wgfc 94931 24 year-in-review prod-digital v2

Year in Review WESTERN GROWERS FAMILY OF COMPANIES

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TO ENHANCE THE COMPETITIVENESS AND PROFITABILITY OF OUR MEMBERS.

- Western Growers Mission Statement

Welcome

To our WG Members,

We open this Year in Review by renewing our commitment to this mission, for it is the driving motivation of the work we do here at the Western Growers Family of Companies. Over the course of our 98 years in business, we have evolved our mix of products and services in response to member needs and industry trends, and today we offer the most comprehensive and relevant value proposition of any trade association. But don’t just take our word for it. We invite you to explore our 2024 Year in Review, which highlights snapshots of our successes on your behalf over the past year. We encourage you to dig in, take note of the dozens of tangible benefits you have access to as a member, and ask yourself if your company is taking full advantage of all we have to offer. If we had a dollar for every time a member said, “I didn’t know you did that,” we wouldn’t have to collect annual dues. Although we say this in jest, the truth is, Western Growers is far more than insurance or advocacy and provides valuable support for virtually every area of your operation. So, the next time you run into a difficult challenge and need a little help, your first thought ought to be, “Hey, I bet Western Growers does that!”

Most of all, we are grateful to the members who make Western Growers possible, and for their unwavering support and commitment to the betterment of this great industry.

Thank you,

STUART WOOLF President and CEO, Woolf Farming & Processing 2024-25 Chair, Western Growers Board of Directors

DAVE PUGLIA President and CEO, Western Growers

Government Affairs THE LEADING GROWER REPRESENTATIVE IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Federal

Packaging and Plastics WG built upon the advocacy started last year to push back on Canada’s aggressive actions to eliminate plastic packaging in the produce sector. This year, Federal Affairs hosted a delegation of Members of Parliament on a visit to Washington D.C., where this was a key focus of discussion with the Administration and Members of Congress. WG also hosted a Canadian government delegation on farm tours to walk through the industry’s existing efforts in the space and discuss the challenges — and opportunities — within the produce packaging landscape. WG has expanded its work in produce packaging beyond Canada, helping launch a North American-wide effort by the produce industry around packaging. Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) Rule With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) role in granting approval for California’s electric vehicle mandate, Federal Affairs proactively weighed in with the agency to urge against a federal waiver for the ACF rules to move forward. We have argued the practical difficulties and ultimate costs that these rules would have on Californian growers and the impact on food inflation nationally. Farm Bill WG continued to push forward on our members’ Farm Bill priorities. We were able to secure several victories (all preliminary until a bill passes) that would expand eligibility for our community to access the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) disaster and conservation programs. We have secured increased funding for research and development, including dedicated funds for mechanization and automation. Finally, we have also secured improved access to crop insurance programs for those in our industry who want it. If the current Farm Bill is extended into 2025, we will continue to fight for these priorities in any new bill. Pesticides While WG continues to emphasize the use of existing crop inputs that are under threat from various court mandated remedial measures, we have also aggressively been pushing for swifter registration of cutting-edge, biological-based alternative products. In that regard, WG has been leading dialogue with the EPA to work toward streamlined registration of new products that matter most to our membership, as well as facilitating EPA engagement with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to create uniform standards and processes between them. We have built on our leadership in this space by successfully advocating for next generation research for select crops through the IR-4 Project, a USDA funded program to help accelerate development of and approval for crop protection tools in the fruit and vegetable space.

Government Affairs CONTINUING A LEGACY OF POWERFUL ADVOCACY FOR CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE. California

Environment ACA 16 (Bryan)

Water AB 460 (Bauer-Kahn)

WG helped to defeat this bill in the Assembly. ACA 16 would have amended the California Constitution to declare that the people of California have a right to clean air, water and a healthy environment. This was far more than a simple and good-sounding resolution. If passed, the bill would have placed significant new regulations on industries in California, including agriculture. Labor AB 2288 (Kalra) and SB 92 (Umberg) WG was one of the key players in a business coalition to negotiate reforms to California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). (See more, page 11.) These two bills incorporate important changes, including legal standing reforms, penalty reforms, broadened right to cure and increased judicial discretion. SB 1299 (Cortese) WG strongly opposed this United Farm Workers-sponsored bill. SB 1299 would have created a disputable presumption under workers’ compensation for heat-related injuries that occur within the agricultural industry. This bill unnecessarily targeted our industry. Furthermore, workers’ compensation data didn’t suggest that there was a need for the bill. We are pleased that Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed this bill.

