JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2025
I CAN "SEEAG" CLEARLY NOW CONNECTING COMMUNITY TO FARMS AND FIELDS
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WESTERN GROWER & SHIPPER Published Since 1929 Volume XCVI | Number 1
To enhance the competitiveness and profitability of Western Growers members
Dave Puglia President and CEO Western Growers davep@wga.com
Features
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Editor Michelle Rivera 949.885.4778 | mrivera@wga.com Contributors Ann Donahue 949.302.7600 | adonahue@wga.com Cory Lunde 949.885.2264 | clunde@wga.com Emily Lyons 831.272.0661 | elyons@wga.com Kara Timmins 949.885.4786 | kmtimmins@wga.com Michael Escañuelas michael.escanuelas@gmail.com Circulation Marketing 949.885.2248 | communications@wga.com Advertising Sales Dana Davis 302.750.4662 | dana@tygermarketing.com
I CAN "SEEAG" CLEARLY NOW HOW A VENTURA ORGANIZATION CONNECTS THE COMMUNITY TO FARMS AND FIELDS
P. 16
2024 ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
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SUSTAINABLE DATA MANAGEMENT WHAT IS IT AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Articles
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WGCIT RESIDENT PROFILE FARMX: REVOLUTIONIZING AGRICULTURE
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Western Grower & Shipper ISSN 0043-3799, Copyright © 2025 by the Western Grower & Shipper is published bi-monthly by Western Grower & Shipper Publishing Company, a division of Western Growers Service Corp., 6501 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 100, Irvine California 92618. Business and Editorial Offices: 6501 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 100, Irvine California 92618. Accounting and Circulation Offices: Western Grower & Shipper, 6501 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 100, Irvine California 92618. Call (949) 863-1000 to subscribe. Subscription is $25 per year. Foreign subscription is $50 per year. Single copies of issues, $2. Periodicals postage is paid in Irvine, California and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Western Grower & Shipper, PO Box 2130, Newport Beach, California 92658.
4 President’s Notes 6 Agriculture & the Law 8 Advocacy | Arizona 9 Science
27 WG Member Welcome & Anniversaries 31 Updates from the WGCIT 33 WG News You Can Use 36 Connections 37 Contact Us 38 Farm Dogs and Barn Cats of Western Growers
10 Transportation 25 Director Profile 26 Member Profile
3 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
LEGISLATION AND THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA By Dave Puglia, President and CEO
Anyone familiar with the apps that allow people to rate everything from restaurants to doctors to airlines has seen the tags: “cannot recommend” and “can recommend,” coupled with a rating of zero to four stars. I don’t think we have an app like that for something as arcane as university research, but maybe we should, especially for research that impacts public policy development and decision making. The University of California system is a critically important source of research that can inform public policy. Somewhat surprisingly, we recently have been given good reason to apply a four-star rating and a “can recommend” comment to UC research in the area of labor policy. Specifically, the research from UC Berkeley’s Department of Agriculture and Resource Economics being led by Dr. Alexandra Hill. Dr. Hill’s impressive academic credentials include three degrees in agricultural economics, and she has published several peer-reviewed papers on issues related to ag labor. Dr. Hill captured our attention with a 2023 extension paper presenting early evidence that California’s ag overtime law (AB 1066) led to decreases in weekly working hours and earnings for California farmworkers. Dr. Hill estimated that in 2019 and 2020, the first two years under the new overtime requirements, California farmworkers worked between 15,000 to 45,000 fewer hours per week and earned $6 million to $9 million less on their weekly paychecks because of the law’s impacts. Given the AB 1066 phase-in scheme was not fully implemented for large employers until Jan. 1, 2022, and small employers until this year, expect this downward trend in hours and pay to persist as newer data is released. None of this should come as a surprise. In 2016, as the overtime bill was working its way through the California Legislature, we commissioned an economic study on the likely impacts of AB 1066. The report from Highland Economics, a reputable and non-partisan economics consulting firm, predicted AB 1066 would reduce farmworkers’ income by 16 percent, or $1.5 billion statewide. The legislative majority dismissed this research as tainted because it was commissioned and paid for by industry groups like Western Growers. In the Legislature, who funds research determines whether it can be judged on its merits. Though Dr. Hill’s most recent research findings have been acknowledged – barely – within the state Legislature, her data and conclusions largely have been dismissed. This is troubling for obvious reasons; the economic harm resulting from this statute will continue and perhaps worsen absent a well-informed course correction or mitigation authorized by the Legislature. But never dismissed or diminished in the Legislature are the voluminous reports that flow from the many “Labor Centers” within the UC system.
