WG_YIR_2-dm_prod

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

WITH US.

To our WG Members,

There’s a question we often ask ourselves: How do we better provide our members clear and concise information about all that this association and its affiliated entities do to advance the industry’s cause and serve our members’ businesses? Our 2023 Year in Review is a key resource that details our dedication to advocating for you and your businesses. It’s an overview of the vast number of services we provide our members, and it’s a reminder that we never rest on our laurels when it comes to thinking proactively and creatively about the people we serve. It all depends on our people, and in 2023, we brought aboard some key new professionals. We’re proud that our team, now more than 450 people strong across the Western Growers Family of Companies, works hard every day to ensure we are the best in class, and always looking around the corner to do even more to meet the needs of the future. Whether it’s our experts in government affairs, science, innovation, financial services, training and development, healthcare or insurance, their daily motivation is to provide best-in-industry service for you, your business and the fresh produce industry.

We enter 2024 with the same tenacity we’ve had for almost 100 years, and we hope you continue to look to us for any and all support you need.

Thank you,

Dave Puglia President & CEO, Western Growers

Albert Keck President, Hadley Date Gardens and 2022-23 Chair of the Western Growers Board of Directors

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

The leading grower representative in Washington D.C. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

FARM BILL The Farm Bill dictates U.S. farm and food policy, and Western Growers is fighting for stronger support and resources for our industry in the ongoing reauthorization process. WG has secured bipartisan Congressional endorsements for several priorities, including new funding for mechanization research and development, improved crop insurance and reforms to broaden eligibility for USDA disaster assistance and conservation programs. With an updated Farm Bill still on the horizon in the new year, WG will continue advocating for our industry and building support.

OUR IMPACT.

IMMIGRATION WG worked toward improvements to the H-2A temporary guest worker program as well as the lives of our current workforce. We have built upon existing relationships in the Administration to provide insight and feedback on labor-related regulations and provided comments to proposed rules from the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security. PESTICIDES WG continues to emphasize the use of existing crop inputs while advocating for sustainable next-generation products. We provided comments on regulations impacting registered products used by our members, including those related to the Endangered Species Act. WG also organized a group of leading organizations producing cutting-edge, biological-based products to have a regular dialogue with the Environmental Protection Agency to work toward streamlined registration of new products that matter most to our membership.

PLASTICS The Canadian government has aggressively moved to curb plastic packaging and waste this year, including in the produce sector. As it is by far our top export market, the current proposals would harm our growers’ ability to supply fresh produce to Canadians. In response, we have conducted extensive member outreach on packaging innovation and realities, and what the impact of these proposals would have on your business. Armed with the true impact of the proposal, we have reached out to the U.S. government for assistance as well as to the Canadian government. Our opposition to the current language has been pushed not only through substantive written comments filed in Canada but also via direct engagement with ministry officials and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself.

SEE 2024 WG CHAIR STUART WOOLF SPEAK ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Dedicated to tackling the unique challenges facing Arizona agriculture. ARIZONA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

The 2023 Arizona Legislative session was unique. For the first time in 15 years, Arizona experienced split governance, with the Governor and Legislature from different parties. Adjourning on July 31, at 204 days the 2023 session was the longest legislative session in state history. (Arizona does not have a set time frame for its legislative sessions.) 1,675 bills were introduced, with 305 passing. Gov. Katie Hobbs established herself as willing to buck trends, setting a record number of vetoes at 143 bills, even some that reached her desk with bipartisan support. With substantial surplus revenues, a $17.8 billion compromise budget passed with a plethora of one-time expenses and increases to numerous programs. The session also saw the expulsion of Liz Harris from the House, only the fifth Legislator in history to be expelled. Perhaps the biggest drama of the session was over Hobbs’ nomination of Department heads. Republican leadership created the Senate Committee on Director Nominations with the purpose of evaluating Hobbs’ nominees for department director positions. Only five of the Governor’s nominees won full Senate confirmation. The committee did not vet the vast majority of the Governor’s nominees during session and was supposed to meet over the summer to hear the remaining agency director nominations. Committee meetings were canceled, and the Legislature adjourned without getting to the list of nominees, leaving most directors in limbo for the foreseeable future.

ARIZONA SUPPORT.

