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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DPR Releases 2024-2028 Strategic Plan for Sustainable Pest Management and Transparency
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released its final 2024-28 Strategic Plan last week, which outlines measurable goals and objectives to support increased access to sustainable pest management alternatives, improved timelines for evaluating pesticide risks, strengthened statewide enforcement and increased transparency into the department’s priorities and…
Reminder: CDFA Pre-Proposals for 2025 FREP Grant Cycle Closes Soon
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is accepting pre-proposals for the 2025 Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) grant cycle until Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. Pre-proposal submissions must align with at least one of the designated priority research areas and use the provided pre-proposal template. Detailed information about the 2025 FREP grant cycle, including…
Western Growers Releases Second Agtech Case Study
The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT) has published its second of an ongoing series of case studies, analyzing financial and operational impacts of various agtech equipment. In this case study, the CIT collaborated with Triangle Farms to share quantifiable data of the financial value of Stout Industrial Technology Inc.’s Smart Cultivator for the removal of weeds.…
De Ann Davis Highlights Challenges and Opportunities at Cadmium Symposium
On November 14, De Ann Davis, Senior Vice President of Science at Western Growers, delivered insightful remarks at the Symposium on Cadmium in the Food Supply. She addressed the challenges and opportunities in managing cadmium in the food supply and emphasized the importance of collaboration across the industry. In addition to her keynote statement, De Ann moderated a panel on Mitigation…
Register Today for the Western Growers Leave Law Workshop on Nov. 19
Get ready to navigate the complexities of leave laws and disability accommodations in the workplace. Registration is now open for the Western Growers workshop designed to elevate your human resource management skills. This hands-on opportunity, brought to you by Western Growers Legal Resources and Western Growers University, offers an in-depth look at federal leave requirements and the…
Western Growers Mourns the Passing of Former WG Board Member and Horse Racing Legend Don Valpredo
The Western Growers Family of Companies mourns the passing of former WG board member Donald “Don" Valpredo, a horse racing legend and beloved agricultural industry veteran. Known affectionately as “El Don,” “The Chairman” and “The Boss,” Valpredo’s entrepreneurial spirit followed in the footsteps of his father, John Valpredo, who also was known for his innovative farming. John…
A Lasting Gift: Honoring His Late Wife’s Legacy By Creating a Path for Future Nurses
Inside Western Growers Behind Western Growers are more than 400 employees who are not only dedicated to serving America’s food heroes, but also serving their communities. Here is an inside look at one of Western Growers' champions, Jeff Gullickson, President of Western Growers Insurance Services. A mother. A wife. A sister. A daughter. A friend. A tennis player. A nurse. And so much more.…
Ag Days Are Here Again at Fresno’s Fairmont Elementary
This school is redefining education through an innovative STEM program that brings local agriculture into the classroom. In his poem “The Tables Turned,” English poet William Wordsworth wrote, “Come forth into the light of things, let Nature be your teacher.” That declaration is brought to life just 20 minutes outside of Fresno at Fairmont Elementary School, where children can…
Western Grower & Shipper November/December 2024 Digital Issue Available Now
The November/December 2024 digital issue of the Western Grower & Shipper magazine is now available online. This issue features the articles “Think Covid Messed Up Supply Chains?” “Maximizing Employer Protections Under New PAGA,” “Tech’s Role in Feeding the World” and more. The cover article spotlights Fresno’s Fairmont Elementary School and what it’s doing to redefine…
The Reservoir Unveils First On-Farm Ag Robotics Incubators for Specialty Crops
The Reservoir, a nonprofit organization building tech incubators for California’s future, previewed its first on-farm ag robotics incubator—Reservoir Farms—for specialty crops last week. With the support of strategic partners Western Growers, UCANR, Merced Community College District, Hartnell College, and HawkTower VC for California’s future, this pioneering incubator will bring…
Free Entry for Growers at FIRA USA 2024
For the first time, growers can attend the third annual FIRA USA event, scheduled for Oct. 22-24, 2024, in Woodland, California, for free. The event will showcase more than 35 robots demonstrating advancements in ag automation solutions in three demonstrations zones, more than 70 booths in the event’s exhibition hall, and an array of panel discussions, round tables and pitches from some of…
New Voices of the Valley: The Next Generation of Ag Leaders
The next generation of ag leaders are playing an important role in shaping the future of farming. California is one of the most vital agricultural regions in the world, and these emerging voices are navigating an industry influenced by climate change and the need for sustainability, water and labor shortages and advancements in agtech. We explore the California Agricultural Leadership Program…
Western Growers Mourns the Passing of Former Board Chair and Award of Honor Recipient Bill Ramsey
William “Bill” Ramsey, former partner of Mann Packing Co. Inc., died Oct. 8, 2024 at the age of 92. Bill was the Chair of the Western Growers Board of Directors in 1994 and received Western Growers’ most prestigious award, the Award of Honor, in 1999. Bill grew up in Salinas, Calif., and briefly attended Hartnell College. Following four years of service in the U.S. Navy, Bill traded his…
Register Now for the Budget Season Compensation Management Webinar
Do you work in agriculture as an HR professional, data analyst or executive and have questions about increasing minimum wages and new overtime regulations? Are you looking for practical guidance for strategic compensation management as you prepare for budgeting season? Our Budget Season Compensation Management Webinar will guide you through every step to ensure you're fully prepared for the…
FIRA USA 2024 is Almost Here
The third annual FIRA USA event is scheduled for Oct. 22-24, 2024, in Woodland, California. For the first time, growers will be able to attend FIRA USA for free. The event will showcase more than 35 robots demonstrating advancements in ag automation solutions in three demonstrations zones. From weed control to fertilizer, harvesting, picking and seeding, you’ll have a front-row seat to…
Save the Date: Join WG at the Sustainable Agriculture Summit in November
Western Growers is excited to announce its participation in a breakout session at the Sustainable Agriculture Summit in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Nov. 20-21, 2024. Although food safety and sustainability objectives are key priorities for growers, farming systems have not been optimized for long-term sustainability, particularly when incorporating food safety practices that are required for…
New Voices of the Valley: Sniffing Out Pests with Agriculture Detector Dogs
You may have never given today’s topic much consideration, but this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers' Kara Timmins and Jeana Cadby talk with CDFA entomologist Dr. Jason Leathers and canine handler Michelle King to explore the exciting world of agricultural pest detection. They’ll share why it’s so important…
FDA Updates Small Entity Compliance Guide for Produce Safety Regulation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published an updated compliance guide for small food entities regarding the preharvest agricultural water requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule: “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption: What You Need to Know About the FDA Regulation: Small Entity…
Register Today for California Small Truck Fleet Virtual Focus Group
The California Small Truck Fleet Focus Group is looking for truck fleet owners and operators to share their expertise on topics that include operations, costs and industry news. The virtual focus group welcomes owners and operators of all sizes, whether you manage a small fleet of 20 or fewer trucks or are a current or former owner-operator. Topics of discussion will include: Trucking…
Become a Mentor with the WG Women Program
Western Growers Women, a program that prepares women for positions of leadership within WG member companies and the broader fresh produce industry, is seeking experienced mentors to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders in ag. This is a perfect opportunity for professionals who want to give back and make a positive impact on someone’s career, all while expanding their network and…