Created in the 1960s through an agreement between the UC and the California Labor Federation, the Labor Centers are explicitly directed to conduct research and outreach activities aimed at growing union membership and advancing pro-labor legislation. Some funding comes from ongoing legislative appropriations – to the tune of $19 million per year – with the rest coming from sources like federal agencies and union-aligned foundation grants. In 2022, the Labor Centers underwent the largest expansion in their history, going from three to nine UC campuses, and now include almost 240 staff and more than 30 interconnected programs, in addition to scores of affiliated faculty members. Predictably, the Labor Center advisory boards are dominated by union officials and allies and a high percentage of staff members work for, or have worked for, labor unions. Given their academic association, one might think the Labor Centers are stacked with doctorate degrees and trained researchers, but only about 10 percent of the staff actually hold research titles, although there are about two dozen Ph.D.’s in the mix. These teams do not report to the central research offices at their respective UC campuses, which are responsible for ensuring the integrity of university research activities. To be clear: the Labor Centers do not claim to adhere to academic or scholarly research standards. That does not dissuade legislators from embracing their research or using it to validate and enact labor union policy priorities with the helpful imprimatur of the University of California. On agricultural policy, the UC Merced Community and Labor Center is among the newest of the centers and leapt into action in early 2024 with a purported counter to Dr. Hill’s ag overtime research. For legislators motivated to understand the real-world consequences of the laws they pass, there is a need to analyze and assess the methodologies, findings and implications of UC research, especially where, as here, there are divergent findings. There are serious people serving in the California Legislature, though advocates who have been around for a long time privately commiserate all the time about the relative decline in the number of such policy- motivated legislators. Many blame term limits, but that’s another column. For now, those of us engaged in advocacy for our industry have an opportunity to shed greater light on the role of the university in shaping public policy, and create greater respect for those courageous UC researchers whose adherence to academic rigor and factual analysis remains paramount.
4 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
YOU DON’T HAVE TO NAVIGATE THE H-2A PROCESS ALONE.
Secure a capable, reliable and legal workforce with expert help from Western Growers. Contact our experienced team to see how you can get the best benefits of the H-2A program for Western Growers member-only pricing.
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YOUR WORKFORCE.
NEW CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT LAWS FOR 2025 By Teresa McQueen, Corporate Counsel California employment-related laws from the 2024 legislative session address several issues impacting agricultural employers. Updates include changes to the Fair Employment & Housing Act (FEHA) and employer-paid sick leave benefits. Prompt action should be taken to assure compliance with all updates. Below is a summary of many of the laws affecting employers in the state, effective January 1, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
Minimum Wage Increase The minimum wage increases to $16.50 per hour. Exempt employee minimum salary levels increase to $68,640 per year ($5,720 per month). SB 1137 – Intersectionality SB 1137 amends FEHA to address claims based on any combination of protected characteristics, or “intersectionality” (i.e., discrimination based on any combination of protected classifications). AB 2499 – Victims of Violence AB 2499 prohibits discrimination/retaliation/ discharge of employees taking time off for jury service, to appear in court as a witness, as a victim of a qualifying act of violence, for their/their child’s health, safety, welfare and (employers with 25-plus employees) to assist a family member impacted by a qualifying act of violence. AB 2499 provides reasonable accommodation eligibility and paid sick leave benefits for qualified employees. SB 1100 – Discrimination: Driver’s License SB 1100 introduces a two-part test governing when employers may require job applicants to possess a driver’s license: 1) Employers must reasonably expect driving to be one of the job functions, and 2) Believe that using an alternative form of transportation would not be comparable in travel time or cost to the employer. AB 1815 – Discrimination Race/Hairstyles AB 1815 expands the definition of “race” and “protective hairstyles” across several statutes by removing the term “historically” and including traits associated with race beyond hair texture and protective hairstyles. "In light of these legislative changes, it is imperative for employers to thoroughly review their existing policies and
SB 1340 – Discrimination: Local Enforcement SB 1340 allows political subdivisions of the state to enact/enforce anti-discrimination laws that are at least as protective as state law. Local enforcement may occur only after the Civil Rights Department issues a right-to- sue notice and before the expiration of the time to file a civil action. SB 399 – Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act SB 399 prohibits “captive audience” meetings discussing religious/political matters, including union- representation discussions. Discrimination/retaliation, threats of discharge, or taking “any other adverse action” against employees who decline to attend captive meetings or refuse to participate in/receive/listen to employer communications regarding religious/political matters are prohibited. SB 1105 – Paid Sick Leave - Agricultural Employees SB 1105 expands paid sick leave benefits for agricultural employees under the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2024. Leave uses now include avoiding smoke, heat or flooding conditions created by a local/state emergency. AB 2738 – Alternative Enforcement AB 2738 authorizes public prosecutors to recover all remedies available under the Labor Code. Recovered remedies go first to workers for unpaid wages, damages or penalties, with the remainder to the state’s General Fund. Recovery of fees/costs to a prevailing plaintiff are also authorized. Heat Illness Prevention (Indoor) Cal/OSHA requires indoor workplaces to be cooled below 87°F when employees are present, and below 82°F in areas where workers wear protective clothing or work in high radiant heat areas, if feasible. When temperatures reach 87°F, employers should cool down the work area, implement work-rest schedules and supply personal heat-protective equipment. Regulations apply to all indoor workplaces, including warehouses, restaurants, manufacturing facilities and spaces under a ceiling/ overhead covering restricting airflow. SB 553 - Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) SB 553 mandates employers develop/implement a WVPP meeting specific standards, including maintaining a violent incident log, providing training to all employees and recordkeeping. Look for regulations to be adopted by the Standard Board by December 31, 2026.