SIGNIFICANT PRIORITIES IN THE 2023 SESSION

HB2022 Sponsored by Rep. Tim Dunn, and signed by Governor Hobbs, reduced specific application fees for permits at the Arizona Department of Water Resources to $100, reduced from up to $10,000 per application previously. This bill was in response to WG-expressed concerns related to regulatory requirements in regions of Arizona, which require application for grandfathered water rights. The bill was passed with an emergency clause, rendering it effective immediately upon signature. HB2026 Sponsored by Rep. Tim Dunn, included in the final budget, appropriated $30 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Fund. WG advocated strongly for this very successful program, that is a continuation of the program after the success of the initial creation and investment in the 2022 budget. HB2056 Sponsored by Rep. Lupe Diaz, and vetoed by Governor Hobbs, would have clarified what qualifies

as a “water of Arizona.” Specifically, an eroded terrain feature such as a dry wash, arroyo, swale, gully, or rill, characterized by low volume, infrequent, or brief water flows, will not fall within the definition of “water of this state.” WG staff worked to gain supportive votes for the legislation, which would offer clarity toward the regulation of waterways.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Continuing a legacy of powerful advocacy for California agriculture. CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

CROP PROTECTION AB 1042 Western Growers was part of a coalition in opposition to this bill, which would have largely prohibited, beginning January 1, 2026, the selling and use of pesticide-treated seeds in California. Although the bill passed out of the Assembly, our efforts helped slow its progress in the Senate and it eventually was held in committee. LABOR SB 399 WG helped lead opposition to this bill, which would essentially prohibit the discussion of political and religious matters in the workplace. Employers would be prevented from requiring employees to attend employer-sponsored meetings or participating in other discussions with the employer if the purpose is to convey the employer’s opinion on political matters. We believe this bill would violate the First Amendment and would lead to additional litigation exposure to our members. This bill was held in the Assembly. SB 799 WG was a vocal opponent to this bill, which would broaden unemployment eligibility requirements to those employees who have been on strike for at least two weeks. This would have raised costs for employers and placed additional pressure on the unemployment insurance fund. The bill was vetoed.

CALIFORNIA SUPPORT.

WATER AB 429 This bill was another attempt to put onerous requirements on farmers who need to drill a new well or replace an old well. The bill would have likely resulted in restricted water availability for food production and unnecessary interference with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. WG was a key part of the opposition that caused this bill to be held in committee and not move this year. AB 460 This bill applies to the public trust doctrine and would allow the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to adopt an interim relief order imposing new minimum instream flows, is contrary to the state and federal constitutions, and would allow for increased penalties. There was fierce opposition to this measure from agriculture and water districts due to overall concerns that water reliability in California could be questioned due to the overly broad language of the bill. The bill failed passage out of the Senate. AB 1337 This bill would give the SWRCB unprecedented statutory authority to curtail the diversion or use of water under any claim of right during any water year—even in a year of record precipitation. Furthermore, this bill infringes on due process protections and does not provide a process for people that will be impacted by a decision under the bill to provide evidence and be heard by a neutral arbiter. WG was a key player in opposition to the bill. We were successful in having the bill held in committee. SB 389 This bill would authorize the SWRCB to investigate and ascertain whether a water right is valid. WG helped negotiate these amendments because the original bill would have authorized the SWRCB to investigate water diversions and use of that water. SB 389 was signed into law.

Western Growers’ Government Affairs team works tirelessly to keep the best interests of agriculture, farmers and farmworkers in the forefront of legislators’ minds as they craft legislation. Farming, in all of its many aspects, is a vital element of California’s culture and economy; the WGA voice is and has been a strong and trusted resource for agriculture.

– WG Board Member Catherine Fanucchi Tri-Fanucchi Farms

SCIENCE

Leveraging the power of science and data to move the fresh produce industry forward.

In 2023, GreenLink ® was issued trademark protection by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). GreenLink ® also experienced significant growth, and now it includes over 6 million data points, a total of 351 growers and 2,070 ranches. Frank Yiannas (former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner) became a GreenLink ® Advisor and is working closely with other renowned experts. GreenLink ® users have engaged in initiatives, such as calls to action, to encourage the consistent sharing of testing data to advance collective learning, prevention and early detection efforts. WESTERN GROWERS DATA SHARING PLATFORM

WITH SCIENCE.

EXOTIC FRUIT FLY OUTREACH Due to an exceptionally challenging Exotic Fruit Fly season, WG partnered with CDFA to launch an informational web page to provide growers with resources and updates on the progressing issue. LGMA TEST AND LEARN PROGRAM After official changes to the CA LGMA-approved guidelines on September 21, 2023, WG worked closely with the CA LGMA to support the implementation of the new requirement for the CA LGMA members to submit romaine testing data for two years (LGMA Test & Learn Program). GreenLink ® is facilitating the collection and analysis of the data. WG continues to facilitate enrollment in the program and offer technical assistance.

