IRVINE, Calif., (June 30, 2020) — The following statement can be attributed to Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia

“Western Growers extends our condolences to the family and friends of Joe Gunter. His enthusiastic support for and partnership with our industry was instrumental in the launch and growth of the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology. He made innumerable contributions to the health and success of the Salinas Valley agriculture community. We join so many others today in sadness at the passing of Joe Gunter.” 

The following statement can be attributed to Dennis Donohue, the director of Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, who also served as the mayor of Salinas from 2006 to 2012

“I, as well as the Western Growers family, am deeply saddened by Salinas’ loss. Joe Gunter was truly a great man, husband, father and mayor to all of the Salinas community. I know how proud he was of the success we all achieved in building a thriving agtech sector in the Monterey County region and the important role our Valley played in feeding the world. We will miss him.”

About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook. 

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