procedures to ensure they are in full compliance with the new rules."
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AB 2288 and SB 92 – Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (PAGA) AB 2288/SB 92 include more restrictive standing requirements for PAGA plaintiffs, a codified need for manageability of claims and a reformed penalty structure, among other provisions. Notable changes include reduced penalties for wage statement errors, default penalty limits and penalty reductions through compliance efforts. Limitations on penalty stacking and enhanced judicial oversight are also included in the amendments. AB 3234 – Social Compliance Audit AB 3234 requires an employer voluntarily subjecting itself to a “social compliance audit” relating to labor laws (regardless of whether the audit is to determine if the employer uses child labor) to post a report detailing the findings of its compliance with child labor laws on its website. A “social compliance audit” is a voluntary, nongovernmental inspection or assessment of employer operations/practices evaluating compliance with state/ federal labor laws. SB 988 – Freelance Worker Protection Act SB 988 mandates hiring parties pay Independent Contractors (IC) by the contract date or within 30 days of service completion if unspecified. It prohibits reducing agreed compensation, demanding extra services, or additional intellectual property rights for timely payment. A written contract, retained for at least four years, is required. The law prohibits discriminating against ICs who assert their rights and provides for injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. More Than Just A Seed Company From growers through retailers, BASF I Nunhems offers partnerships and customer-oriented solutions for the entire vegetable value chain.
AB 2299 – Whistleblower Protections AB 2299 clarifies responsibilities of the Labor Commissioner include developing a model list of employee rights/responsibilities under existing whistleblower laws and codifies its duty to develop the model notice. Employers posting the model list will be AB 1870 requires employers to inform injured employees of their ability to consult an attorney to advise them of their rights and that attorney’s fees may be paid from an injured worker’s award. Look for an updated notice before January 1, 2025. AB 2123 – Paid Family Leave AB 2123 eliminates employer’s ability to require employees use earned and unused vacation before the employee’s initial receipt of EDD Paid Family Leave benefits during any 12-month period in which employees are eligible for benefits. considered compliant with notice requirements. AB 1870 – Workers’ Compensation Notice In light of these legislative changes, it is imperative for employers to thoroughly review their existing policies and procedures to ensure they are in full compliance with the new rules. Additionally, training managers and supervisors on these updates is crucial, as their understanding and adherence to the new laws will be instrumental in maintaining compliance. Proactive measures taken now will help mitigate risks and also reduce penalties under the new PAGA amendments.
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AG IN ARIZONA AND THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION By Robert Medler, Arizona Government Affairs Manager
The future of transportation in relation to agriculture in Arizona is poised for transformation as technological advancements, environmental concerns and the need for greater efficiency intersect. Arizona, a state heavily reliant on agriculture—particularly for commodities like cotton, lettuce, citrus and other specialty crops—faces unique challenges and opportunities in aligning its transportation infrastructure with the demands of modern farming. This needed innovation is key to ensuring sustainability, boosting industry productivity and addressing climate concerns.
As the agricultural sector in Arizona becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the transportation systems that support it must evolve as well. One of the primary areas of change will be the use of autonomous vehicles and smart logistics. Arizona highways are already the test range for self-driving trucks, with farm equipment hopefully soon to follow. As a result, adoption could become commonplace, while enhancing the precision and efficiency of transporting crops from farm to market. Autonomous vehicles can work ‘round the clock, reducing transport delays and costs, especially for the perishable produce grown throughout Arizona. With labor challenges found throughout the industry, this offers a partial solution to addressing the growing demand. In addition, smart transportation networks using sensors, GPS and real-time data analytics could
enable farmers to optimize routes, monitor traffic conditions and ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods. These technologies could also assist with fleet management, enabling better scheduling and reducing fuel consumption by choosing the most efficient routes. With the state’s sprawling geography, smart logistics would also help manage the extensive travel distances involved in getting agricultural products to processors, distribution centers and ultimately to consumers. While the future of transportation in Arizona’s agriculture looks promising, there are several challenges. For instance, the adoption of autonomous vehicles and electric trucks requires significant infrastructure investment, including charging stations, maintenance facilities and regulatory frameworks. Moreover, Arizona’s climate – “it’s a dry heat” – and rugged terrain will prove to a be a challenge, requiring specialized technology for transportation systems to function effectively. However, the state’s growing interest in renewable energy, coupled with its expansive open spaces ideal for solar and wind farms, provides a unique opportunity to power these transportation systems sustainably. Arizona’s vast agricultural landscape also means that the state is in a prime position to implement cutting-edge transportation technologies that could serve as models for other regions reliant on agriculture. The future of transportation in Arizona will be shaped by the convergence of innovation in automation, sustainability and smart infrastructure. As agriculture increasingly embraces technology, transportation will become a crucial enabler of growth, efficiency and environmental stewardship. As a policy professional, I am obligated to point out the obvious – the Governor’s administration and legislature will determine the outcome. Arizona could establish itself as a leader in both sustainable agriculture and the transportation systems that support it. It just takes cooperation and vision to get it done.