PLASTIC REGULATIONS In collaboration with our colleagues on the WG Federal and State Government Affairs teams, we are closely engaged in the progression of California and Canadian policies that would change plastic packaging rules. RISING IMPORTANCE OF BIOLOGICS WG has been closely following the developments of the Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap released in early 2023. With the growing importance of identifying and validating tools to address current and anticipated pest control needs, WG is supporting the development and innovation of biological products. PREVENTION IS KEY TO PRODUCE FOOD SAFETY FDA’s Human Foods Program At the request of FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, the Reagan-Udall Foundation facilitated an evaluation of the agency’s Human Foods Program, including an end-to-end review of its organizational structure, resources and culture. WG provided both verbal and written comments on 2022. In 2023, WG started working with diverse stakeholders to develop concrete suggestions for the agency to implement recommendations noted in the Reagan-Udall Foundation report and enhance collaboration. The plan is to present those recommendations to the agency in 2024. FDA Regulatory Activities WG members and WG Science staff have continued to work on advancing data-sharing in the context of surveillance and sampling assignments and will continue to do so in 2024. We anticipate a pilot program next year that embraces data sharing and deprioritizes those operations that share data through GreenLink ® in future surveillance sampling assignments.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

WG Science maintains a member-based working group that meets monthly and provides a platform for WG staff to share timely updates on ongoing legislation and solicit feedback from engaged members.

INNOVATION

Accelerating the advancement of agricultural technology for the fresh produce industry.

2023 AGTECH OVERVIEW There were major milestones in the three key Western Growers Innovation Initiatives in 2023: automation, biologicals and Next Gen Ag Worker. These exclusive initiatives are here to provide WG members with the best tools and resources to adapt and succeed amidst pressures in our ever-changing industry.

NEW TECHNOLOGY.

BIOLOGICALS On June 20-21, 2023, WG (with our partners at Wharf 42) launched the Salinas Biological Summit to bring the world together and focus on the emerging portfolio of chemical and biological solutions for crop protection. Over 300 attendees—including chemical manufacturers, distributors, innovators and researchers—had a chance to learn from each other and review the state-of-the-art and cutting-edge innovations with the people developing and investing in them. The next Salinas Biological Summit will be June 25-26, 2024.

AUTOMATION FIRA USA, co-sponsored by Western Growers, was held September 19-21, 2023, at the Salinas Sports Complex. With help from our partners UC ANR and GOFAR, the event transitioned to an outdoor format with live demonstrations in vegetables, orchards and vineyards all three days. With over 1,700 attendees, 50+ exhibitors and 17 companies providing live demonstrations, the event helped create new conversations between robot manufacturers, partners and growers. This year a high school student event was added on day one that had over 300 local students getting a dynamic overview of the automation offering and ag (and/or Agtech) as a possible career path. FIRA USA 2024 will be held at Yolo County Fairgrounds in October 2024, and beginning in 2024, verified growers get to attend for free. NEXT GEN AG WORKER WG received grant support to identify and develop curriculum that helps solve skills gaps, helps educate more students with the curriculum and helps place them in internships while providing up to $3,000 per student in scholarship costs for the position. The grant target is to deliver 3,000 agtech-enabled workers over four years. With 500 students using the curriculum modules in fall 2023, we are comfortably on pace to exceed that target. The extra funds are being used to develop a mobile app for tracking students after they completed curriculum modules and provide additional scholarship funds.

LEGAL

Expert legal guidance and trusted member resource.

LEGAL ADVOCACY In 2023, the Western Growers Legal Department played a pivotal role in shaping the judicial landscape in various critical cases impacting the agricultural industry, encompassing employment, water and environmental issues. Key involvements include: Wage and Hour Litigation: In Luis Morales-Garcia v. Better Produce, Inc., the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a significant wage and hour decision benefiting the produce industry. WG led a coalition to support Red Blossom Sales, Inc. and Better Produce, Inc. through an amicus brief. Agricultural Water Discharge Regulations: In Environmental Law Foundation v. State Water Board , WG joined a coalition responding to a California Supreme Court petition, defending the State and Regional Board’s interpretations of the Nonpoint Source Policy.

In a separate matter, WG challenged aspects of the State Water Resources Control Board’s Ag Order 4.0, focusing on economic considerations and flexibility in implementing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).

WITH COUNSEL.

INDUSTRY GUIDANCE The Personnel Procedures Manual (PPM) continues to be the industry-leading resource for agricultural HR professionals and managers, with updated content, policies and checklists. Members seeking legal guidance received one-on-one guidance about employment law and HR-related questions by calling the HR/Legal Hotline at 877.942.4529. LEGAL INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER The Western Growers Legal Insights Newsletter, the most comprehensive and relevant source for legal news and information covering new laws and cases that affect the workplace; bills that are making their way into the law books; more localized news and information; and best practices to ensure a legally compliant workplace, reached members’ inboxes every Friday. WESTERN GROWERS LEGAL WEBINARS AND SEMINARS Western Growers Legal Resources hosted Seminars or Webinars on the following topics in 2023:

Groundwater Allocation Dispute: In Mojave Pistachios v. Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority , WG supported Mojave Pistachios’ challenge to the Groundwater Sustainability Plan, emphasizing consistency with California groundwater rights law.