This bill was an assault on our water rights system. WG joined forces with others who strongly opposed and was able to stop this bill in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. The author decided to amend the bill down to only address increased penalties for violations of illegal water diversions. AB 828 (Connolly) This bill would have exempted small community water systems and wetlands from participating in a Groundwater Sustainability Plan. Proponents did not want their groundwater allocations reduced, nor did they want to pay any fees to a Groundwater Sustainability Agency. The bill was vetoed by the Governor. SB 366 (Caballero) This WG-supported bill would have required the Department of Water Resources to develop water supply targets as part of the 2033 update to the Water Plan; the Water Plan currently does not set targets the state intends to accomplish regarding water supply. While the Governor agreed with the intent of the bill, due to budget constraints, he vetoed the bill.

Expanding the Team Western Growers’ California Government Affairs team welcomed a new member this year, Melissa Koshlaychuk , who joins as a Government Affairs Analyst.

Government Affairs DEDICATED TO TACKLING THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES FACING ARIZONA AGRICULTURE.

Arizona

After what was initially presumed to be a shortened, get-down-to-business session, the 2024 legislative year stretched well beyond, adjourning after 160 days. Overall, it was a good one for specialty crop agriculture with numerous policy victories.

Legislation SB 1221 (Kerr)

HB 2016 (Griffin) WG staff found success in a handful of other important public policy issues in 2024. Staff was a strong proponent of HB 2016, which provided an extension for growers to apply for grandfathered water rights in the newly created Douglas Active Management Area. The bill received bipartisan support and was signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs into law early in the session. SB 1376 (Bolick) WG also found a victory in SB 1376, which exempted agriculture vehicles from various load restrictions on nearly all roads. Transportation from the field is critical, and the exemptions offered within this bill simplify that process within

Unfortunately, the primary focus of the session – new water management legislation – fell just short on the final day of the session. Senate Bill 1221 would have been the first major water management legislation since the revolutionary 1980 Ground Water Management Act. SB 1221 aimed to create Basin Management Areas (BMAs), offering a flexible approach to individual groundwater basins. By creating a basin-by-basin management system, regulation could reflect the intricacies of each basin, a benefit to those who farm and reside within that particular basin. Western Growers staff participated in over 75 stakeholder meetings, working to find a compromise solution that would respect Arizona’s agriculture needs and maximize sustainable practices. The bill fell short on the final day of session, due to the unfortunate absence of two legislators. A WG priority moving forward is to continue advocating for basin- specific management options, allowing flexibility for growers to use and conserve their water in the manner they see fit.

our agriculture communities. HB 2846 (Hoffman)

Another win for specialty crops was the passage of HB 2846, exempting hoop houses and polyhouses from a variety of local building requirements.

AMPLIFYING OUR MEMBERS’ VOICES.

Political Ac

Western Growers increasingly has been leaning into major statewide political action, providing strategic direction and substantial funding for several critical initiatives, which resulted in two significant victories in 2024. PAGA Reform On July 1, 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) reform into law. The legislation, which was negotiated between our Fix PAGA coalition and labor lobbyists, is expected to significantly reduce both the number and severity of PAGA cases. Over the last 10 years, PAGA case settlements have cost agricultural employers nearly $160 million. PAGA reform was made possible by the 2024 ballot initiative our coalition qualified in 2022.* Western Growers was the second largest funder of the 2022 signature gathering campaign, with the association matching the $1.2 million contributed by our members. Western Growers contributed an additional $250,000 to the 2024 Fix PAGA public affairs campaign. *We removed our initiative from the 2024 ballot as part of the PAGA reform agreement. Prop. 32 In November, California voters narrowly rejected Prop. 32, which would have raised the state’s minimum wage to $18 an hour. While California’s business community, including most agricultural associations, took formal positions opposing the measure, no one stepped up to spend any significant money against the initiative. Even after private polling data showed that Prop. 32 was barely registering majority support, funding to oppose the measure still did not materialize. For this reason, Western Growers came in with $250,000 to help fund a series of late slate cards with No on 32 messaging. Our partners at the Agricultural Council of California matched our contribution, enabling our mailed cards to reach more than 12 million voters in targeted demographic categories. In a vote that was decided by only several hundred thousand ballots, this small but strategic deployment of funds may well have made the difference.

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LEVERAGING THE POWER OF SCIENCE AND DATA TO MOVE THE FRESH PRODUCE INDUSTRY FORWARD.

Science

Cantaloupe Best Practices In collaboration with IFPA, the team is updating the National Best Practices for Cantaloupe and Netted Melons, focusing on growing, harvesting and packing operations to advance food safety practices for cantaloupe production. Heavy Metals We completed two scientific articles on spinach and cadmium safety and continue to lead working groups on scientific articles for agronomic management strategies and bioavailability.

