Western Growers will continue working with the produce industry to understand and address the risks associated with agricultural water through the use of data analytics, leading industry efforts and working with all stakeholders. The role that data science and analytics play in filling knowledge gaps will provide insights and help improve the understanding of different aspects such as various water sources, application methods, and treatment and timing of water applications. Only through collaboration with agricultural neighbors in sharing knowledge, responsibility, and taking a holistic approach to managing water quality and safety can we support a sustainable and safe use of agricultural water.
being unable to control adjacent land uses that can impact the quality and safety of agricultural water. We anticipate issues regarding what constitutes nearby areas, appropriate action(s), or mitigation measures that are not solely dependent on antimicrobial water treatments. As the FDA moves towards a risk-based approach for managing agricultural water, we encourage the agency to work with federal, state and local agencies to support water quality and safety and consider their role and role of other users in water quality and safety. In addition, data-sharing and data analytics can play a key role in filling knowledge gaps and enhancing how farms manage agricultural water in the future.
35-Year Western Growers Veteran Leo Sanchez Retires “LEO BLEEDS WESTERN GROWERS GREEN.”
A fter more than 35 years of dedicated service to Western Growers, Leo Sanchez retired in February 2022. Sanchez originally joined WG as one of the first sales representatives in Salinas from 1978 to 1983. He returned to the company in 1991, where he dutifully served WG members and substantially expanded WG Insurance Services’ business footprint. Throughout his tenure, Sanchez grew WGIS’ book of members by 1,040 percent and added over $25 million in contributions statewide. For anyone who knows Sanchez, they know that WG and the agricultural industry run through his veins. WG thanks Sanchez for his dedicated service and wishes him a long, healthy and joyous retirement.
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WG’s Dave Puglia and Leo at Leo’s retirement party.
MARCH | APRIL 2022
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Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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