"Arizona’s vast agricultural landscape also means that the state is in a prime position to implement cutting- edge transportation technologies that could
serve as models for other regions reliant on agriculture."
8 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
PRACTICAL VS. PRUDENT IN FOOD SAFETY: A NUANCE THAT MATTERS. By Joelle Mosso, Associate Vice President, Science Programs
Practical: focused on actual use or practice rather than theory or ideas; concerned with what is effective, useful or realistic in a given situation. Prudent: acting with or showing care and thought for the future; being cautious and wise to avoid unnecessary risks while also imparting feasibility.
There’s a complicated relationship with the word practical. Practical is an important term, generally used to emphasize whether an activity/process/change will be efficacious in real-world scenarios. While this is a real factor to consider, practical is also often used as a surrogate for “it’s too expensive,” “it’s too hard,” or “it’s just not necessary.” Practical, when used in this way, can be an excuse for why we cannot implement or pursue something, and it tends to be a conversation-ender. This abrupt closure to a consideration of an idea or option may prevent finding innovative solutions that drive change and improvement. Henry Ford summed up this concept well when he once said, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” Practical as a term is used frequently in food safety, especially when identifying solutions to manage complex and difficult-to-control factors. One of the unique things about food safety is that our understanding of science is rapidly evolving on microbiological risks, chemical risks, etc. This new understanding has the potential to quickly transform what is acceptable to unacceptable for managing risk in existing processes and practices, even when the pre-existing processes had just been thought of as appropriate. When new food safety learnings and/or technologies are developed, we must evaluate that new understanding against how the pre-existing system performs. In some cases, the science may tell us that a new control measure (e.g., practices, levels, modifications) to improve food safety may need to be defined and that new level may require modifications from the pre-existing system. Herein lies a challenge for adoption since if we believe today that what we are doing is 100 percent acceptable, it is not easy to accept or agree that the process needs to change tomorrow. This prior statement highlights a challenge in food safety since sometimes best practices or requirements suddenly change based on evolving science or investigation. Those changes may not feel needed or appropriate (perhaps not even practical) to an
"When new food safety learnings and/or
technologies are developed, we must evaluate that new
understanding against how the pre-existing system performs."
operation or business. The fact that the new information or approaches are considered impractical originates from the belief that the current status quo is sufficient. This is a rational conclusion to come to prior to the new science-based learnings, especially for those further removed from the science of the subject (e.g., CEOs, COOs, Operations). An alternative approach when determining if the adoption of new measures or techniques is needed is to replace the term practical with the term prudent. While this may seem like a slight semantic difference, there is a key distinction between the two terms. Prudent, as opposed to practical, incorporates whether something is feasible and whether the adoption should be taken to lessen future risk. Since food safety goals are to reduce residual risk in the system (i.e., lower the cases of illness per year), comparing potential changes to reduce risk in the status quo system may always seem impractical since it may change overall processes, costs and overall business operations. However, what may be deemed impractical in the current system may be determined to be extremely prudent to adopt to lower risk in the future (i.e., lowers food illness risk, lowers legal liabilities, lowers regulatory risk).