Sustainable Packaging In partnership with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and Qfresh Lab, we launched the Sustainable Produce Packaging Alignment for North America (SPPA) to address the evolving landscape of packaging requirements imposed by both governments and retailers throughout North America. The objective of this project is to align on scientifically sound, accessible and sustainable fresh produce packaging guidelines for the fresh produce industry in North America. FDA Traceability Rule Western Growers conducted a member outreach assessment in June 2024 to identify key issues with the implementation of the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule under FSMA 204. Coalition of Food Safety and Sustainability Formed in 2023, a volunteer group we lead is advancing the coexistence of food safety and sustainable practices. Four working groups meet regularly to develop infographics on compost use, water use/reuse, biodiversity and compliance issues, with a plan for in-person symposiums and activities planned for 2025.

Fresh Produce Coalition We, along with STOP Foodborne Illness, co-lead the Fresh Produce Coalition (FPC), which includes broad membership from consumer, retailer and government associations and seeks to improve the food safety support systems (government and private) for fresh produce. Pollinators and Invasive Species We collaborated with grower organizations, CDFA and UFWS to help growers combat invasive species, protect endangered species and find opportunities to foster beneficial insects and pollinator biodiversity on farms. The team developed concerted informational outreach materials, interviews and field days highlighting grower stories and resources for growers. Adjacent Land Use In collaboration with Texas Tech University, we initiated the S.A.F.E. (Sustainable Agricultural Food Ecosystem) Think Tank, which brought together experts from animal production, grower trade and academia to address food safety challenges in regions with overlapping animal and produce operations. The SAFE Think Tank first meeting led to a successful report on research gaps and needs.

WESTERN GROWERS DATA SHARING PLATFORM GreenLink ®

Data Sharing Pilot Project with FDA In collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there’s a pilot project targeted to start in 2025 to enhance data sharing, focusing on pre-harvest product testing for romaine lettuce. LGMA Test and Learn The GreenLink ® CA LGMA Romaine Test & Learn program has successfully completed its first year, marking the halfway point of the two-year initiative.

GreenLink ® launched two new insights dashboards to enhance user functionality. The platform also experienced remarkable growth, now encompassing over 45 unique participants, 302 growers and more than 2,200 ranches. GreenLink ® continues to lead in advancing data-sharing practices, promoting best practices and participating in global discussions at international meetings, such as the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium in Australia and the GFSI conference in Dubai.

*This graph is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent actual data.

ACCELERATING THE ADVANCEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FRESH PRODUCE INDUSTRY.

Innovation & Photo Credit: Carbon Robotics

Automation Startups

Economic Templates WG launched Economic Templates so that growers can do the economics on their operation. WG provides the spreadsheet, the growers do their math. WG Assist helps growers collect economic data, enabling them to calculate their baseline and evaluate the potential impact of automation before making a purchase. Case Studies Launched this program and delivered case studies with detailed economics for Carbon Robotics and Stout Industrial Technology. These case studies help growers understand the economics of automation solutions by establishing the underlying labor economics as a baseline and then measuring the incremental impact of the automation on the grower’s economics. Based on the WG Case Study highlighting Carbon Robotics’ success with key WG members, the company secured $70 million in funding, bringing its total to over $150 million. Two high-profile investors, Nvidia and BOND, have also joined its Board of Directors. WGCIT The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology is currently housing 55 agtech startups, with a focus on biological and automation solutions.

Launched Reservoir Farms—the first specialty crop robotics incubator with field acreage available for trials and demos— with partners UC ANR, HawkTower, Hartnell College and Merced College. The first two locations in Merced and Salinas Valley are set to open in 2025, with strong interest from several automation startups. FIRA The third FIRA USA in Yolo County was the best yet, with over 1,000 attendees on day one, 500 grower sign-ups (thanks to free admission) and record-breaking exhibitors and field demos. We’ll return to Yolo in 2025 with an improved layout. Expect more immersion trips, off-site FIRA USA events and county fairgrounds events in the future.

Technology

Innovation &

Next Gen Ag Worker On track to deliver over 3,000 agtech-trained workers through California Community Colleges and award 100- plus scholarships, five months ahead of schedule, thanks to $900,000 in grant funding from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). WG collaborates with California Community College ag programs to promote agtech curriculum and inspire student engagement in agriculture and agtech. In 2024, California Agricultural Teachers’ Association (CATA) added a WG grower panel to its annual event in June in San Luis Obispo. The event received a positive response, and the WG Grower Panel will be a core part of the program at the CATA Annual Meetings going forward. A mobile app ( LinkedAg ) was developed to make it easier for growers, equipment and infrastructure manufacturers, and startups to identify potential employees who are agtech trained in key emerging areas. In recognition of the growing impact and importance of agtech and the Next Gen Ag Worker, the program was moved under the Western Growers Foundation and will be the new focus for fundraising.

