2019 / YEAR IN REVIEW
STRONGER
“Respect and camaraderie define the WESTERN GROWERS family, which is what we are at the end of the day… part of the same family” – TOM NASSIF
TOGETHER
Founded in 1926, Western Growers is committed to the evolutionary growth of the agricultural industry and its professionals. Representing local and regional family farmers across California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, the organization and its participating members represent nearly half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and organic produce. For 94 years, Western Growers has been dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness and profitability of its members and today is one of the most powerful and influential trade associations within the United States. We continue to influence change, ensuring the industry’s stability and its members’ success. We believe there is strength in numbers and together, our voice continues to be powerful. 2019 proved to be yet another period of progress and change by our organization, highlighted by key contributions that included: - Tom Nassif, Western Growers President and CEO, served as the lead agricultural negotiator for The Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038), which passed the House with strong support - Western Growers, represented by Tom Nassif, testified before House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship - Tom Nassif and members of the Western Growers executive staff attended the signing of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement at the White House - After years of dedicated service to Western Growers, Tom Nassif and Matt McInerney announced their retirement from Western Growers - Ryan Talley, taking over for the exiting Ron Ratto, was announced 2020 Western Growers Chairman of the Board - Dave Puglia, Executive Vice President, was announced as Tom Nassif’s successor as Western Growers’ President and Chief Executive Officer, continuing the commitment and efforts of the organization moving forward Defining the Future of Agriculture Western Growers 2019 Year In Review
F
A MISSION THAT MATTERS Western Growers has a unique mission... to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of family farmers, fresh produce growers, processors, and shippers.
As we move forward into the new year and the future, Western Growers and its members continue to grow together. We remain committed to defining the future of our industry. -
“As members we are looking forward
to the new leadership within
WESTERN GROWERS and to the continued support they provide to us and the industry.” – A.G. KAWAMURA
WITH US
D Dear Members, Adaptation. Revision. Change. These imperatives are the hallmarks of our member companies, and by extension, our industry and our association. These essentials pave the way for our collective growth and success, and for the continuation of our family farms into the next generation. Given the compounding nature of the challenges facing our industry, the words of Moneyball’s Billy Beane – the sabermetrics-oriented front office executive of the Oakland Athletics – have never rung more true: “Adapt or die.” Welcome to Western Growers Embracing Change in 2020
DAVE PUGLIA WGA President/CEO
RYAN TALLEY WGA Chairman
2020 promises to be a year of change. It marks the beginning of a new decade, which brings with it an equal share of optimism and concern. It also marks the beginning of a new era at Western Growers. After 18 years of unprecedented leadership marked by adaptation and revision, Tom Nassif will ease into retirement. The legacy he leaves behind will be the foundation on which an even stronger, more prosperous industry and association will be built. The key, for our members and our association, will be to continue evolving ahead of the changing political dynamics, regulatory demands, marketplace challenges and environmental constraints; and not just to keep up with these transformations, but to stay ahead of the curve. This will necessarily require that we not rest on our laurels, but instead use our past successes as motivation to continue improving our craft. As we look forward to the coming year, we want to pause and reflect on the year past, which simultaneously serves as a reminder of all that we have achieved together and a yardstick against which the successes of 2020 will be measured. With this Annual Review, join us as we reflect upon our accomplishments as an industry and association in 2019.
Dave Puglia
Ryan Talley
WGA President/CEO
WGA Chairman
“I don’t think most members understand how involved politically WESTERN GROWERS is. The association does a phenomenal job representing our interests and working every day to prevent regulations and legislation from being imposed on our industry.” – PAT HORWATH S. & H. PACKING & SALES CO.
