March 26, 2015

WG Board Members Conclude Sacramento Meeting

The Western Growers Board of Directors wrapped up its Sacramento board meeting today with Chairman Vic Smith leading board members through a comprehensive discussion of issues affecting the industry, including water, labor and workplace rules, food safety, trade, and transportation issues.

Governor Jerry Brown visited with Executive Committee members on Monday to begin this week's meetings and members of his administration addressed board members on Tuesday.  Secretary Matthew Rodriguez of the California Environmental Protection Agency, Secretary John Laird of the California Natural Resources Agency, Cal/EPA Undersecretary Gordon Burns and William B. Gould, Chair of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) engaged the board Tuesday afternoon, as was reported in Spotlight earlier this week. On Wednesday, Secretary Karen Ross of the California Department of Food and Agriculture was the lunchtime speaker and took numerous questions from board members.

Additionally, several legislators, including members of the newly-established San Joaquin Valley Caucus and the Latino Caucus, took time during the week to address members or attend board events.