Key Updates from the Western Growers Family of Companies Highlights from the 2022 Western Growers Annual Meeting By Michelle Rivera The 96 th Western Growers Annual Meeting continued its long tradition of being the marquee event in the fresh produce industry. Over four days in early November, hundreds of growers and industry stakeholders gathered at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas to strengthen the bonds that contribute to our continued collective success.
The Annual Meeting also provided a platform to recognize the significant accomplishments of our members, the visionary leadership of our volunteer Board of Directors, and the integral role our sponsors and suppliers play in ensuring the competitiveness and profitability of our farming businesses. Following a packed opening Welcome Reception Wednesday evening, Nov. 2, the Annual Meeting hit the ground running Thursday morning, Nov. 3, with a riveting Keynote Kickoff presentation by Jennifer Sey, the former Levi’s top executive who resigned in early 2022 rather than be silenced for her views on COVID school closure policies. Concurrent with the Kickoff Keynote, the Board of Directors conducted their quarterly meeting to deliberate on critical issues facing Western fresh produce growers. In addition to its official business, the board recognized the service of seven outgoing directors, including three former chairs—one of which is part of the only grandfather, father and son trio to serve as WG Chair (John D’Arrigo). The 38-year tenure of David Zanze, Executive Vice President of Western Growers Assurance Trust and President of Pinnacle Claims Management, was also celebrated. Contributing to the strongest lineup of speakers in recent Annual Meeting memory, former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George
W. Bush Karl Rove headlined the WG Political Action Committee (PAC) Luncheon. Considered one of the most influential Presidential appointees of all time, Rove captivated the audience during his on-stage interview with WG President and CEO Dave Puglia, as the two covered everything from the vibrant-but- discordant history of American politics to President George W. Bush’s unexpected skill as a painter. The first featured session of the Annual Meeting took place Thursday afternoon as WG Chair Albert Keck moderated a dynamic panel titled: When Family Farms Give Way to Outsiders. Featuring Brandon Grimm, General Manager, Organic Operations at Grimmway Farms; Heather Mulholland, COO at Mulholland Citrus; Ted Reimers, Vice President, Agribusiness at American AgCredit; and Derek Yurosek, Managing Director at Arable Capital Partners, the panelists covered a range of topics related to the increasing role of private equity in the Western fresh produce industry. Thursday evening concluded with an evening of ‘60s glitz and glamour at the Party with the Partners. Partygoers danced and sang along with “The Rat Pack and Marilyn” while enjoying the greatest hits from Frank, Dean and Sammy. Friday morning, Nov. 4, began with a special breakfast recognizing the highest tier of Annual Meeting sponsors. Representatives from Diamond Sponsor companies Bayer, Farm Credit, Nutrien Ag Solutions and RDO Equipment networked with the board of directors, and each enjoyed a moment on stage in the spotlight. The morning continued with the fifth annual AgSharks competition, where three selected startups pitched their innovations in front of a panel of judges and a live audience of more than 300 fresh produce growers and industry leaders. Hosted by Stuart Woolf, President and CEO of Woolf Farming and Processing, NutJobs—which transforms nutshell waste into bio-based, compostable alternatives to single-use plastics—emerged as the winner of the competition, earning a record $6 million investment
NutJobs, winner of the 2022 AgSharks Pitch Competition
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2023
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Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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