Guide to Membership
EXCLUSIVELY FOR WESTERN GROWERS MEMBERS
Commodity and Supply Chain Services
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Table of Contents
Communications
Education and Knowledge
Financial Services Health Benefits
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H-2A Services
Human Resources
Innovation
International Trade
Leadership Development
Legal
Science
Third Party Administration Pharmacy Benefit Manager
Lawrence Cox Ranches
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Western Growers has been assisting our members with contracts since 1966 and offers real-time assistance and educational support in the following areas: • Contract review • Good delivery guidelines • Import/export issues • Packaging requirements • Product arrival issues • Product guarantee statements • Rights and remedies for sales contracts • Standardization regulations • USDA/CFIA federal inspection analysis Dispute Resolution Experts in the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), the law that enforces fair trade practices in the fresh produce industry, Western Growers will help resolve contract disputes and collect in the event of slow pay. Services include informal reparation complaints, mediation and formal reparation complaints. PACA Training This 90-minute in-person or virtual training course covers everything your sales and accounting staff need to know to operate in accordance with PACA. Commodity and Supply Chain Services
Muzzi Farms
Bryan Nickerson Director, Membership bnickerson@wga.com
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Communications
Media Relations Western Growers works directly with traditional and digital media outlets to educate the public about issues of importance to the fresh produce industry and build informed support for our policy priorities. Western Growers earns regular media placement in state, national and international publications. Media Training Western Growers offers personalized in-person or virtual media training for individuals and groups. Media training can help members: • Prepare and practice talking points for scheduled (and unexpected) interviews with the media • Gain confidence in public speaking at events and on panels • Practice on-camera delivery for TV interviews or social media videos • Plan crisis management strategies for dealing with the press in unforeseen circumstances Social Media With well-developed audiences on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, Western Growers’ social media channels engage consumers and thought leaders with compelling content aimed at enhancing public
perceptions of the fresh produce industry. Follow us on the following platforms.
/WesternGrowers /Western_Growers /company/Western-Growers /WesternGrowers
Ratto Bros.
Ann Donahue Director, Marketing and Communications adonahue@wga.com
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Western Growers keeps its members educated and up to date on emerging issues through regular email newsletters, routine webinars, a bi-monthly magazine and weekly podcast episodes. Email Newsletters • AgScience Insider: Timely updates related to food safety, sustainability and other topics from a scientific perspective. • Financial Insights: Recap of financial news and trends driving stock market and investment portfolio performance. • Legal Insights: Information, resources and the latest legal news to keep members informed and compliant. • Produce Insights: Guidance on best practices for selling and shipping fresh produce. • WG Spotlight: A weekly email compilation of the latest industry news and information. Webinars Routine webinars provide knowledge and in-depth analysis on emerging legal and scientific topics from experts in the field.. WG&S Magazine WG&S highlights member stories, offers in-depth coverage of industry news and events, and features expert staff and guest analysis of emerging trends and issues. Voices of the Valley This weekly podcast series takes listeners on a journey as we explore how food gets from the field to the table. Guests provide candid insight into top consumer questions on topics ranging from technology to food safety to sustainability. Education and Knowledge
Marchini Farms
Kara Timmins (Email Newsletters/Webinars) Senior Manager, Marketing kmtimmins@wga.com
Michelle Rivera (WG&S Magazine/VOV) Senior Manager, Communications mrivera@wga.com
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Financial Services
Western Growers Financial Services (WGFS), a broker-dealer and registered investment advisor, is dedicated to creating and preserving financial security for individuals and companies. Corporate Asset Management WGFS can help your company establish and manage an effective corporate asset management plan that reflects your goals and risk tolerance. Investment Policy Design Western Growers members can leverage our expertise to design an investment policy that outlines a company’s investment strategy and governs its investment decision-making process. Retirement Plan Solutions The Retirement Security Plan is a 401(k) plan that offers a wide range of investment options, financial planning assistance and funding choices for agricultural companies and their employees. Wealth Management Planning WGFS understands the unique wealth management needs of farming families and can help craft a financial plan that is inclusive of tax considerations, legacy planning and charitable support.