Public Health and Chemical Regulation: In CMTA v. OEHHA , WG submitted a brief to the California Supreme Court opposing the perchlorate public health goal under review.

Pesticide Regulation: In a case involving the ban of sulfoxaflor, WG contributed an amicus brief in supporting the industry’s perspective.

REGULATORY ADVOCACY Kroger/Albertsons Merger: WG submitted a coalition letter to the Federal Trade Commission expressing concerns about the potential impacts of the planned merger between the largest and second-largest supermarket chains in the United States on the produce industry. Federal Rulemaking: WG has actively engaged in advocacy efforts by submitting comments on three proposed rules by the Department of Labor, Department of Homeland Security and OSHA, respectively. Each proposed rule has profound implications for the specialty crop industry. H-2A SERVICES WG H-2A Services filed hundreds of H-2A applications and petitions on behalf of WG members in 2023. The service, available exclusively to WG members, mitigated labor shortages by helping members successfully employ over 7,000 H-2A workers on a seasonal basis.

California Privacy Rights Act Handling Difficult Employee Leave Issues Employee Handbook Workshops

2023 Legal Update Union Card Check ESG/Greenwashing Claims

INTERESTED IN H-2A OR OTHER LEGAL SERVICES? Please contact Jason Resnick at jresnick@wga.com or 949.885.2253 , or visit www.wga.com/membership-services/legal-h2a-services to learn more.

WESTERN GROWERS UNIVERSITY

Professional development and training programs tailored to the agricultural industry.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2023 At Western Growers University, we’re not just evolving; we’re actively shaping the future of agricultural professional development. Over recent months, we’ve strategically realigned our training programs to cater to the dynamic needs of Western Growers members and the broader agricultural community seeking solutions for their training and development requirements.

YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

Across three distinct learning tracks comprising over 20 courses—spanning Human Resources and Legal topics, Leadership and Management skills, and Organizational Excellence—we’ve not only updated curriculums but also redesigned programs and structured our offerings to precisely address the diverse needs of our participants. Throughout this strategic adaptation, Western Growers University reaffirms its commitment to mission, vision, and core values. Our reorganization underscores our dedication to providing accessible pricing and highly customized professional development opportunities, ensuring we stay true to our core principles and maintain a strong focus. Additionally, we introduced our new Training Needs Assessment Tool. This tool is designed to assist companies in planning their training programs. By using this resource, you gain a proactive approach to identifying and addressing your specific training needs. Our experienced team is ready to offer dedicated support, ensuring that your training initiatives not only meet but exceed expectations. Take the first step today to explore the possibilities and enhance your team’s skills through strategic planning and expert guidance. Your journey towards comprehensive and effective training begins here.

MISSION Western Growers University is on a mission to develop the agricultural workforce through tailored professional training, providing accessible and highly customized opportunities. We aim to equip individuals in the industry with essential knowledge and skills, enabling them to drive value and make a positive impact within their organizations. VISION Our vision at Western Growers University is to cultivate a dynamic and innovative learning environment, integrating collaborative problem-solving and forward-thinking. Through this steadfast commitment, we propel the agricultural workforce to new levels of excellence and adaptability, establishing an industry benchmark for leadership. CORE VALUES Our core values drive us to create a thriving community of professionals who continuously learn and grow.

Design a tailored training program with our Training Needs Assessment tool!

ACCESS THE WGU ASSESSMENT TOOL HERE

Excellence Accessibility Customization Leadership Development

Respect Community Continuous Learning

Priscila Cisneros pcisneros@wga.com 949.439.9740

STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS Ensuring the health of our members’ most valuable resource: their employees.

In the summer of 2023, we launched our Healthcare Concierge App powered by Rightway for both Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) and Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc., clients. This platform enables members to enjoy simplified healthcare navigation, live support with billing and healthcare coverage and personalized guidance in finding providers and treatment options, helping them make more informed decisions about their health.

PROTECTED.

This year also marked a huge return to in-person gatherings. WGAT hosted three in-person broker events and one virtual event for brokers to learn more about new and improved product offerings.

A significant focus of the team’s efforts this year was addressing medical inflation trends. The team’s efforts in helping clients control costs resulted in minimal cost

increases, significantly below established benchmarks. We also launched new products, such as Rx CoPay Optimization Program and Spousal HRA, designed to save clients money on benefit expenses.