OUR IMPACT
F Advocacy Power for Our Members From its beginning in 1926, member advocacy and creating impactful change for the industry has been at the heart of Western Growers. Today the organization continues to lead the fight for sound legislative and regulatory policy on behalf of each and every one of our more than 2,300 members. Ensuring the voice of our members is heard and more importantly, critical issues facing our industry are addressed, Western Growers commits significant resources to support our team of in-house professional advocates across Sacramento, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. Never has this been proven so strongly than during this past year, which found Western Growers at the forefront of political efforts across key industry issues spanning labor, sustainability, crop protection, water and irrigation, and the future of our farmers. LABOR The Farm Workforce Modernization Act was passed on December 11, 2019, as a direct result of Western Growers participation. President and CEO Tom Nassif as lead negotiator testified before the House Judiciary Sub-committee on Immigration and Citizenship, organizing a coalition effort to secure passage of the bill and to hopefully pave its way through the Senate and ultimately the White House. Western Growers expanded its efforts to impact the labor space by providing crucial comments and direction on H-2A and the Department of Labor’s efforts to streamline and modernize the program. SUSTAINABILITY Earlier this year (through Sustainability in Action), Western Growers offered practical solutions to support growers, packers, shippers and handlers in tracking and implementing sustainability actions in their own operations, helping drive efficiency and profitability.
Western Growers Executive Vice President Dave Puglia attended the introduction of the bill in Washington, D.C
CROP PROTECTION To further help protect our members, their farms and most importantly, their crops, Western Growers reinforced the need for science-driven policy, submitting comments to the Office of Pesticide Programs and the EPA to urge the continued registration and use of glyphosate. WATER INFRASTRUCTURE In an effort to bring awareness and change to help address the severe hydrological conditions in the West, Western Growers and over 100 partnering organizations representing water and agricultural interests in the Western U.S., urged Congress to act. On June 21, 2019, as a result of coalition efforts, the Senate introduced the Drought Resiliency and Water Supply Infrastructure Act. THE FARM BILL Western Growers recently submitted a letter to California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, urging the 2020 Specialty Crop Block Grant program to administer funds to the initiatives most important and impactful to fruit, vegetable and nut growers across the U.S. It is these efforts and more, led by Western Growers and its members, that continue to impact the future success of our industry, its products and create a brighter future for the next generation of agricultural advocates. -
“WESTERN GROWERS represents our interests and they are one of the strongest voices
for agriculture that there is.”
– PHIL HENRY HENRY AVOCADO CORP.
GLOBALLY
T International Trade Representing Members on a Global Scale The Western Growers commitment to advocacy and the support of the agricultural industry doesn’t end at continental borders. Our efforts to ensure that Western Growers members are heard, represented and supported extends around the globe, with a focused dedication to helping ensure fair and equal practices. This past year was substantial for our members, as Western Growers became heavily involved with critical issues affecting international trade and practices. CHINA Western Growers played a crucial role in the USDA Mitigation Plan urging Ambassador Robert Lighthizer to secure the elimination of China’s retaliatory tariffs on fresh fruit, vegetables, and tree nuts. Since last year, Western Growers has engaged with the U.S. Trade Office (USTR), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Commerce and Members of Congress on the Phase One Trade Deal, specifically to convey the message that a resolution is required to restore vital markets and trade stability. JAPAN Western Growers President/CEO Tom Nassif attended the signing of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement at the White House, opening up market opportunities for the fresh produce industry. Western Growers members will now have access to the Japanese market on equal footing with the Asia-Pacific signatories of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Western Growers President/CEO Tom Nassif attended the signing of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement
In addition to standing vigil on global issues, Western Growers provides its members with customized assistance with international trade issues or concerns. Working directly with the USDA and across countries that include Mexico, Korea and Japan, we provide resources to help our members thrive in global market situations. Western Growers members receive exclusive trade alerts, market updates and information vital to their success. -
“WESTERN GROWERS allows each farmer in California and Arizona one voice when tackling issues that affect all farmers and the future of agriculture. This is extremely important for each grower to be able to work collaboratively to achieve one goal to sustain farming in California and Arizona.”
– RYAN VAN GRONINGEN VAN GRONINGEN & SONS, INC.