Biologicals Platform 10

Launched with a cohort of startups, the program provides support for global field trials and go-to-market strategies, offering complementary and alternative solutions to chemicals likely to face regulation. Salinas Biological Summit The second edition brought the world of chemical inputs and biological solutions innovators, manufacturers and growers to Salinas for two great days. The third addition will be in June 2025 at Yolo County Fairgrounds.

Technology

Legal and Regulatory Advocacy Highlights In 2024, the Western Growers Legal Department played a pivotal role in shaping the judicial landscape in various critical cases impacting the agricultural industry, encompassing employment, water and environmental issues. Key involvements include: PAGA Reform As part of WG’s efforts to obtain PAGA reform, WG Senior Vice President and General Counsel Jason Resnick participated on the employer-side committee to draft and negotiate legislative language for the new PAGA statute with Labor and the Governor’s office. As a result of PAGA reform, California employers can expect to see fewer PAGA claims and reduced PAGA penalties. Card Check Western Growers Legal submitted multiple comment letters regarding the Agricultural Labor Relations Board’s implementing regulations on AB 113 (card check). California Climate Litigation Western Growers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with other business groups, filed a lawsuit challenging California’s Senate Bills 253 and 261, arguing that these laws unconstitutionally compel speech, violate the Supremacy Clause by conflicting with federal regulations and impose undue burdens on interstate commerce. These bills require large companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks and are set to take effect in 2026 absent judicial intervention.

EXPERT LEGAL GUIDANCE, H-2A SERVICES, TRUSTED MEMBER RESOURCES. Legal

Legal Insights Newsletter The Western Growers Legal Insights Newsletter, the most

SGMA Litigation WG supported Mojave Pistachios in challenging the GSA’s $2,150 per acre-foot pumping fee. The court upheld the fee under the “pay first doctrine,” marking a significant interpretation of SGMA. WG is now seeking a review by the California Supreme Court. Water Quality Litigation WG has been actively engaged in litigation to address regulatory actions impacting water quality standards and agricultural practices. This includes challenging and seeking revisions to agricultural orders, defending key exemptions for irrigated agricultural lands and advocating for balanced oversight of discharge requirements. Through appeals, petitions and amicus briefs, WG has worked to ensure fair and science-based policies that protect both environmental and agricultural interests. H-2A Services Western Growers H-2A Services filed approximately 160 H-2A applications and dozens more extension petitions on behalf of WG members in 2024. The service, available exclusively to WG members, mitigated labor shortages by helping members successfully employ nearly 7,000 H-2A workers on a seasonal basis. Industry Guidance The Personnel Procedures Manual (PPM) continues to be the industry-leading resource for agricultural HR professionals and managers, with updated content, policies and checklists. Members seeking legal guidance received one-on-one guidance about employment law and HR-related questions by calling the HR/Legal Hotline at 877-942-4529.

comprehensive and relevant source for legal news and information covering new laws and cases that affect the workplace; bills that are making their way into the law books; more localized news and information; and best practices to ensure a legally compliant workplace, reached members’ inboxes every Friday. Western Growers Legal Webinars and Seminars Western Growers Legal Resources hosted Seminars or Webinars on the following topics in 2024: • California Privacy Act • Handling Difficult Employee Leave Scenarios • 2024 Employment Law Update • AI in Farming • Non-Compete Rules • To Arbitrate or Not To Arbitrate • Agricultural Liens • Cal/OSHA’s New Indoor Heat Illness Standard • New PAGA Amendments • Card Check: Year One Recap and Insights

Interested in H-2A or other legal services? Please contact Jason Resnick at jresnick@wga.com or (949) 885-2253 or visit www.wga.com/membership-services/legal-h2a-services/ to learn more.

EMPOWERING MEMBERS THROUGH COMPLIANCE AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING.

WG University

Looking Ahead to 2025 Western Growers University will launch a new Workplace Violence Prevention Training curriculum in 2025. This program will enable members to strengthen their prevention plans through customized, interactive training sessions tailored to their unique needs. Thank you for partnering with us in 2024 to create safer, more inclusive and effective workplaces. We look forward to continuing to serve our members in 2025! “ I recently attended the harassment and discrimination training provided by Priscila Cisneros from Western Growers, and it was a great experience. The training was comprehensive, engaging, and incredibly informative. Priscila did an excellent job of creating a safe and respectful environment where we could openly discuss sensitive topics. The real-life scenarios and interactive sessions helped me understand the nuances of workplace harassment and discrimination. I now feel more confident in recognizing and addressing these issues, both for myself and my colleagues. This training is essential for fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to create a safer and more supportive work environment.

