Dear Members,
In a year that continued to see pandemic-related disruptions, we were heartened by the return of our Annual Meeting in November. Yes, the mood was one of celebration, but also one of contemplation. Indeed, the significance of our first in-person Western Growers event in two years was not lost on the crowd.
While the Annual Meeting may have had a familiar ring to it – complete with standout featured sessions and speakers – the event was anything but business as usual. In a way, our gathering was emblematic of the broader Western fresh produce industry, an ode to the toughness and durability that defines our multi-generational family businesses.
In a global community still beset by waves of fear and uncertainty, one thing has remained constant for millions of consumers in the U.S. and around the world: A safe, healthy, and abundant supply of fruits, vegetables and tree nuts delivered to their grocery stores and served to their families.
Regardless of what 2022 brings, we will need to tap into these same traits of toughness and durability to overcome the numerous challenges that will undoubtedly come our way, whether from market forces, government regulators or Mother Nature. But we won’t do it alone. We will rely on each other, as we have always done, through our strength as an association. Please take a minute to review the work of our Western Growers Family of Companies in 2021. Looking ahead to 2022, stealing from the words of coaching legend Vince Lombardi, we will be “relentless in our pursuit of perfection.” This standard of excellence will drive everything we do in service of our members, ensuring that we remain the leading grower voice in the West.
Albert Keck President, Hadley Date Gardens Western Growers 2022 Chairman
Dave Puglia President & CEO Western Growers
WITH US.
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