CA SUPPORT
T The California legislative and regulatory environment often places Western Growers members at a competitive disadvantage relative to other states and countries, which is why we are relentless in our pursuit of common sense legislation and sound public policy in the state capital. Although the headlines seem to suggest otherwise, Western Growers and our industry allies demonstrated a collective and effective show of strength in 2019, helping several bills critical to our members become law, including: AB 658 (Arambula) Authorizes a groundwater sustainability agency or local agency to apply for, and the State Water Resources Control Board to issue, an expedited conditional temporary permit for diversion of surface water to underground storage for beneficial use. SB 200 (Monning) Establishes the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund to help water systems provide an adequate and affordable supply of safe drinking water. However, with an extremely active legislative body that introduces nearly 5000 new bills every two-year session, success in the California legislature can often be measured by the number of bad bills that do not become law. In 2019, Western Growers fought alongside our coalition partners to block the following bills: California Fighting for Common Sense Legislation
SB 1 (Atkins) Would have blanketed federal laws that were in effect under the Obama Administration onto California state agencies without a case-by-case analysis on the merits. AB 589 (Gonzalez) Would have required that a “Worker’s Bill of Rights” document be provided to each employee; of particular concern was a provision within this document regarding employer-provided housing that would have likely impacted H-2A housing options and choices for employees. AB 916 (Muratsuchi) Would have placed a ban on the use of glyphosate by a local agency. -
AB 555 (Gonzalez) Would have expanded California’s paid sick leave program from 3 days to 5 days (40 hours).
“WESTERN GROWERS should be an example and benchmark for all industries. Their willingness and drive to establish workplace safety protocols of their own, which happens to be more effective than federal standards, is just one reason they were recognized at our ICA on the Capitol Lawn event.”
– ICA CHAIRMAN DALE SCHULTZEST
AZ SUPPORT
I In a state that is undergoing significant demographic and political shifts, Western Growers is redoubling our efforts to ensure that Arizona legislators and regulators remain supportive of our members and the agriculture industry, both now and into the foreseeable future. In 2019, Western Growers emphasized two main public policy priority areas: taxes and water. The Arizona public policy highlights from 2019 include: - Among the biggest achievements in Arizona was the passage of House Bill 2275, which provided clarification on sales tax for fertilizers and pesticides used in commercial agriculture production. Effective December 1, 2019, these products are now exempt from the state’s sales tax, which will save our members and the Arizona agriculture industry $15 million per year - An additional $20 million of funding for the Central Arizona irrigation districts was also included in the budget to help them comply with the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) - The state also provided $400,000 in general fund money to pay the rent for the State Ag Lab, rather than raiding industry funds to make the payment - The Arizona State Legislature passed their portion of the Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan, which preserves the levels of Lake Mead and mitigates the losses if and when the lake drops below Tier 1 and 2 levels. This plan protects water rights in Yuma and offsets losses to central Arizona and Pinal County farmers - Western Growers, in partnership with Phoenix Business Journal , hosted a special event in May where U.S. Senator Martha McSally and members of the Arizona agricultural industry discussed challenges surrounding Arizona’s water supply and quality Arizona Influencing Public Policy in the Southwest
“WESTERN GROWERS have been a critical part of improving LGMA water metrics. In a time of crisis with food safety issues they helped improve our industry. We are thankful for their efforts and the leadership role WESTERN GROWERS plays in our industry”.
– STEVE CHURCH CHURCH BROTHERS FARMS
WITH CONFIDENCE
W Food Safety Growing Safer through Science Western Growers is committed to the success of our members and the safe development and delivery of their commodities. Our experts work with regulators, legislators, universities and scientists to offer resources including commodity-specific food safety guidelines and regulatory guidance manuals to resolve food safety challenges facing our industry today. We are determined to ensure a safe and secure food supply, healthy crops, reliable natural resources, and sustainability for our members. Through the Western Growers Science and Technology department, members have access to online and in-person training courses in 2019 that included: - Root Cause Analysis and Produce Safety - Irrigation Water Treatment 101 - Water Metrics for LGMA consideration/LGMA Standards Updates (Water Management) - Bilingual Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training - Foreign Supplier Verification Course - FSMA Compliance Standards - The global reach of the U.S. produce industry - Foreign Supplier Verification and its application to the produce industry - Key Learnings from the CPS Research Symposium Additionally, we keep our members updated and notified on critical food safety-related issues the minute they happen. From foodborne outbreaks and FDA activity to the newest innovations and technology behind food safety operations, Western Growers has first-hand and immediate access to resources, reports and industry findings through our Science and Technology updates, courses, events and communications. -
AG TECHNOLOGY
“WESTERN GROWERS is a proactive
organization that drives innovation
and helps agriculture be competitive on a worldwide basis.”