This year, Western Growers University continued to support its members by delivering high-quality training programs that enhanced workplace environments and bolstered leadership capabilities. Our efforts were focused on addressing critical compliance requirements and fostering leadership excellence within the agriculture industry. Sexual Harassment Prevention Training In 2024, we trained 1,280 employees and supervisory staff across our member organizations, helping them move beyond compliance checklists to fostering proactive, respectful workplace cultures. Our interactive, in-person sessions provided new supervisors with foundational knowledge and updated experienced leaders on evolving laws and policies. As one participant, Teresa Gallegos from JV Smith Companies, shared: “The real-life scenarios and interactive sessions helped me understand the nuances of workplace harassment and discrimination. This training is essential for fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.” Leadership Development Through management courses like Performance Management, Building Trust in the Workplace, and Management 101, we equipped over 150 supervisors and managers with tools to refine their leadership styles and address workplace challenges effectively. These programs enhanced team cohesion and prepared leaders for greater responsibilities within their organizations. Expanding Legal and Compliance Knowledge This year saw the introduction of new compliance workshops, including sessions on California’s updated workplace violence prevention regulations. These timely trainings, co-presented with WG Legal Resources, provided agriculture professionals with critical knowledge to ensure safety and compliance while navigating the complexities of the law.

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TERESA GALLEGOS Organizational Development, JV Smith Companies

ENSURING THE HEALTH OF OUR MEMBERS’ MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE: THEIR EMPLOYEES. Healthcare

New BlueCard Program Select WGAT plans now include access to the BlueCard Program, allowing members to receive healthcare services from top providers nationwide. This offers greater flexibility and access to quality care, no matter where members are located. Expanded Free Healthcare Options WGAT now offers a growing number of ways for members to access healthcare services with $0 out-of-pocket costs: • Virtual Doctor Visits with $0 Copay: Care from home, anytime, without extra costs. • Cedar Health and Wellness Centers with $0 Copay: Convenient bilingual primary care services with extended hours. • Mexico Cross-Border Program with $0 Copay: Top-tier medical care available in major border cities in Mexico at no cost to members. • Walmart and Costco Pharmacies with $0 Copay: Tier 1 generic medications can be filled with a $0 copay. $ 0

2024 was another record-breaking year for Pinnacle and Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) providing healthcare solutions to employers in ag. We continue to be the largest provider of health plans tailored for ag employers of all sizes, offering both insured and self-insured medical and pharmacy benefit plans. This year brought improved engagement from our plan members through our work on in-person engagement and the reduction of the cost members pay to access care. We remain committed to quality, affordable healthcare with expanded networks and a personal touch for ag workers. Here are some changes we’ve been working on that are in place now and some enhancements that will take effect in the new year. New Prescription Savings for 2025 Starting Jan. 1, 2025, WGAT members can fill Tier 1 generic medications at over 5,000 Walmart and Costco pharmacies nationwide with a $0 copay – no Costco membership required. Keeping Costs Low While Delivering Big Value While many carriers are raising medical plan rates by double digits, WGAT efforts on driving engagement and affordability have resulted in keeping our costs low, which we directly pass on to our participating employers. Our small employer group rates are averaged between a 0 percent and 3.5 percent increase for January 2025, with some locations even seeing rate reductions. Large employer group accounts saw rate increases averaging 4.5 percent. We are proud to provide competitive rates without sacrificing the quality and range of benefits that the agriculture industry relies on.

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FOCUSED ON ASSET MANAGEMENT AND RETIREMENT SECURITY. Financial S

Western Growers Financial Services (WGFS) continues to provide tailored financial services to meet the needs of agricultural companies, owners and their employees. From corporate asset management to individual money management to tax-advantaged retirement accounts, WGFS now manages more than $450 million in assets for WG members and clients. As WGFS clients, WG member companies and individual investors enjoy the ultra-low cost of investment expenses while having access to a registered investment advisor and institutional level services through Northwest Plan Services and Charles Schwab. WGFS helped member companies navigate an uncertain inflationary environment while outperforming key market indices. For example, WGFS clients were able to take advantage of the high interest rates by securing guaranteed rates of return on working capital higher in yield than most certificates of deposit. This year, WGFS achieved record-low total expense ratio at under half a percent (49bps) for the RSP plan and replaced fund options with better- performing cheaper options (removed three, added four) making the plan more competitive.

Services

CONNECTING STORIES AND DRIVING IMPACT.