Marthedal Farms
Matt Lewis President, Western Growers Financial Services mlewis@wga.com
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Health Benefits
Western Growers Health is the largest provider of health benefits for the agriculture industry. As a member-driven, non-profit organization, we have been helping ensure a healthy future for agricultural business owners and their employees since 1957. WG Health offers comprehensive health benefits and services at competitive prices, including full service, turnkey medical, dental and vision plans. In addition, we provide claims processing, eligibility, billing and COBRA administration services. Mexico Cross Border Program The Mexico Cross Border Program, included in every WG Health plan, offers medicaI and dentaI services in major border cities. Members can access quality care from licensed providers at a lower cost than the U.S., with $0 office visits and $5 generic medications. Our exclusive network includes general practice, specialty services, pharmacy, cardiology, lab and radiology. Cedar Health Centers Every WG Health plan provides access to our exclusive Cedar Health Centers, offering high-quality health care in a welcoming environment. Members enjoy $0 office visit copays, convenient locations and hours in key agricultural areas, and bilingual care for a range of services - from primary care to lab work and prescriptions - all under one roof. Health Management Program Included with WG Health plans, our health management program provides personalized care management and wellness services to assist participants in managing chronic health conditions. Our team of registered nurses, care coordinators and licensed behavioral therapists deliver top-notch care. Employer and Member Experience With field offices throughout California and Arizona, and bilingual customer service, we pride ourselves on meeting the everyday needs of our members. We offer concierge member engagement, the latest technology solutions, and online tools for easy access to health benefits information and care.
Cedar Health Center
Please contact your broker to discuss how Western Growers Health can help your business. For broker wholesale inquiries, please contact:
Peter Mehta (Northern CA) Regional Sales Director - Employee Benefits pmehta@wg-health.com
Jillian Urban (Southern CA & AZ) Regional Sales Director - Employee Benefits jurban@wg-health.com
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H-2A Services
Western Growers is one of the foremost H-2A experts in the country and a recognized leader in H-2A services. We take pride in supporting our members with dedicated service, clear legal guidance and member-exclusive pricing to help ensure their workers arrive when they are needed most. H-2A Services include: • Filing job orders, applications and petitions. • Helping members understand essential program requirements and stay in compliance with the law and regulations. • Working with reputable, certified foreign worker facilitators to assist with recruitment, visa applications, consular interview preparation and transportation arrangements. Western Growers is pleased to offer H2 Organizer , a secure and easy to use online platform that helps manage every step of the H2A process, including application tracking, document storage and compliance support. The system is free for members and includes added features to help simplify and organize the H-2A Program.
Braga Fresh Family Farms
Jordan Long Account Executive jlong@wga.com
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The Growers Company
Human Resources
People are our members’ most important assets, which is why Western Growers provides resources to recruit and retain top talent in the agriculture industry. AgSalary AgSalary is the only compensation and benefits survey specific to the California and Arizona fresh produce industry. The annual survey provides competitive pay data for 96 jobs in four main categories: executive, sales and marketing, plant and office, and field. Additionally, the survey captures details for over 20 categories of human resources practices, including health plan coverage, employee retention programs, incentive and bonus programs, merit increases and more.
Data is compiled by Industry Insights, a trusted third-party survey research firm.
Rincon Farms
Scan the QR Code to learn more – agsalary.com
Karen Timmins SVP, Human Resources ktimmins@wga.com
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Innovation
Automation Economics Template Western Growers has developed an economics template to help members evaluate the ROI of automation technology. A WG Assist option will be available for members to purchase a fractional financial analyst to help run the numbers. FIRA USA Co-sponsored by Western Growers, FIRA USA is an annual three-day automation and robotics showcase featuring in-field demos, exhibits, panel discussions and networking sessions. Global Harvest Automation Initiative (GHAI) The moonshot of the specialty crop industry, the GHAI aims to automate 50 percent of the fresh produce harvest within 10 years. Comprised of several key projects designed to support automation startups, including technology standardization, case studies, white papers and annual reports, and scaling field trials with grower partners. Next Gen Ag Workers With a grant awarded by the CDFA, the Next Gen Ag Workers program develops and implements standardized agtech curriculum for California’s two-year and four-year colleges and universities to help develop the next generation of STEM-trained agricultural workers. The program also places and funds summer internships in agtech-related positions throughout the industry. Salinas Biological Summit The Salinas Biological Summit is an annual conference that brings together multiple stakeholders to examine regulatory and consumer demands for less use of chemical inputs in agriculture and explore emerging technologies and biological solutions.