Pinnacle announced the hire of Kyle Gerdts as its VP of Sales and

Account Management to oversee business development and client service. Gerdts, alongside Pinnacle President Steve Mangapit, spearheaded a remarkable year of growth for

Pinnacle, marking the largest increase in covered lives in more than five years.

KYLE GERDTS VP of Sales and Account Management

INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

Bringing sophisticated capabilities and innovative risk management solutions to agriculture.

Western Growers Insurance Services (WGIS) leverages unparalleled expertise in insurance markets and a nuanced understanding of agribusiness. Our unwavering commitment is to empower clients by not only assisting in the identification and mitigation of risk, but also by delivering cutting-edge solutions, a more competitive employee benefits program and adeptly navigating the dynamic landscape of the continuously evolving insurance market. In 2023, the broader insurance industry saw unprecedented challenges, including escalating reinsurance rates, a surge in cyber losses and a spike in Employment Practices Liability claims in California. In the realm of Property, insurance buyers have grappled with coverage cancellations, non-renewals, severely restrictive options and significantly fewer alternatives, all coupled with soaring premiums. Auto Liability has presented its own set of difficulties, characterized by a dearth of options and escalated rates. Finally, Excess Liability has witnessed higher attachment points and rates, accompanied by diminished limits.

WITH CHANGE.

Concurrently, a fiercely competitive atmosphere has emerged in the workers’ compensation market.

Throughout all of this, WGIS is proud to have been able to take care of its clients, made possible by experienced staff, an innovative approach and alternative risk solutions. WGIS has also strategically allocated resources to fortify its proficiency in crop insurance, including traditional solutions to crop coverage and cutting-edge alternatives.

Further, the team at WGIS has positioned itself competitively in various markets, notably excelling in Product Recall. Collaborating closely with insurers, we are steadfast in securing expanded coverage terms at reasonable prices.

On the Employee Benefits front, our dedication extends to enhancing the broker distribution channel for Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT), fostering robust collaborations with brokers to ensure their comprehensive understanding of our diverse offerings. Our key initiatives for 2023 also included the streamlining and simplification of the Employee Benefits enrollment process, aiming to ensure that access to our employee benefits offerings through WGAT is as seamless as possible, whether through our extensive broker network or via direct

engagement with WGIS. This commitment reflects our tireless pursuit of excellence in every facet of our service to clients.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Focused on asset management and retirement security.

Western Growers Financial Services (WGFS) continues to provide tailored financial services to meet the needs of agricultural companies, owners and their employees. From corporate asset management to individual money management to tax-advantaged retirement accounts, WGFS now manages more than $400 million in assets for WG members and clients.

$400M MEMBER ASSETS

FINANCIALLY STRONG.

As WGFS clients, WG member companies and individual investors enjoy the ultra-low cost of investment expenses while having access to a registered investment advisor and institutional level services through Northwest Plan Services and Charles Schwab.

In 2023, WGFS helped member companies navigate an uncertain inflationary environment while outperforming key market indices. For example, WGFS clients were able to take advantage of the rise in interest rates by securing guaranteed rates of return on working capital higher in yield than most certificates of deposit.

Additionally, two new companies were added to the Retirement Security Plan (RSP), the plug-and-play 401(k) plan WG member companies can offer their employees, bringing the total number of RSP clients to 40 companies.

RSP CLIENTS

PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS

Advocacy through media relations and social media. PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS

MEDIA RELATIONS The WG Public Affairs and Communications Team is responsible for outreach that extols the good work within the organization and its member companies. In 2023, we earned a potential audience of more than 9.4 billion for coverage of Western Growers, its members and executives. There were more than 200 total media requests from digital, print, broadcast outlets and podcasts. We proactively sent out 43 press releases to mainstream, ag and insurance trade reporters. INDUSTRY TOPICS THAT EARNED WG THE MOST COVERAGE WERE: Drought in the Western states Farm Bill California storms coverage Agtech Labor challenges due to immigration

OP-EDS PLACED IN: The Packer And Now U Know

Maven Bakersfield Californian

KEY PLACEMENTS OCCURRED IN OUTLETS INCLUDING: The New York Times, The Washington Post, Politico, NPR, USA Today, PBS, CalMatters, ag trades 14 MEDIA TRAINING SESSIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS INCLUDING: Western Growers Women, the WG Science’s Food Safety Advisory Subcommittee and the Pacific Seed Association.

OUR VOICE.