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NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN TRANSPORTATION AND COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS By Bryan Nickerson, Commodity and Supply Chain Services Director, in collaboration with C.H. Robinson
The transportation market is undergoing significant disruption, primarily due to a persistent freight recession in the aftermath of COVID-19. Lingering inflation, fluctuating fuel prices and ongoing supply chain turbulence exacerbate these challenges. Despite this, the industry is showing resilience through innovation, such as optimizing routes, investing in fuel-efficient technologies and leveraging data analytics to boost operational efficiency. Meeting today’s transportation demands requires advanced expertise and capabilities. The Western Growers Transportation Program offers Western Growers members tailored supply chain partnerships, ensuring reliable and efficient service. With deep roots in the produce industry, we connect supply chain providers from farm to consumer, uniquely equipping us to help growers thrive despite market challenges. “The prolonged transportation recession has unfortunately led to a sense of complacency in addressing supply chain costs, efficiency and innovation. It’s easy to fall into this mindset when market engagement seems straightforward,” said Hunter Winton, Regional Sales Director for C.H. Robinson. “However, the underlying conditions for instability in the marketplace are still present, such as driver shortages, aging concerns, old equipment and high interest rates. These factors will continue to be significant. When demand does return, we can expect markets to react quickly. We must all recognize this tendency and strive to overcome it to ensure resilient and forward-thinking supply chains that are agile and continuously improving.” The Evolving Landscape for Produce Shippers Produce shippers face mounting pressures, including market fluctuations, labor shortages and heightened consumer demand for sustainability. Shifting to environmentally friendly practices often demands substantial investments in technology to optimize production and resource management. Regulative changes, geopolitical uncertainties and competition for market access compound these challenges. Together, these factors increase costs and disrupt shippers’ ability to produce and distribute efficiently. To overcome these obstacles, shippers must enhance operational efficiency through advanced agricultural technologies, improved resource management and streamlined logistics processes. Addressing Rising OTIF Standards Retailers’ stringent on-time, in-full (OTIF) standards present another layer of complexity. They require near- perfect delivery performance to maintain relationships and access new markets. These demands often create
operational bottlenecks, particularly for suppliers navigating intricate retail shipping requirements. C.H. Robinson has deep expertise in retail logistics, serving 70 of the top 75 U.S. retailers. With a network of more than 25,000 temperature-controlled carriers, they offer unparalleled coverage to meet OTIF demands while simplifying suppliers’ logistics challenges. Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility Supply chain visibility is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Real-time item-level tracking allows suppliers to identify and address potential issues promptly, improving customer service and reducing waste. Through the Western Growers Transportation Program, members gain access to C.H. Robinson’s proprietary Navisphere® technology platform. As the world’s most connected logistics platform, Navisphere® supports nearly 200,000 companies, offering detailed visibility and seamless supply chain integration. Maintaining Product Quality in Transit Optimized transportation services, including the largest temperature-controlled network in North America, are key to maintaining product quality. C.H. Robinson’s vetted contract carriers are Sanitary Transportation of Food (STF) compliant, ensuring proper temperature management throughout each journey. Whether shipping truckload or less-than-truckload, C.H. Robinson’s services are designed to safeguard product integrity and meet increasing consumer expectations for quality. Integrated Supply Chain Solutions for Efficiency Disconnected supply chain services can lead to costly disruptions. Integrated solutions are critical to overcoming inefficiencies and improving demand planning. C.H. Robinson and Western Growers utilize 2.3 billion digital market transactions annually to optimize supply chains for members. By consolidating orders at the point of origin, there are reduced costs and improved truckload utilization by an average of 10 percent annually. This ensures efficient use of resources while maintaining the highest standards for product safety during transit. Western Growers Transportation Program: Your Solution C.H. Robinson has been a trusted partner to growers for more than a century, delivering fresh produce to retail grocers nationwide. The Western Growers Transportation Program, exclusive to members, leverages C.H. Robinson’s expertise to offer personalized solutions for the most complex supply chain challenges. From mitigating logistical pressures to enhancing operational efficiency, this program is designed to help shippers succeed in today’s demanding market conditions.
10 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
COVER STORY I CAN "SEEAG" CLEARLY NOW How a Ventura Organization Connects the Community to Farms and Fields By Michelle Rivera, Senior Communications Manager F or many consumers, a trip to the grocery store is just another errand. How many have the chance to connect with the farmers responsible for growing their food? The
answer is only a select few - and that’s not good enough. Enter Students for Eco Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), an organization in Ventura, Calif. that has been opening eyes to agriculture since 2008. Over the years, SEEAG has positively impacted more than 100,000 students and community members. The organization provides educational programs across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of agriculture for both youth and adults. Caitlin Paulus-Case, Executive Director of SEEAG, said one of the organization’s core values is making agricultural education accessible to all. “What makes SEEAG so unique is that all of our programs are offered 100 percent cost-free, so we’ve never charged a student, a teacher, a school or a community member a cent to participate. We believe that agricultural education should be a right and not a privilege and that everyone deserves to know how their food is grown and where it comes from,” she said. SEEAG educates communities, primarily students, through a variety of engaging programs. These include its Farm-to-Food Lab program, designed for third graders; a STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture Program for middle and high school students; a Youth Wellness Initiative focused on nutrition; and Farm Day, an annual community outreach event that takes place in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. This past November, more than 15 farms and agricultural organizations participated in the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day. Attendees spent the day participating in free agricultural activities and tours, gaining valuable insight into the origins of their food and the effort involved in its production.