Marketing & Communications

Meet the New Western Growers MarCom Team! In 2024 we restructured our Marketing and Communications efforts under the leadership of VP, External Affairs Cory Lunde to provide a new era of agility and responsiveness to the needs of our members and our industry. The MarCom team is led by Ann Donahue, Director of Marketing and Communications; her reports are Michelle Rivera, Senior Communications Manager, Kara Timmins, Senior Marketing Manager, and Brittany Thomas, Event Manager. The team’s top-notch talent is rounded out with Creative Design Manager Joel Young and Marketing Manager Anna Ramirez-Castro. Marketing Our marketing focus in 2024 was to make our outreach to members even more efficient and valuable. Our four legacy newsletters — Spotlight, Legal Insights, Financial Insights and Produce Insights — have been redesigned with an emphasis on readability; in tandem, we are closely tracking clickthrough rates to make sure we’re bringing you information about the news and events that are of the most interest. In addition, we launched a new newsletter, Ag Science Insider, to keep members informed of developments in that rapidly changing space. We closed out the year with the 98th Western Growers Annual Meeting, which set a record for attendees and sponsorship dollars. Media Relations Western Growers, its executives and its board members reached a potential audience of more than 7 billion in 2024, thanks to extensive earned media placements in ag industry trade outlets including The Packer, Agri-Pulse, And Now U Know and the AgNet West Radio Network. Key topics for Western Growers that were highlighted by the mainstream media included the Farm Bill, PAGA, CARB regulations, water supply and the impact of President Donald J. Trump’s election on the industry.

Social Media The MarCom department realignment allowed us to redefine our approach to social media to focus exclusively on WG policy priorities and member collaborations. (A special thank you to Braga Fresh, Westside Produce and Turlock Fruit Company for all the help!) As a result, we saw 15 percent follower growth on Instagram and 10 percent follower growth on LinkedIn. We also soft-launched a TikTok account, @western_growers, and the kids tell us we’re pretty funny. @western_growers Communications In 2024 we redesigned and relaunched two of our most popular communications platforms. The Voices of the Valley podcast now focuses on a broad spectrum of agriculture topics for a consumer audience; it is now also available to stream on YouTube. Western Grower & Shipper Magazine received a complete redesign with a greater emphasis on photography and graphic design to make the way we tell our industry’s stories more compelling. This change resonated with the advertising community, and we set a revenue record for the year.

Scan the QR code to listen to the latest Voices of the Valley podcast episodes or visit hubs.ly/Q02S-NCr0

PROVIDING CONSULTATION ON PRODUCE CONTRACTS, PACA EDUCATION AND COLLECTIONS SUPPORT.

Commodity & Supply Cha

Knowledge Dissemination Authored monthly Produce Insights blog posts, distilling complex topics into easy-to-digest content. Covered essential industry best practices, including shipping and receiving, amending sales contracts and crucial steps to mitigate loss while safeguarding seller’s PACA Trust rights. WG Transportation Program (WGTP) The transportation market faces major challenges, including a prolonged freight recession after COVID-19, rising inflation, volatile fuel prices and supply chain disruptions. The WGTP uses innovations like route optimization, fuel-efficient technology and data analytics to help shippers overcome challenges and succeed in today’s tough market.

Financial Management Successfully managed 31 PACA reparation actions, recovering a substantial sum exceeding $1.2 million in cash recovery for 22 WG shipper members.

International Leadership and Collaboration

Ongoing collaboration between federal agencies and trade associations across the U.S. and Canada strengthens international leadership and expands influence. These partnerships foster alignment on key issues, driving innovation, and enhancing competitiveness on a global scale.

Educational Outreach Conducted 26 PACA sales training sessions, catering to a diverse audience including shippers, brokers, distributors and produce associations. Delivered crucial insights into fresh produce best practices and specific contract compliance methods.

in Services

HELPING MEMBERS STAY INFORMED AND COMPLIANT ON WORKPLACE ISSUES. Human Re

The 2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey continued the trend of offering key insights into what our members are doing to attract and retain employees. From respondents, we learned 89 percent offer their workforce a 401(k) plan, 94 percent offer a PPO medical plan option, 37 percent offer an HMO and many in this response offer both. With an emphasis on retention, 41 percent of the respondents are offering a flexible work schedule, 38 percent are paying above market salaries, and some are offering either a longevity and/or retention incentive. These are just some of the facts gleaned from the latest survey results. The member’s methods to attract talent and to fill open positions include using job boards at 68 percent (the most dominate response), 57 percent are using referrals, 43 percent hired former employees, 43 percent use social media, and a whopping 40 percent are transferring or promoting from within. The survey continues to be rich with pay data with more jobs getting added every year. As always, the survey data is free to member companies who participate in submitting their pay and benefits data. A taped webinar is available to all members interested in learning more about how to take the pay data and turn it into pay grades or ranges. Industry Insights continues to be an important, independent third-party partner in gathering raw data from members and will continue to do so in 2025.

Attached is a sample of the survey results relating to percentage of bonus paid to employees.

Bonus/Inventive as a Percent of Annual Salary

40%

CEO

40%

Senior VP

30%

20%

Director

15%

Manager

10%

Supervisor

15%

Sales Employee

Office/Plant Employee

Field Employee

sources

OFFERING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING FOR WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE.