In summer 2023, we announced the launch of our Healthcare Concierge App powered by Rightway, a groundbreaking service designed to revolutionize the healthcare experience for WGAT and Pinnacle members. WG also extended its support to facilitate the development of new business opportunities, welcoming several new clients. We sent out weekly editions of the Spotlight e-mail newsletter to our membership base, as well as publishing six issues of Western Grower & Shipper magazine. SOCIAL MEDIA In 2023, WG social media platforms have continued to push the envelope when it comes to educating consumers about the realities of the agriculture industry. For the first time in WG history, all WGFC accounts are under the same individual manager, ensuring a cohesive voice across the brand. WG social media lead the first event in the Western Growers Women relaunch, resulting in a four-hour comprehensive training on the topic to more than 30 women in the industry. We partnered with Fox on reality TV show “Farmer Wants a Wife” for the first Western Growers-television collaboration of its kind. COMMUNICATIONS WG continues to support its family of companies, including Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) and Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc., through brand awareness and public relations efforts.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS WG continues to double down on industry-leading strategic initiatives in response to key public policy threats facing the grower community. Examples include: PAGA After helping fund the campaign that qualified PAGA reform for the 2024 ballot, WG and our business coalition have launched a parallel public affairs campaign aimed at achieving a legislative solution to PAGA. CARD CHECK In response to the passage of card check legislation, WG and our industry association allies have formed the California Farmworker Information Center (CFIC), a nonprofit dedicated to educating farmworkers about their rights under the new law and potential concerns with signing union cards. The CFIC has developed an in-language website (www.infocampesinos.org) and companion radio and digital ads that have run—and will continue to run—in key growing regions across the state, including the Central Valley, Central Coast, and Coachella and Imperial Valleys.

Social media totaled a 156 percent increase in reach on Facebook and 213 percent increase in reach on Instagram.

COMMODITY & SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES

Providing consultation on produce contracts, PACA education and collections support. COMMODITY & SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Successfully managed 26 PACA reparation actions, recovering a substantial sum exceeding $750,000 for 20 distinct Western Growers shipper members.

GLOBALLY.

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH Conducted 26 PACA sales training sessions, catering to a diverse audience, including shippers, brokers, distributors and produce associations. Delivered crucial insights into fresh produce best practices and specific contract compliance methods. ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP Spearheaded efforts within a supplier coalition to identify and address subjective unilateral retailer practices and inequitable fee programs. Demonstrated leadership in advocating for fair treatment of the supplier community. INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION Successfully applied for and gained acceptance into prestigious industry bodies, including the CDFA Market Enforcement Committee and the Dispute Resolution Corporation board of directors. This expansion enhances international leadership and influence capabilities for WG members.

KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION Authored monthly Produce Insights blog posts, distilling complex topics into easy- to-digest content. Covered essential industry best practices, including shipping and receiving, amending sales contracts and crucial steps to mitigate loss while safeguarding sellers’ PACA Trust rights.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Helping members stay informed and compliant on workplace issues.

Western Growers continues to underwrite the efforts of a series of significant, member-facing initiatives managed by members of its human resources department. These are designed to provide members with exclusive, high-quality resources. The annual Compensation and Benefits survey continues to improve. WG engages the firm Industry Insights to act as the gatherer of raw compensation and benefits data to compile it in a format that is easy to access, read and understand. Those submitting data will continue to receive the results for free. In 2024, we will add more jobs at members’ request. WG and its ongoing partnership with the Arbinger Institute remains an integral part of the leadership and management training and development offerings to its employees and its members. Arbinger continues to improve their course content by delivering material that is practical, applicable and sustainable.

YOUR TEAM.

As a fellow in the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation’s (CALF) program in 2014, I was introduced to “Leadership and Self-Deception,” the first in a suite of Arbinger books...This awareness of what I bring to situations, how the change I wish to see starts within myself, and the accountability that we must hold ourselves to when wanting to better relationships and situations, was life-changing.

Priscila Cisneros Training and Development Manager Western Growers University

The potential impact on adult learners to take full responsibility for their own choices, decisions and interactions with others is why WG brings this curriculum to the WG Women, members and its own workforce. Our confidence in the material and tools is why we waited for them to develop inclusion training; this class is presented in a storytelling format which recognizes everyone experiences headwinds and tailwinds in their life. Members can reach out to Karen Timmins, Cierra Allen or Priscila Cisneros to learn more on how to take advantage of the various offerings. If you are trying to be fair, or just simply competitive, you can’t make good decisions on compensation without good data. And the more data the better, since the competition for talent is intense and the right offer is essential. – Bob Gray, former Chair of the WG Board

– Abby Taylor-Silva, EVP, California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, Class 45 Alumnus

WESTERN GROWERS WOMEN

Offering professional development and networking for women in agriculture.