SEEAG sign at the Ventura County Farm Lab location, Petty Ranch.
Farm Day empowers attendees to make more educated decisions about their food, Paulus-Case explained, while also highlighting the growers and innovators who are shaping the future of the food system and working to make it more sustainable. “There’s so much misinformation and disinformation in our media about food, and there’s this overwhelming idea that big ag doesn’t care about their environment, community or workforce,” Paulus-Case said. “Farm Day allows people to come out and ask questions firsthand from the people who are growing their food, and it gives the farmers and farmworkers the opportunity to answer those questions and combat some of that misinformation.” Western Growers member Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a leading producer of fresh vegetables and citrus, was a participant in this year’s Ventura County Farm Day. Founded in 1926, the same year as Western Growers, Duda has been a pillar of agricultural excellence for nearly a century and has been a dedicated participant in Farm Day since the start.
Family picking up produce from SEEAG at a local wellness fair.
Christine and Craig Reade of Betteravia Farms and Bonipak Produce at a Santa Barbara County Farm Day Kickoff event.
11 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
Participants of SEEAG’s STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture program on a field trip to Rancho Laguna Farms in Santa Maria.
“For an organization that’s as large as Duda, recognizing and supporting the impact SEEAG has made over the years has been incredibly valuable and instrumental for our mission,” Paulus- Case said. “It goes a long way in making us reputable and helping other organizations understand the importance of what we do. They get it. They understand.” Fifth-generation farmer Jackson Duda, Production Manager at Duda, said SEEAG’s Farm Day is an experience that is not only beneficial for the community, but also for growers. “It’s always good to meet the community and answer people’s questions. You forget how much you know that those outside of ag don’t know, and how much more there is for everyone to learn. It’s great to see their curiosity, and it’s fun to be able to answer them,” Duda said. Echoing Paulus-Case, Duda emphasized that many misconceptions surround the agriculture industry, and events like Farm Day provide a valuable opportunity for people to gain clarity straight from the source. “If the community is curious, we need to embrace it,” he said. “They see our signs and trucks everywhere, and it’s good for them to meet us face-to-face. We’re a part of the community, so it’s good to open our doors. If your neighbors are curious about you, you should meet them. The more they know about you, they’ll think of you more favorably.” Greg Lewis, Vice President of Duda Farm Fresh Foods, highlighted the importance of community connections as a key aspect of the company’s mission.
Community members enjoying SEEAG’s Farm Day Hub at Bonipak Produce (2024 Santa Barbara County Farm Day).
Caitlin Paulus-Case (right) in the field with a former SEEAG educator.
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Bobbi Rudin and Seth Wilmoth passing out farm fresh produce at a wellness fair in Ventura County.
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS
14 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
“Farming is at the very core of what Duda does, from land preparation, nursery production, irrigation, cultivation, fertilization and harvesting and processing of produce,” Lewis said. “That’s our job, but that’s not what we do. What we do is provide healthy fruits and vegetables for the citizens of our country and the world. Duda has been doing it for over 100 years.” This long-standing commitment has shaped how Lewis views his role in advocating for agriculture. “I don’t consider myself as one who is leading the charge to educate the people, but if I’m put in a position where I can communicate the positive impact agriculture makes, I feel as though it’s a tide that raises all boats, irrespective of what crops you’re raising,” he said. “We have a story to tell, and I think there is a great opportunity to tell that story,” Lewis said. “The efforts of SEEAG, and more specifically Farm Day, is one way to bridge that gap and educate the public and have them come onto the farm and have them touch and feel the nursery transplants that go into the field, have them walk on the field and observe our tractors preparing the ground for planting, have them watch a transplanter put young celery plants in the field. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but if you bring someone to the field, you show them a movie in production. It’s worth a billion words.” Building on this vision of connection and education, SEEAG is working to further its reach by expanding its food and agricultural literacy programs while encouraging more growers to participate and strengthen partnerships within their communities. The organization is finalizing its Farm Day Every Day initiative, a year-round outreach program designed to deepen public understanding of local agriculture through free food literacy
education and support for farms to participate in these vital activities. Through a community of supporters, Farm Day Every Day will keep the conversation about local agriculture alive, in-person and digitally throughout the year, all leading up to the annual Farm Day celebrations. “The more in front of the community we are, the more we can support growers,” Paulus-Case said.
A Farm Lab student’s hands after making a loam recipe, one of the activities at the Soil Station.