– CAROL CHANDLER CHANDLER FARMS
Innovation Industry Solutions for the Future I In 2015, and in a continued effort to drive the future of the agricultural industry forward, Western Growers opened the doors of its Center for Innovation and Technology in Salinas, California. Since that time, the Center has taken significant steps to accelerate the development of agricultural technologies, innovations within the industry and has served as the hub for more than 60 agtech start-up companies, 10 of which were added this past year alone. With a focus on providing members access to ground-breaking advancements in food safety, food tech and the industry challenges they face, the Center is widely known for the creation of its AgTechX® summits, providing exclusive access for Western Growers members to engage with the leaders and innovators within the agricultural technology community. In 2019, the Center has continued its expansion forward, working both domestically and internationally to provide Western Growers members with solutions that directly impact their businesses and products. This past year saw critical initiatives that included joint partnerships with the Netherlands and New Zealand to drive Accelerated Automation, as well as with FME, launching the International Robotics Academy to solve ag food tech challenges. Some additional highlights from this past year included: - The development of the Grower Trial Network and Crop-Collaborative Initiative - The launch of the New Technology-Driven Food Safety Risk Management Program - Sponsorship of ”Tech Alley” at Organic Growers Summit - Hosted the 3rd Annual “AgSharks” Summit at the 2019 Annual Meeting
- Announced the unveiling of the New AgTech Directory - Debuted “Voices of the Valley,” its first agtech podcast
“WESTERN GROWERS University provided
a superb training experience where our staff gained valuable practical
YOUR KNOWLEDGE
knowledge that they were able to apply in their day-to-day operations. They offer a variety of courses that enhance the supervisory and leadership skills
of managers at all levels.”
– SANDRA FLORES RATTO BROS .
O Workforce Development Providing the Foundation for a Solid Workforce Our members’ human resources are their most valuable assets. That’s why Western Growers provides guidance to keep members informed and compliant on issues such as employment law, immigration and labor, employee benefits, health care reform, industry compensation, and more. Through Western Growers Human Resources and Legal departments, as well as the Western Growers University, members can gain access to valuable operations guidance, courses and certification opportunities. This past 2019 showed an increase in not only members engaging in these valuable resources, but an extension of the services offered across these divisions. Through Western Growers Human Resources and The Western Growers University, more than 500 members and their employees were trained to meet the demands of SB 1343, California’s Sexual Harassment Regulations, as well as participate in Management 101 courses to operate more efficiently, effectively and most important, become compliant with state regulations. Additionally, Western Growers H-2A Services provided members with turnkey solutions for foreign labor acquisition, handling all logistics and details throughout the process, allowing members to focus entirely on the success of their operations. Beyond those crucial efforts, Western Growers members also received access and invitation to more than fifty workshops, webinars and onsite events offered exclusively by Western Growers University and Western Growers H-2A Services covering industry-critical issues that included:
2020 COMPENSATION & HR PRACTICES SURVEYS The Data You Need To Help You Attract the Best Employees in Agriculture
- H-2A workshops and roundtable sessions - Arbinger Leadership Training - Management Supervisory 101 - Wage and Hour - Leave Laws
“With the Future Volunteer Leaders Program, WESTERN GROWERS is executing on its commitment to building the next generation of dynamic, influential leaders in the California and Arizona fresh produce industry.”
