-being with insights from our health and wellness expert, Beth Sims. You can listen to…
Walt Duflock Talks the Future of California Ag with The Modern Acre Podcast
Walt Duflock, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Western Growers, joined The Modern Acre podcast (Episode 382) to discuss California’s pressing labor challenges. “We’re forecast to lose 32% of our state acreage—nine million acres—between 1997 and 2052. And we’re forecast to lose 51% of our farms,” Duflock shared during the podcast. Duflock brings a wealth of experience to…
Register Today: 2025 H-2A Stakeholder Meeting in Yuma, Arizona
Secure your spot today for the H-2A Stakeholder Meeting taking place on Jan. 15, 2025 in Yuma, Arizona. This one-day event brings together key players in the H-2A community. Hear directly from government officials and industry experts, including WG Sr. Vice President and General Counsel, Jason Resnick, as they share essential updates and insights on the latest developments regarding H-2A…
WG 2024 Annual Meeting Memories: Browse the Photo Album
Relive the highlights, memorable moments and connections from the Western Growers 98th Annual Meeting. Didn’t get to go this year? These photos will make you feel like you didn’t miss a beat. Visit www.wga.com/AM24photos to view the gallery. Thank you to everyone who helped make this gathering unforgettable. Looking forward to the next one? Save the date! The Western Growers 99th…