Carbon Robotics
Western Growers is driving the advancement of agricultural technology for the fresh produce industry.
The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) has emerged as the catalyst for this innovation, linking technology companies with growers and shippers, providing our agtech partners with the opportunity to apply and refine their solutions in real-world settings. To support the efforts of the WGCIT and the agtech needs of our members, Western Growers has built out the following resources and programs: AgTechX Ed In partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the AgTechX Ed Initiative is a statewide initiative aimed at developing an agricultural workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate emerging on-farm technology. Through a series of summits at local community colleges, AgTechX brings together key stakeholders to identify industry issues and skill needs, and to discuss education and workforce development strategies to meet future needs on the farm. Automation Case Studies A series of case studies on automation technologies that provide insights and tangible benefits through real grower data. Documents cost reductions, enhanced data collection and yield optimization in action.
Walt Duflock SVP, Innovation wduflock@wga.com
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International Trade
Western Growers helps our members navigate the regulatory barriers to imports and exports, including tariff and non-tariff barriers such as sanitary and phytosanitary requirements and maximum residue limits. Tariffs Western Growers can conduct research for members on a wide range of bound or applied tariffs on specific commodities. Phytosanitary Guidelines Western Growers can assist members in determining country specific phytosanitary requirements by commodity. Maximum Residue Levels Western Growers can help members determine pesticide MRLs for foreign countries and will act if there is an unreasonably low threshold. In the event of an MRL violation, Western Growers can assist members in responding to the foreign government and developing a compliance plan.
Tracey Chow Federal Government Affairs Director tchow@wga.com
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Leadership Development
Bonipak Produce Company
WG Leadership Program The Western Growers Leadership Program is a two-year program that identifies the next generation of leaders within member companies and introduces them to board of director service and other industry networking and advocacy opportunities. Program participants attend board of director meetings, tour a diverse range of director and other member farming operations, and engage in leadership development training through Western Growers University. WG Women WG Women aims to support professional growth for women in our member companies and pave the way for influential leadership opportunities in the fresh produce industry. Participants have access to a series of on-going virtual and regionally based workshops, retreats and advocacy activities. Topics include leadership, personality traits, performance management, teambuilding, media training, social media and more.
Karen Timmins SVP, Human Resources ktimmins@wga.com Bryan Nickerson Director, Membership bnickerson@wga.com
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Legal
Western Growers offers legal insights, guidance and resources to keep members informed and compliant on topics such as employment and labor law, H-2A regulatory updates and HR best practices. Ag Legal Network Members can take advantage of our network of law firms offering a 15 percent discount or more off their regular fees. For a list of participating firms, call (877) 942-4529. Legal Hotline Members seeking legal guidance on employment law-related questions can speak one-on-one with a Western Growers attorney. Call (877) 942-4529. Personnel Procedures Manual The Personnel Procedures Manual provides HR professionals with the latest employment policies and procedures to stay compliant with California, Arizona and federal law. Written by experienced agricultural employment lawyers, this easy- to-read manual follows the employer-employee relationship from pre-employment to termination and includes access to sample forms, checklists and key policy templates. WG University WG University provides onsite, online and one-on-one professional development and training courses tailored to the agriculture industry. Learning tracks include human resources and legal topics, leadership and management skills, and leadership development and organizational excellence.