– HEATHER MULHOLLAND MULHOLLAND CITRUS
LEADERS
F Cultivating New Leadership Developing the Future of Our Industry For 94 years, Western Growers has been focused on the evolution and continued growth of the industry and the professionals that represent it. As the agricultural landscape continues to change, Western Growers remains committed to developing the next generation of leaders and influencers that will change with it. With a focus on the future of both the industry and its leaders, Western Growers showcases four educational and leadership programs, providing members with guidance, resources and mentoring in the areas of leadership, technology and innovation. CAREERS IN AG The Western Growers Careers in Ag Program aims to encourage college students to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers within the agricultural industry. This past year, the program hosted three, three-day interactive tours, across Monterey County, Central Valley, Coachella/Imperial and Yuma, connecting students representing universities that included CSU Fresno, Cal Poly SLO, Cal Poly Pomona, UC Davis, CSU LA and U of Arizona. Additionally, the Western Growers Careers in Ag program has extended its resources with the launch of the Ag Job Board, to help facilitate career and internship placement, with a focus on increasing the number of science, tech, engineering and math professionals pursuing jobs in agriculture. FUTURE VOLUNTEER LEADERS The competitively selected Future Volunteer Leaders Program is designed for the next generation of leaders within Western Growers member companies interested in becoming more informed and effective advocates for the fresh produce industry. These individuals are policy-minded and have expressed a desire to serve the industry – both now and in the future – in volunteer leadership capacities. WG WOMEN Launched in early 2020, the Western Growers Women program is focused on identifying and preparing women of influence for positions of leadership within Western Growers and/or the fresh produce industry. The key visionary objective is to enhance and promote a fresh produce industry that reflects the value of women in production agriculture and promotes women to the highest levels of company and/or industry leadership. WG FOUNDATION Since its inception in 1995, the Western Growers Foundation has funded more than 1,100 school gardens in California and Arizona. Today, the Foundation’s School Garden program has evolved to support science, technology, engineering and math curriculum to nurture the natural curiosity of children in areas related to farming and agriculture. -
“WESTERN GROWERS excels at leveraging both traditional and digital media to positively influence public perceptions of the fresh produce industry.” – J.P. LABRUCHERIE, LABRUCHERIE PRODUCE
OUR VOICE
A Media & Communications Influencing the Industry through Voice and Visibility As an industry leader and advocate, Western Growers is committed to ensuring that the voice of its members and the organization are heard throughout the world. To maximize visibility for both members and the issues that they face within the industry, Western Growers maintains a full-time media and communications department dedicated to keeping a finger on the pulse of agricultural change. The organization stands vigil in its efforts to inform, persuade and engage with local, regional and national journalists, legislative representatives and influencers on produce industry issues that impact our members. Through global connectivity, Western Growers members are in turn informed and updated 24/7 on critical agriculture industry news, innovation and events that directly impact their operations. Western Growers maintains a robust and comprehensive communication platform which includes: - The Western Growers “Spotlight” newsletter, a weekly electronic communication highlighting key developments within the industry - Member Alerts, which apprise members of urgent or critical industry developments - The Western Grower & Shipper magazine, which is published quarterly and includes extensive coverage of industry news, legislative issues and member recognition - Comprehensive coverage through the Western Growers social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
TWITTER @WesternGrowers • Gained 683 Followers (3,786 Followers total) • 4,564 Interactions (3,329 likes, 76 replies, 15 messages, 1,144 retweets) • 7,646,774 Impressions • Brand Awareness 17,655
- 256 mentions - 7,399 shares