After a brief hiatus, the Western Growers Women (WGW) Program—the produce industry’s top education and networking initiative for women—successfully relaunched on Oct. 5, 2023, with an in-person event in Santa Maria, Calif. The relaunch included a panel of program graduates as well as a panel featuring women in leadership. The relaunch event concluded with a farm tour of Bonipak Produce.

THE FUTURE.

HELD THREE WEBINARS IN FALL 2023

PART ONE 28 25 22

ATTENDEES IN SOCIAL MEDIA

ATTENDEES IN SOCIAL MEDIA PART TWO

ATTENDEES IN MEDIA TRAINING

SINCE RELAUNCHING IN OCTOBER 2023, WESTERN GROWERS WOMEN HAS

31 62

PARTICIPANTS ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM, SEVEN WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY ENROLLED

LINKEDIN GROUP MEMBERS

The WGW program was the ideal place for me to connect and learn with and from other ladies in similar environments.

– Marisol Moreno, Controller, Allied Potato

ANNUAL MEETING

The premier industry networking and educational event. 2023 ANNUAL MEETING

Over the years, Western Growers has established a high standard of excellence for its Annual Meeting. The 97th Annual Meeting at the 5-star Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa raised the bar even higher with timely and relevant educational sessions, dynamic and visionary speakers and fun-filled activities and networking events. With record sponsorship and near-record attendance, the strength of the WG ‘Ohana’ was on full display in paradise.

WITH THE FAMILY.

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2023 ANNUAL MEETING INCLUDED:

A thought-provoking Kickoff Keynote from Temple Grandin , professor, best-selling author, animal behaviorist and autism self-advocate, who shared insight into different ways of thinking, making the case that the world needs all kinds of minds. The PAC Luncheon was headlined by author, environmentalist and two-time

candidate for California governor, Michael Schellenberger. A self-styled “eco-modernist,” Schellenberger presented the thesis that while climate change is happening, it is not the end of the world, and advocated for the use of technology to address environmental challenges. AGSHARKS Provision was selected as the audience choice winner and Climate Robotics ultimately walked away with the $250,000 equity investment offer from S2G ventures. The developer of mobile biochar production systems sold the judges on its potential to decarbonize the atmosphere and improve soil health. CHAIR’S LUNCHEON AND KEYNOTE Albert Keck reflected on his two-year term during the Chair’s Luncheon and Keynote , leaning heavily on the theme of family and the ties that bind the WG membership together. Artificial intelligence was center stage with the keynote presentation by world-renowned futurist Jim Carroll . AWARD OF HONOR DINNER GALA The Award of Honor Dinner Gala Tuesday night was a fitting and proper evening honoring John D’Arrigo , a true industry icon who has impacted countless lives in the Monterey County community through his contributions to the Kinship Center, Natividad Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs. Tom Papa rounded out the evening with a hilarious stand-up set that managed to find the funny in the routine.

ANNUAL MEETING

2023 ANNUAL MEETING SPONSORS

WITH THE FAMILY.

BRONZE SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS

AMVAC Blank Rome Braga Fresh Certis Biologicals Cultiva D’Arrigo New York

Muzzi Family Farms Netafim Pairwise

SIPA – Seed Innovation & Protection Alliance Springbuk Western Precooling Westlake Pipe & Fittings WestRock

Fennemore Harris Farms iFoodDS

PLATINUM SPONSORS alliantgroup Bank of America C.H. Robinson HTLF Food & AgriBusiness Pinnacle Claims Management Quinn Company S2G Ventures Syngenta US Bank Western Growers Insurance Services

SILVER SPONSORS BMO Calpine Containers Farmers Business Network International Farming International Paper

American Takii Barkley Ag Enterprises BASF Corporation Biotechnology Innovation Organization Blue Book Services Blue Tech Water Caine Law Cal.net Rural California Internet Emerald Packing Feeding San Diego Frost, PLLC Gowan Green Rubber Kennedy Ag INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Joe Produce JRG Attorneys at Law Keithly-Williams Seeds King City Nursery MIXTEC Group MyLand, A Soil Healthy Company Peartree+Belli Architects Inc Sakata Seed America Sensitech Southern Valley Chemical Co Sturdy Oil Company Tiverton Teleos Ag Solutions Vegetable Growers Supply Weather Mission

Nelson Irrigation Ocean Mist Farms PGIM Real Estate Rabo AgriFinance Rain for Rent TriCal Wells Fargo Western Growers Financial Services The Zenith

GOLD SPONSORS Anthem Corteva Agriscience Vestaron

Grimmway Farms International Paper

LEADERSHIP

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR

ALBERT KECK Hadley Date Gardens Thermal, Calif.

VICE CHAIR

STUART WOOLF Woolf Farming & Processing Fresno, Calif.

TREASURER

NEILL CALLIS Turlock Fruit Company Turlock, Calif. DON CAMERON Terranova Ranch Helm, Calif.