WG Women

In 2024, the Western Growers Women Program celebrated another year of growth, empowerment and impactful change. From strengthening leadership to fostering deeper connections among women in the industry, the year was centered around growing and evolving both professionally and personally for many women. One year after the relaunch, the program now includes more than 90 women from 57 member companies. The WG Women Program collaborates with esteemed partners, such as Western Growers University, the Western Growers Government Affairs teams, the Arbinger Institute and Dr. Tina Huff with the Birkman Method Assessment, to prepare women for positions of leadership in the fresh produce industry.

2024 Highlights Four Webinars: 133 total participants

36 PARTICIPANTS IN 26 PARTICIPANTS IN Government 101 28 PARTICIPANTS IN Political Advocacy 43 PARTICIPANTS IN

Performance Coaching: Managing Performance Effectively

Policy Updates Webinar

91 LINKEDIN GROUP MEMBERS /company/western-growers

Two In-person Events: 48 total participants

29 PARTICIPANTS IN 19 PARTICIPANTS IN

Arbinger Leadership Retreat two-day event in Napa, Calif.

Birkman Method Teambuilding Workshop in Irvine, Calif.

THE PREMIER INDUSTRY NETWORKING AND EDUCATIONAL EVENT.

Annual Meeting

The 98th Western Growers Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Arizona attracted a record number of attendees, with more than 500 of the specialty crop industry’s top business leaders participating in dynamic networking events, educational breakout sessions, thought-provoking keynote speakers and Wild West-themed parties amid the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Meeting’s second Featured Session, Navigating the Post- Chevron Landscape: Expert Insights on Loper Bright and the Future of the Administrative State in Agriculture, gave attendees an overview of recent actions by the U.S. Supreme Court and how they might impact the regulatory landscape. During the Chair’s Lunch and Keynote, WG Chair Stuart Woolf took the reins to thank the assembled WG members, the Board of Directors, sponsors and industry VIPs for their dedication to advancing the specialty crop industry. After the remarks and luncheon, WG President and CEO Dave Puglia conducted a Q&A with Amy Trask, former CEO of the Oakland Raiders and the first female team CEO in NFL history, where she regaled listeners with tales from inside the NFL owner meetings and of working with Raiders Owner and Hall of Famer Al Davis. Award of Honor The Award of Honor Dinner Gala focused on the many achievements of Arizona’s own, The Growers Company President Sonny Rodriguez, who became the first non-grower to ever receive Western Growers’ highest honor. Mentalist Oz Pearlman rounded the evening during the reception.

Highlights from the 98th Western Growers Annual Meeting included: The first full day of the Annual Meeting featured Laura Ling as the Kickoff Keynote. Laura, an award-winning journalist, author and media executive, spoke movingly of the 140 days she spent in captivity in North Korea when she and a colleague were detained while reporting on the trafficking of women along the country’s border with China. The PAC Lunch focused on a conversation between WG President and CEO Dave Puglia and The Free Press Founder and Editor Bari Weiss, as she spoke on the current state of American journalism, where contrarian voices are deemed unpalatable and shunted aside. Featured Sessions A Featured Session on Sustainable Packaging offered a realistic, science-based look at the usage of plastics in the modern food supply chain and spoke about the regulatory pressures that stand to impact the industry. The Annual

SPONSORSHIPS HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE FRESH PRODUCE INDUSTRY.

Annual Meeting

Diamond Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors AMVAC BASF Braga Fresh California Transplants Certis Biologicals

Jackson Lewis P.C. Muzzi Family Farms MyLand

Pacific Ag Rentals Smurfit Westrock Springbuk SPRX Technologies The OccuNet Company Valenz Health Western Precooling

Ecorobotix Enza Zaden Fennemore Harris Farms Jackson Lewis P.C.

Platinum Sponsors Bank of America C.H. Robinson Pinnacle Claims Management Quinn Company Rain for Rent Syngenta Western Growers Insurance Services

Gold Sponsors Anthem Corteva Agriscience PGIM Real Estate

Industry Partners 3P Partners Barkley Ag Enterprises Biotechnology Innovation Organization Blue Tech Water Bunzl Agriculture Group Caine Law Cal.net California Organic Fertilizers CopperPoint Insurance Companies D’Arrigo New York DP&F Law Feeding San Diego Fifth Third Bank Fisher Phillips Frost, PLLC Fruit Growers Supply Gowan Green Rubber - Kennedy Ag

Grimmway Farms Headstart Nursery HM.CLAUSE

JRG Attorneys at Law Keithly-Williams Seeds King City Nursery MIXTEC Group

Peartree+Belli Architects Pivotal Policy Consulting Rosasco Law Group, APC Sakata Seed America Sensitech Southern Valley Chemical Co

Silver Sponsors alliantgroup BMO Denham Services Emerald Packaging FarmWise International Farming International Paper KeyBank Agribusiness

Rabo Agrifinance S2G Ventures Trical

US Bank Vestaron Wells Fargo Westlake PIPE & Fittings Western Growers Financial Services The Zenith

Sturdy Oil Company Teleos Ag Solutions Tiverton Advisors

Toro Petroleum TS&L Seed Co Tuff Boy Leasing & Equipment Sales

Nelson Irrigation Ocean Mist Farms

Executive Committee

CHAIR

STUART WOOLF Woolf Farming & Processing Fresno, Calif.