INSTAGRAM Western_Growers • Gained 1,855 Followers (3,240 Followers total) • 13,736 Interactions (13,438 likes, 27 saved, 271 comments) • 542,528 Impressions
FACEBOOK Western Growers • Gained 8,957 Fans ( 16,832 Fans total) • 169,541 Interactions • 7,646,774 Impressions • Brand Awareness 17,655 - 256 mentions, - 17,399 shares
SPOT light
LINKEDIN @WesternGrowers
“Through WESTERN GROWERS, our family has been covered through WESTERN GROWERS Assurance Trust for many years, giving us the peace of mind that we have the right plan and the right protection for our family, as well as our business.” – RON RATTO 2019 WESTERN GROWERS CHAIRMAN
PROTECTED
P Protection. It’s part of Western Growers’ commitment to its members. Whether it’s providing solutions and resources for individual benefits or providing options for businesses and employees, Western Growers can create, provide and deliver insurance solutions to better manage their protection. As members of the organization, members receive access and utilization of: - Western Growers Assurance Trust – Western Growers members have access to the largest provider of health benefits for the agricultural industry. Western Growers Assurance Trust specializes in offering highly customizable benefit plans to meet the diverse needs of owners, managers, field workers and seasonal employees - Western Growers Insurance Services – Full-service broker for Health Benefits, Property & Casualty, Workers’ Compensation and other specialty coverages - Loss Control Safety services (training for heat illness, prevention, equipment, First Aid, etc., on-site inspections and more) - Health Care reform guidance, proprietary cost-estimating tools, and consultation to ensure ACA compliance - Access to Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc. – A full-service, third-party health care benefits administrator for companies who want to self-fund - Western Growers Insurance Services Roadshows, offering onsite resources, guidance and in-person assessments to meet the needs of our members Western Growers Insurance Services continues to work diligently with all parts of the Association to ensure the highest level of protection and services offered to Western Growers members. Insurance Solutions The Protection Our Members Need The Options They Deserve
“WESTERN GROWERS Trade Practices interceded with a problematic buyer on our behalf and negotiated a substantial settlement that we would not have otherwise been able to secure. With the strength of the WG brand and contract law expertise behind us, we are confident that we will secure the most favorable terms in our disputes with the buying community.” – KIRK WAGNER GROWERS EXPRESS
SOLUTIONS
A Trade Practices Members Save Money through Collections, Contracts, and PACA Support T Transportation Driving the Success of Our Member Operations As a benefit to regular shipping members of Western Growers, the Trade Practices & Commodity Services Department has assisted members in consultation on sales contracts since 1966. This guidance and education of rights and remedies available to sellers of perishable commodities has been invaluable. As a direct result of this service, several million dollars per annual calendar year are recovered for our Western Growers regular members and millions more saved because of one phone call to our organization. The Western Growers Transportation Program is an exclusive benefit for our members to help manage today’s ever-changing supply chain environment. In partnership with C.H. Robinson we provide our members with technology and resources that include: - Access to a temperature-controlled transportation network of vetted, high-quality carriers you can trust - A full suite of logistics services to improve the efficiency of your supply chain - Weekly transportation industry updates from your dedicated account manager
- Quarterly market insights from supply chain experts - Tailored pricing options and customized solutions - Claims management services
C.H. Robinson’s execution of more than 18 million shipments a year and management of nearly $20 billion in freight spend adds to the community of data to improve the supply chains of those shippers. This use of data to identify market shifts far ahead of others helps Western Growers members and carriers act proactively in the changing market.
“In addition to the many services offered by WESTERN GROWERS, Financial Services has been critical in helping me create security and assurance for the future of my business and my family.”