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

E.C. MEMBER-AT-LARGE

RON RATTO Ratto Bros. Modesto, Calif.

E.C. MEMBER-AT-LARGE

ROB YRACEBURU Wonderful Orchards Shafter, Calif. RYAN TALLEY Talley Farms Arroyo Grande, Calif.

PAST CHAIR

PRESIDENT & CEO

DAVE PUGLIA Western Growers Irvine, Calif.

STRONGER.

GEORGE ADAM Innovative Produce Santa Maria, Calif. CRAIG ALAMEDA Topflavor Farms Salinas, Calif.

BRIAN BERTELSEN Cove Ranch Management Reedley, Calif. GEORGE BOSKOVICH III Boskovich Farms Oxnard, Calif.

TIMOTHY ESCAMILLA Bolthouse Fresh Foods Bakersfield, Calif. CATHERINE FANUCCHI Tri-Fanucchi Farms Bakersfield, Calif.

STEPHEN MARTORI III Martori Farms Scottsdale, Ariz. HAROLD MCCLARTY HMC Farms Kingsburg, Calif. TOM MULHOLLAND Mulholland Citrus Orange Grove, Calif. DOMINIC MUZZI JR. Muzzi Family Farms Moss Landing, Calif. THOMAS NUNES The Nunes Company Salinas, Calif. STEPHEN PATRICIO Westside Produce Firebaugh, Calif. JOHN POWELL, JR. Peter Rabbit Farms Coachella, Calif.

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

ALEXANDRA ALLEN Main Street Produce Santa Maria, Calif. CHAD AMARAL D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of Calif. Salinas, Calif. KEVIN ANDREW Illume Agriculture Bakersfield, Calif. ROBERT BARKLEY Barkley Ag Enterprises Yuma, Ariz. STEPHEN BARNARD Mission Produce Oxnard, Calif. BARDIN BENGARD Bengard Ranch Salinas, Calif.

RODNEY BRAGA Braga Ranch Soledad, Calif. EDWIN CAMP D. M. Camp & Sons Bakersfield, Calif. CAROL CHANDLER Chandler Farms Selma, Calif. LARRY COX Lawrence Cox Ranches Brawley, Calif. STEPHEN DANNA Danna Farms Yuba City, Calif.

DAVID GILL Rio Farms King City, Calif.

ROBERT GIRAGOSIAN Kern Ridge Growers Arvin, Calif. BRANDON GRIMM Grimmway Farms Arvin, Calif.

JOHN JACKSON Beachside Produce Nipomo, Calif.

A.G. KAWAMURA Orange County Produce Fullerton, Calif. J.P. LABRUCHERIE LaBrucherie Produce El Centro, Calif.

THOMAS DEARDORFF II Deardorff Family Farms Oxnard, Calif.

CRAIG READE Bonipak Produce Santa Maria, Calif.

STAFF

CURRENT DIRECTORY

ANNUAL MEETING

COMMODITY & SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, DC

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, STATE (CA/AZ)

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, SACRAMENTO

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, PHOENIX

HUMAN RESOURCES

INNOVATION

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

TRACEY CHOW tchow@wga.com | 202.296.0191

LEGAL AND H-2A SERVICES

JASON RESNICK jresnick@wga.com | 949.885.2253

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

ANN DONAHUE adonahue@wga.com | 949.302.7600

STRONGER.

MEMBERSHIP

KIM STUART kstuart@wga.com | 949.885.2265

PINNACLE CLAIMS MANAGEMENT

STEVE MANGAPIT smangapit@pinnacletpa.com | 949.885.2222

PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND WG PAC

CORY LUNDE clunde@wga.com | 949.885.2264

SCIENCE

DE ANN DAVIS ddavis@wga.com | 949.591.7171

TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

BRYAN NICKERSON bnickerson@wga.com | 949.885.4808 STEVE MANGAPIT smangapit@wga.com | 949.885.2222

WESTERN GROWERS ASSURANCE TRUST

WESTERN GROWERS FINANCIAL SERVICES

MATT LEWIS mlewis@wga.com | 949.885.2379

WESTERN GROWERS INSURANCE SERVICES

JEFF GULLICKSON jgullickson@wgis.com | 949.885.2351 PRISCILA CISNEROS pcisneros@wga.com | 949.885.2287 CIERRA ALLEN callen@wga.com | 949.885.2279

WESTERN GROWERS UNIVERSITY

WESTERN GROWERS WOMEN PROGRAM

WESTERN GROWERS ASSOCIATION phone: 949.863.1000 | fax: 949.863.9028 email: info@wga.com | wga.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45

Made with FlippingBook Online document maker