WESTERN GROWERS OFFICERS – 2025 Stuart Woolf, Chair Rob Yraceburu, Vice Chair Neill Callis, Treasurer Don Cameron, Executive Secretary Dave Puglia, President and CEO DIRECTORS – 2025 GEORGE ADAM Innovative Produce, Santa Maria, California CHAD AMARAL D’Arrigo Bros. of Calif., Salinas, California KEVIN ANDREW Illume Agriculture, Bakersfield, California ROBERT BARKLEY Barkley Ag Enterprises, Yuma, Arizona STEPHEN BARNARD Mission Produce, Oxnard, California BARDIN BENGARD Bengard Ranch, Salinas, California SOREN BJORN Driscoll’s, Watsonville, California GEORGE BOSKOVICH III Boskovich Farms, Oxnard, California RODNEY BRAGA Braga Fresh Family Farms, Soledad, California STEVE BRAZEEL SunTerra Produce, Costa Mesa, California NEILL CALLIS Turlock Fruit Company, Turlock, California DON CAMERON Terranova Ranch, Helm, California
JOHN CHANDLER Chandler Farms, Selma, California LAWRENCE COX Coastline Family Farms, Brawley, California STEPHEN DANNA Danna Farms, Yuba City, California THOMAS DEARDORFF II Deardorff Family Farms, Oxnard, California TIM ESCAMILLA Bolthouse Fresh Foods, Bakersfield, California KRISTEN SMITH ESHAYA JV Smith Companies, Yuma, Arizona CATHERINE FANUCCHI Tri-Fanucchi Farms, Bakersfield, California DAVID GILL Rio Farms, King City, California BOB GIRAGOSIAN Kern Ridge Growers, Arvin, California BRANDON GRIMM Grimmway Enterprises, Arvin, California JOHN JACKSON Beachside Produce, Nipomo, California TRACY JONES Booth Ranches, Orange Cove, California A.G. KAWAMURA Orange County Produce, Fullerton, California ALBERT KECK Hadley Date Gardens, Thermal, California J.P. LABRUCHERIE LaBrucherie Produce, El Centro, California STEPHEN MARTORI III Martori Farms, Scottsdale, Arizona HAROLD MCCLARTY HMC Farms, Kingsburg, California
CANNON MICHAEL Bowles Farming, Los Banos, California HEATHER MULHOLLAND Mulholland Citrus, Orange Cove, California DOMINIC MUZZI, JR. Muzzi Family Farms, Moss Landing, California TOM NUNES V The Nunes Company, Salinas, California STEPHEN PATRICIO Westside Produce, Firebaugh, California JOHN POWELL, JR. Peter Rabbit Farms, Coachella, California RON RATTO Ratto Bros., Modesto, California CRAIG READE Bonipak Produce, Santa Maria, California KYLE RICHARDSON Garry Richardson Farms, Bakersfield, California SONNY RODRIGUEZ The Growers Company, Somerton, Arizona BRUCE TALBOTT Talbott’s Mountain Gold, Palisade, Colorado RYAN TALLEY Talley Farms, Arroyo Grande, California BRUCE TAYLOR Taylor Farms Calif., Salinas, California MIKE WAY Prime Time International, Coachella, California STUART WOOLF Woolf Farming & Processing, Fresno, California ROB YRACEBURU Wonderful Orchards, Shafter, California
15 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
FEATURE STORY 2024 ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS By Ann Donahue, Director, Marketing and Communications
Mike & Alicia Joyner (Florida Fruit & Vegetable Assn), Steven Callaham (Dundee Citrus Growers Assn), Lisa & Stuart Woolf (Woolf Enterprises)
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. In recognition of the extraordinary role our record number of sponsors played in supporting the Annual Meeting, every level of sponsor received extensive brand recognition throughout the event, including name or logo placement on signage and in the conference guide and mobile app. In addition, Diamond Sponsors were recognized at each event, and individual event sponsors received mentions in front of their desired key targeted audiences.
The 2024 Annual Meeting began the evening of Sunday, Nov. 3 with a two-hour Welcome Reception at the North Garden, where Western Growers members, industry partners – and Hit Man, the resort’s hawk – mingled and networked at sunset. Even a quick rain shower couldn’t dampen attendee spirits! Monday, Nov. 4, 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 Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia and The Free Press Founder and Editor Bari Weiss. Bari, a winner of the L.A. Press Club’s 2021 Daniel Pearl Award for Courage and
WG Chair Stuart Woolf and wife Lisa Woolf
Neill Callis accepts 80 year Membership recognition for Turlock Fruit Company from Stuart Woolf
16 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
Integrity in Journalism, spoke on the current state of American journalism, where contrarian voices are deemed unpalatable and shunted aside. The business portion of Monday concluded with a Featured Session on Sustainable Packaging, hosted and moderated by Western Growers Senior Vice President, Science Dr. De Ann Davis and Western Growers Vice President, Federal Government Affairs Dennis Nuxoll. Panelists included Jenet De Costa, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Driscoll’s; Kevin Kelly, CEO, Emerald Packaging; Ron Lemaire, President, Canadian Produce Marketing Association; and Dave Podesta, Director of Quality Assurance, Sysco. The panel 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. Monday night’s parties began with the VIP Sponsor Reception in the North Garden, where Stuart Woolf, Chair of the Western Growers Board of Directors, recognized each sponsor in the Diamond, Platinum and Gold tiers and thanked them for their invaluable support. Sponsors in attendance had the opportunity to network and form key industry relationships with the Western Growers Board of Directors. Attendees wrapped up the night by heading up to the resort’s Mummy Mountain Old West town for the rip-roarin’ Party with the Partners . Partygoers at the Boots and Roots Hoedown were
Carol Chandler accepts award for 20 years of service to the Western Growers Board of Directors.