SECURITY
– MITCH ARDANTZ BONIPAK PRODUCE
T Throughout its history, Western Growers has been committed to the futures of our members, their businesses and their families. Through our Financial Services Department, Western Growers members have exclusive access to both business and individual investment resources to build a stronger financial future. We provide customized solutions that include: - Retirement Planning Additionally, through Western Growers Retirement Security Plan (RSP), participating members can provide their employees with a 401(k) plan that saves money and eliminates the time spent incorporating it into their businesses. RSP: Because of its size and scale – the Western Growers RSP has a large asset base with multiple employers and nearly a thousand participants. Since the Western Growers RSP qualifies as a group trust, employers can come into our plan and adopt the same available investment options and fee structure without the large costs associated with implementing a 401(k) plan. - 24/7 online account access - 24/7 phone access with live Account Services Representatives - Quarterly statements - Online retirement planning Financial Services Providing Our Members with Solutions for the Future - Corporate Asset Management - Wealth Management Planning
“We look forward to the WESTERN GROWERS
WITH FAMILY
Annual Meeting each year. It’s a great place for networking and learning.” – KATE ELMORE VAIL RANCHES, LLC
F From the opening gavel of the on-site board meeting to the closing Award of Honor dinner for Tom Nassif, the 2019 Western Growers Annual Meeting provided members and their families a chance to network with premier leaders in the industry all while enjoying the beauty and relaxation that only Maui could provide. Of course, the yearly event also featured dynamic celebrity keynote speakers, a solid array of educational sessions and, as always, many opportunities to visit and socialize with friends and colleagues. The 2019 Western Growers Annual meeting was the highest attended in the history of the company, proving that our growth as an organization is matched only by our growth as a family. - 2019 Annual Meeting Maui Sets the Stage for Friends, Family and Fun
SILVER SPONSORS (continued) Trical Wells Fargo WGFS Yamaha Zenith Insurance Company BRONZE SPONSORS AMVAC
DIAMOND SPONSORS Bayer Farm Credit RDO PLATINUM SPONSORS Anthem Blue Cross Bank of America CH Robinson Nutrien Ag Solutions Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc Rabo Agrifinance S2G Syngenta WGIS GOLD SPONSORS Marrone Bio Innovations Prudential Agricultural Investments Simplot SILVER SPONSORS AlliantGroup Corteva Agriculture Deerpoint, Group Inc International Paper John Deere Prophet Seed Innovation & Protection Alliance (SIPA)
INDUSTRY PARTNERS AeroVironment AGQ Labs Barkley Ag Enterprises Belli Architectual Group
Blue Book Services Buckman-Mitchell Bunzl USA Inc California Safe Soil
Bank of the West Booth Machinery Braga Fresh Family Farms Case IH First Health Network Gowan Green Rubber Kennedy Ag HealthStat iFood Decision Sciences Nelson Irrigation Netafim
Denham Plastics LLC Emerald Packaging FMC Colorado Grimmway Enterprises, Inc Holaday Seed Company JRG Attorneys at Law King City Nursery Law Offices of Shawn E. Caine Pan American Insurance Agency Progeny Advanced Genetics, Inc Progressive Packaging Group Rijk Zwaan Sakata Seed Sensitech Smart GuidedSystems LLC Southern Valley Chemical Co Tuttle, Taylor and Heron Vegetable Growers Supply Co Mixtec Group OneAmerica
North American Pipe Corporation Pacific Southwest Container LLC Quinn Company SWIIM Toro Valent Western Precooling WestRock
“WESTERN GROWERS continued to provide its members with tremendous progress throughout the year with a passion and dedication that is unmatched in our industry. From advocacy to support, the Association continues to be a strong ally in the advancement of agricultural growth.” – GARY PASQUINELLI PASQUINELLI PRODUCE
IN CELEBRATION
W 2019 Headlines & Highlights A Landmark Year for Western Growers Comes to a Close 2019 was a year that saw many changes for the Western Growers organization. From our progress and efforts within industry legislation and policy, to our continued efforts to provide valuable resources to our members, the past year has proved to be one that Western Growers will always remember. Change came within leadership, where 2019 saw the retirement of Tom Nassif, Western Growers President and CEO, after 18 years of service. Tom served our organization with a passion and dedication rarely seen. His efforts and interests always focused on providing the best for our association members. With Mr. Nassif’s departure from the organization, Western Growers, its board of directors and its members found his successor, nestled right within the very walls of the corporate offices. Dave Puglia, formerly Executive Vice President under Mr. Nassif, was officially announced as the new President and CEO, effective February 1st, 2020. Additionally, adding to the “changing of the guard” in 2019 were the announcements of Matt McInerney, Senior Executive Vice President, retiring after 43 years as well as the passing of the gavel from Ron Ratto, 2019’s Western Growers Chairman of the Board, to Ryan Talley of Talley Farms for the 2020 year.