Hadley Date Gardens
Priscila Cisneros (WG University) Learning and Development Manager pcisneros@wga.com
Teresa McQueen Corporate Counsel tmcqueen@wga.com
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Science
Western Growers experts provide important scientific information and services to members, policymakers and the public to promote healthy crops, a safe and secure food supply, reliable natural resources and climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices. Food Safety Western Growers Science works with regulators, academia and other stakeholders to advance the safety of fresh produce and offer member guidance and resources, including commodity-specific guidelines, regulatory compliance manuals, online and in-person training, white papers and fact sheets. Data Science GreenLink ® is a private, online platform that enables users to securely and anonymously share data. The platform allows visualization and monitoring of industry aggregated data by using tailored and user- friendly dashboards. Users can also benchmark, identify trends and learn from their food safety data. Environment and Climate Western Growers Science is expanding sustainability opportunities for the fresh produce industry by leading the Sustainable Produce Packaging Alliance for North America. Other efforts include facilitating access, education and validation for biological inputs and sustainable pest control tools; managing invasive species; providing pollinator resources; and navigating the soil health and regenerative agriculture landscape.
Grimmway Farms
De Ann Davis SVP, Science ddavis@wga.com
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Third-Party Administration
Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc. Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc. is a health benefits solution company that simplifies health benefit administration for self- funded employers. With our deep industry knowledge and hands-on approach, we help agricultural businesses deliver high-quality, cost- effective health benefits tailored to their workforce and budget. We become an extension of your benefits team—partnering with you to design and manage a plan that reflects your organization’s goals. From pharmacy integration to compliance support, Pinnacle delivers seamless administration backed by operational excellence and decades of proven performance. As a fully independent partner, our only allegiance is to your business. We offer access to best-fit networks nationwide, along with flexible plan designs, transparent pricing, and custom-built solutions that help control costs without compromising care. Through proactive health management and concierge-level service, Pinnacle simplifies and optimizes the health benefits experience for your employees. What you get: • 70+ years of health plan administration expertise • Operational excellence you can count on • 100% independence—we’re aligned with you, not carriers • Nationwide reach with best-fit networks • Seamless administration + pharmacy benefit integration
• Custom-built solutions that align with your goals • Transparent pricing and flexible plan designs • Proactive health management programs • Concierge member services with robust platforms • A trusted partner dedicated to your success
Kyle Gerdts VP, Pinnacle Sales and Account Management kgerdts@pinnacletpa.com
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Pharmacy Benefit Manager PinnacleRx Solutions (PRxS) PinnacleRx Solutions (PRxS) is a full-service Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) supporting Western Growers Health and other self-funded employer health plans across a range of industries. With over 25 years of experience, we deliver strategic pharmacy benefit solutions designed to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. By combining clinical insights, financial stewardship, customized benefit plans and personalized service, we offer a high-touch pharmacy program unlike most. Our independently owned model ensures our focus stays where it belongs: with your employees. We offer both traditional and passthrough pricing options, along with fully customized plan designs that reflect your coverage goals and fiscal priorities. When employers choose PRxS, our pharmacy team works directly with prescribing physicians to identify cost-effective, clinically sound prescriptions—ensuring a smooth transition when adopting our PBM and supporting continuity of care from day one. For example, our Clinical Intervention Savings Program (CISP) engages prescribers in peer-to-peer consultations, producing measurable savings that can net up to 22% in the first year. With nationwide access to more than 67,000 pharmacies, robust formulary management, and proactive patient engagement strategies, PRxS empowers your team with PBM solutions that are innovative, efficient and effective.
What you get: • Ultra high-touch member service
• 25+ years of pharmacy and claims experience • Independently owned, client-aligned model • Traditional and passthrough pricing options • Custom plan designs and clinical cost containment • 67,000+ pharmacies nationwide • Custom formulary & plan designs • Specialty drug support and mail order with free delivery • Top-tier rebate programs with quarterly funding • Clear reporting, insight, and ongoing support
Don Anderson, PharmD VP, Health Management and Clinical Services danderson@prxsolutions.com
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Scan to learn more or visit wga.com
For Membership inquiries please contact: Rob Steinmann Member Relations Manager rsteinmann@wga.com
For Member Services please contact:
Cheryl Hall Manager, Member Services chall@wga.com
Grimmway Farms
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