Conversation with WG President and CEO Dave Puglia and Bari Weiss at the PAC Lunch
Elliot Jaramillo snaps a selfie with PAC Lunch speaker Bari Weiss
Party with the Partners — Boots and Roots Hoedown!
Party with the Partners — Boots and Roots Hoedown!
Party with the Partners — Boots and Roots Hoedown!
17 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
greeted by Sophie the Beer Burro and then entertained by pig races, a dress-up photo booth and live music. BBQ and specialty cocktails were available until late into the night! Tuesday, Nov. 5 began with our second invite-only sponsor event, the Diamond Breakfast , where Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia honored company representatives from our top level of sponsorship: Bayer, Farm Credit, John Deere, Nutrien Ag Solutions and RDO Equipment. Each Diamond Sponsor gave a brief presentation in front of the Western Growers Board of Directors to highlight the valuable work they do to advance the agriculture industry. Our second Featured Session of the Annual Meeting, 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. Moderated by Western Growers Senior Vice President and General Counsel Jason Resnick, panelists included Lynn Jacquez, Of Counsel, JPH Law Firm; Daniel Jarcho, Partner, Alston & Bird and Damien Schiff, Senior Attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, who provided a peek into the crystal ball of the good – and bad – outcomes that may result from the ruling. During the Chair’s Lunch and Keynote Western Growers Chair Stuart Woolf took the reins to thank the assembled Western Growers members, the Board of Directors, sponsors and industry VIPs for their dedication to advancing the specialty crop industry. After the remarks and luncheon, Western Growers 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. The so-called “Princess of Darkness” regaled listeners with tales from inside the NFL owner meetings and of working with Raiders Owner and Hall of Famer Al Davis. (No 49er fans were harmed during this event.) Tuesday evening’s activities began with the Award of Honor Reception on the Sonoran Terrace, where attendees networked and mingled over cocktails – and got a sneak peek meet and greet with the evening’s entertainment, mentalist Oz Pearlman . 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. After a series of emotional tributes to Sonny, Oz took the stage and proceeded to make everyone in the room question what they thought they knew about…well, everything. (How did Oz know Sonny’s favorite drink?)
After the Award of Honor festivities ended, attendees ended the night at the Election Watch Party , where cocktails, fries and milkshakes were on offer for those celebrating (or wanting to drown their sorrows) at the results shown live on TVs throughout the space. Annual Meeting activities wrapped up on Wednesday, Nov. 6 with the high-spirited Western Growers Cup Golf Tournament & Lunch at the Camelback Golf Course and the second annual surprisingly competitive Western Growers Pickleball Classic at the JW Marriott Camelback Tennis Courts. Western Growers prides itself on providing the premier venue for growers and industry partners to connect and celebrate the enduring legacy of the fresh produce industry. We will continue to drive enhanced value for our members and sponsors next year at the Western Growers 99th Annual Meeting, to be held Nov. 9-12, 2025 at the Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, Calif.
Sustainable Packaging Panel moderated by Dennis Nuxoll
Stuart Woolf, Ben Palone (CIT), David Gordillo (John Deere), Dave Puglia
VIP Sponsor Reception
18 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
Dave Puglia, Trey Rodriguez, Sonny Rodriguez, Stuart Woolf
Sonny Rodriguez accepting the Award of Honor
Award of Honor Reception
Party with the Partners — Boots and Roots Hoedown!
Oz Pearlman entertains during the AoH Reception — Damian Williams, Whitney Gerdts, Karen Timmins
Albert Keck, Caroline Keck, Ryan Talley, Lezlie Puglia and Dave Puglia
Cynthia and Sonny Rodriguez
19 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
Dave Puglia and Amy Trask at the Chair's Lunch
Dave Puglia addressing the Diamond Sponsors
Dave Puglia and Diamond Sponsors, Jenny Maloney (Bayer), Kevin Ralph (AgWest Farm Credit), Sean Morelos (Nutrien Ag), Daryl Shelton (RDO Equipment Co.) and David Gordillo (John Deere)
Featured Session Post- Chevron Panel moderated by Jason Resnick
VIP Sponsor Reception
VIP Sponsor Reception
20 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com January | February 2025
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