- Ken Gilland retiring after 42 years of service as Western Growers’ Director, International Trade & Transportation - Bryan Nickerson, Manager, Trade Practices, was among the Graduates of CALP’s 48th Class - Western Growers was awarded the Alliance Award from the Industrial Commission of Arizona
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EDWIN CAMP D.M. Camp & Sons CAROL CHANDLER Chandler Farms, LP LAWRENCE COX Coastline Family Farms
DAVID GILL Rio Farms BRANDON GRIMM
GEORGE ADAM Innovative Produce ALEXANDRA ALLEN Main Street Produce, Inc KEVIN ANDREW Vanguard International, LLC ROBERT BARKLEY Barkley Ag Enterprises, LLP STEPHEN BARNARD Mission Produce, Inc BARDIN BENGARD Bengard Ranch GEORGE BOSKOVICH III Boskovich Farms, Inc NEILL CALLIS Turlock Fruit Company Inc DON CAMERON Terranova Ranch, Inc
ERIC REITER Reiter Affiliated Companies JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ (SONNY) The Growers Company, Inc WILL ROUSSEAU Rousseau Farming Company VICTOR SMITH JV Smith Companies KELLY STRICKLAND Five Crowns Marketing, Inc RYAN TALLEY Talley Farms BRUCE TAYLOR Taylor Farms California STUART WOOLF Woolf Farming & Processing ROB YRACEBURU Wonderful Orchards LLC
HAROLD MCCLARTY HMC Farms THOMAS MULHOLLAND Mulholland Citrus ALEX MULLER Pasquinelli Produce Company DOMINIC MUZZI JR Muzzi Family Farms, LLC MARK NICKERSON Prime Time International TOM NUNES (T5) The Nunes Company, Inc STEPHEN PATRICIO
Grimmway Farms JOHN JACKSON Beachside Produce LLC A.G. KAWAMURA Orange County Produce, LLC ALBERT P. KECK II Hadley Date Gardens, Inc
STEPHEN DANNA Danna Farms, Inc JOHN D’ARRIGO D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California THOMAS DEARDORFF II Deardorff Family Farms FRANZ DE KLOTZ Richard Bagdasarian, Inc SAMUEL DUDA Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc CATHERINE FANUCCHI Tri-Fanucchi Farms
FRED LOBUE, JR LoBue Farms, Inc
FRANK MACONACHY Ramsay Highlander, Inc JOHN MANFRE Frank Capurro and Son STEPHEN MARTORI III Martori Farms
Westside Produce RONALD RATTO Ratto Bros., Inc CRAIG READE Bonipak Produce
LOCATIONS
CALIFORNIA BAKERSFIELD 4900 California Avenue, Tower B, Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661.377.2964 | Fax 949.809.8907 FRESNO 7575 North Palm, Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93711 559.230.0507 | Fax 559.227.0970 IMPERIAL 485 Business Parkway, Suite B Imperial, CA 92251 760.355.3943 | Fax 760.355.3949 IRVINE 15525 Sand Canyon Irvine, CA 92618 949.863.1000 | Fax 949.863.9028
CALIFORNIA MODESTO 4230 Kiernan Avenue, Suite 100 Modesto, CA 95356 209.572.5171 | Fax 209.572.1655 OXNARD 1000 Town Center Drive, Suite 580 Oxnard, CA 923036 SACRAMENTO GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS OFFICE 1415 L Street, #1060 Sacramento, CA 95814 916.446.1435 | Fax 916.446.0181 SALINAS 928 East Blanco Road, Suite 210 Salinas, CA 93901 831.422.8831 | Fax 831.422.5565 SANTA MARIA 2605 South Miller, Suite 105 Santa Maria, CA 93455 805.934.1500 | Fax 805.934.2211
ARIZONA PHOENIX 5353 N. 16th Street, Suite 305 Phoenix, AZ 85014 602.266.6147 | Fax 602.277.8179 SOMERTON 3970 W. 24th Street, Suite 207 Yuma, AZ 85364 928.627.3766 | Fax 928.627.8031 WASHINGTON, D.C. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS OFFICE 1776 Eye Street, NW, Suite 255 Washington, D.C. 20006 202.296.0191 | Fax 202.296.0206 T: 949.863.1000 | F: 949.863.9028
Western Growers Association Phone: 1-949-863-1000
Fax: 1-949-863-9028 Email: info@wga.com
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