Western Growers Science and Federal Government Affairs organized field visits and conversations in Woodland, Calif., on June 23, aimed at strengthening the connection between growers and regulatory agencies. Representatives from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) participated in the visit to talk about the product registration pipeline and biopesticides.

As part of Western Growers’ ongoing strategy to foster collaboration with agencies, these conversations help to accelerate the registration process for crop protection tools that are critical to the industry. Regulatory agencies can better understand the grower perspective and better ensure growers have timely access to effective and safe tools for pest and disease management.

This year’s program included farm visits to highlight the unique needs of the region’s growers, offering agency representatives firsthand insight into the challenges faced in the field. Growers also showcased their sustainability efforts and investments in water conservation and IPM. Additionally, the group visited UC Davis, home to regional offices of the IR-4 Project, a key partner in supporting specialty crop protection.

These visits reflect a proactive approach to regulatory engagement—bringing decision-makers closer to the ground realities of agriculture while advocating for science-based, practical solutions for crop protection.