Founded on March 9, 1926 as the Western Growers Protective Association, Western Growers began with a clear mission: to represent the interests of western produce shippers during a time when the industry faced mounting regulatory and transportation challenges.

In the last century, Western Growers has evolved alongside the industry it represents—expanding its services to meet the changing needs of agriculture. From labor relations and legal advocacy to insurance solutions, dispute resolution and pioneering research in crop production and ag technology, the association has remained committed to helping its members thrive.

For 100 years, Western Growers has also been a steadfast voice for agriculture in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals— championing policies that protect and advance the fresh produce industry.

The story of Western Growers is inseparable from the story of Western agriculture itself—marked by perseverance and adaptability. As we commemorate this milestone anniversary, the following timeline highlights key moments that reflect not only our association’s growth, but the enduring strength and evolution of the industry it serves.

The Road to 100

• 1926: Western Growers is founded as the Western Growers Protective Association on March 9, 1926, in Brawley, Calif., to represent the interests of shippers of western produce before the Interstate Commerce Commission.
• 1928: Advertising campaign is launched to educate Eastern buyers of the value of “iceberg” lettuce grown in the West.
• 1930s: WG members head to D.C. to lobby on behalf of the establishment of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. WG representatives have been going to D.C. for many years, with their CEO spending weeks there at a time during World War II to represent agriculture.
• 1942: Name is changed to Western Growers Association
• 1945: WG launches a Research Department to undertake a study on pre-packaging for grower-shippers. The department got involved in many areas including the relative merits of fresh vs. frozen produce.
• 1946: WG establishes a lab in Pasadena staffed by a biochemist, two plant pathologists and a physiologist. The program also supported a consumer relations campaign.
• 1957: Western Growers Assurance Trust is launched to provide health and accident insurance to Teamsters. The insurance programs offered would multiply over the years and cover many different aspects of a grower-shipper’s operation.
• 1966: PACA Dispute Resolution Department is established.
• 1967: Western Growers Pension Trust is established to provide retirement income to union workers.
• 1970s: WG was instrumental in launching research programs for many commodities, including tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, melons and strawberries. It managed four of those programs for many years.
• 1972: Western Growers Legal Assistance Department is established with 17 lawyers across the state providing legal services, especially in the labor dispute arena, to members.
• 1972: Western Growers Political Action Committee gets involved in advocating for individual candidates for the first time.
• 1973: Western Growers sponsors its first fresh produce trade show in a foreign country (Japan). WG would participate in and sponsor many export efforts over the next 25 years.
• 1980: Government Affairs office is opened in Sacramento. Phoenix office is opened five years later and a dedicated Washington D.C. office is opened in 2007.
• 1995: Western Growers develops and releases first-ever best agricultural practices guide.
• 1997: WG Retirement Security Plan (RSP) is established.
• 2000: Western Growers Financial Services is launched to help WG member companies manage corporate assets and retirement plans.
• 2001: WG launches a Science & Technology Department.
• 2005: Western Growers H-2A Services is launched to help members navigate the H-2A program.
• 2005: In response to CA AB 1825, WG launched Western Growers University to bring training content to member companies.
• 2006: The Western Growers Transportation Program is launched to address rising rates and truck shortages.
• 2010: WG launches the first fresh produce Compensation and Benefits Survey.
• 2011: WG Future Leaders Program (now Leadership Program) is established.
• 2015: Colorado is added as third state under the WG umbrella. New Mexico would be added several years later.
• 2015: The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology is established to help bring high-tech solutions to the agricultural space.
• 2016: Western Growers Family of Companies consolidates more than 300 employees in four buildings to one headquarters location in Irvine.
• 2020: WG kicks off its first Western Growers Women event in Fresno.
• Present: Still evolving. Still leading. Our commitment to agriculture continues.

To browse through our special 100-year anniversary vintage photo gallery curated from our archives, click here.