VICE CHAIR

ROB YRACEBURU Wonderful Orchards Shafter, Calif. NEILL CALLIS Turlock Fruit Company Turlock, Calif. DON CAMERON Terranova Ranch Helm, Calif.

TREASURER

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

E.C. MEMBER-AT-LARGE

CATHERINE FANUCCCHI Tri-Fanucchi Farms Bakersfield, Calif.

E.C. MEMBER-AT-LARGE

RYAN TALLEY Talley Farms Arroyo Grande, Calif. ALBERT KECK Hadley Date Gardens Thermal, Calif.

PAST CHAIR

PRESIDENT & CEO

DAVE PUGLIA Western Growers Irvine, Calif.

Leadership

2024 Directors GEORGE ADAM Innovative Produce Santa Maria, California CRAIG ALAMEDA Topflavor Farms Salinas, Calif. ALEXANDRA ALLEN Main Street Produce Santa Maria, Calif. CHAD AMARAL D’Arrigo Bros. of Calif. Salinas, Calif.

BRIAN BERTELSEN Cove Ranch Management Reedley, Calif. GEORGE BOSKOVICH III Boskovich Farms Oxnard, Calif. RODNEY BRAGA Braga Fresh Family Farms Soledad, Calif. EDWIN CAMP D. M. Camp & Sons Bakersfield, Calif. CAROL CHANDLER Chandler Farms Selma, Calif. LARRY COX Coastline Family Farms Brawley, Calif. STEPHEN DANNA Danna Farms Yuba City, Calif. THOMAS DEARDORFF II Deardorff Family Farms Oxnard, Calif.

TIM ESCAMILLA Bolthouse Fresh Foods Bakersfield, Calif. DAVID GILL Rio Farms King City, Calif. BOB GIRAGOSIAN Kern Ridge Growers Arvin, Calif. BRANDON GRIMM Grimmway Farms Arvin, Calif. JOHN JACKSON Beachside Produce Nipomo, Calif. TRACY JONES Booth Ranches Orange Cove, Calif. A.G. KAWAMURA Orange County Produce Fullerton, Calif. J.P. LABRUCHERIE LaBrucherie Produce El Centro, Calif.

STEPHEN MARTORI III Martori Farms Scottsdale, Ariz. HAROLD MCCLARTY HMC Farms Kingsburg, Calif. DOMINIC MUZZI, JR. Muzzi Family Farms Moss Landing, Calif. TOM NUNES V The Nunes Company, Salinas, Calif. STEPHEN PATRICIO Westside Produce Firebaugh, Calif. JOHN POWELL, JR. Peter Rabbit Farms Coachella, Calif. RON RATTO Ratto Bros. Modesto, Calif.

ERIC REITER Reiter Affiliated Companies Oxnard, Calif. KYLE RICHARDSON Garry Richardson Farms Bakersfield, Calif. SONNY RODRIGUEZ The Growers Company Somerton, Ariz. BRUCE TALBOTT Talbott’s Mountain Gold Palisade, Colo. BRUCE TAYLOR Taylor Farms Calif. Salinas, Calif. JACK VESSEY Vessey and Company Holtville, Calif. MIKE WAY Prime Time International Coachella, Calif.

KEVIN ANDREW Illume Agriculture Bakersfield, Calif.

ROBERT BARKLEY Barkley Ag Enterprises Yuma, Ariz. STEPHEN BARNARD Mission Produce Oxnard, Calif. BARDIN BENGARD Bengard Ranch Salinas, Calif.

CRAIG READE Bonipak Produce Santa Maria, Calif.

Annual Meeting CORY LUNDE

Clunde@wga.com | 949.885.2264

Commodity & Supply Chain Services BRYAN NICKERSON Bnickerson@wga.com | 949.885.4808 Government Affairs, DC DENNIS NUXOLL Dnuxoll@wga.com | 202.296.0191 Government Affairs, State (CA) MATTHEW ALLEN Mallen@wga.com | 916.446.1435 Government Affairs, State (AZ) ROBERT MEDLER Rmedler@wga.com | 949.308.5658 Government Affairs, Sacramento GAIL DELIHANT Gdelihant@wga.com | 916.446.1435 Human Resources KAREN TIMMINS Ktimmins@wga.com | 949.885.2295

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