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WESTERN GROWER & SHIPPER Published Since 1929 Volume XCIV | Number 6
To enhance the competitiveness and profitability of Western Growers members
FEATURES
Dave Puglia President & CEO Western Growers davep@wga.com
22 ROD BRAGA’S Fresh Take on Sustainability 30 Rancho Cielo Gives Youth Navigating Challenges a Boost with New Agtech Program 32 As SB 1383 Deadline Approaches, Food Banks Request Grower Help to Fight Food Waste
Editor Ann Donahue 949.302.7600 | adonahue@wga.com Contributors Cory Lunde 949.885.2264 | clunde@wga.com Julia Nellis 949.885.2270 | jnellis@wga.com Michelle Rivera 949.885.4778 | mrivera@wga.com Kara Timmins 949.885.4786 | kmtimmins@wga.com Circulation Marketing 949.885.2248 | marketing@wga.com Advertising Sales Dana Davis 302.750.4662 | dana@tygermarketing.com
ARTICLES 26 MEET YOUR FUTURE VOLUNTEER LEADERS Briana Giampaoli 28 MEET YOUR FUTURE VOLUNTEER LEADERS Spencer Quinn
34 WGCIT RESIDENT
How AliBio Creates Systems for Crops to Thrive Amid Environmental Pressures
35 WGCIT RESIDENT
Bio S.I. and Rebuilding the Soil with the ‘Good Guys’
TOGETHER.
WGA.COM
DEPARTMENTS
Western Grower & Shipper ISSN 0043-3799, Copyright © 2023 by the Western Grower & Shipper is published bi-monthly by Western Grower & Shipper Publishing Company, a division of Western Growers Service Corp., 6501 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 100, Irvine California 92618. Business and Editorial Offices: 6501 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 100, Irvine California 92618. Accounting and Circulation Offices: Western Grower & Shipper, 6501 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 100, Irvine California 92618. Call (949) 863-1000 to subscribe. Subscription is $25 per year. Foreign subscription is $50 per year. Single copies of issues, $2. Periodicals postage is paid in Irvine, California and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Western Grower & Shipper, PO Box 2130, Newport Beach, California 92658.
6 President’s Notes 8 Agriculture & the Law 10 Advocacy | California 11 Trade & Supply Chain Services 12 Science 14 WGAT 16 Advocacy | Arizona 20 Innovation
24 WG Member Welcome & Anniversaries 29 Member Profile 36 Updates from the WGCIT 38 WG News You Can Use 42 Connections 43 Contact Us 44 Inside Western Growers 46 Farm Dogs and Barn Cats of Western Growers
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The Statesmanship Gap By Dave Puglia, President & CEO, Western Growers
As I write this, the passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein is less than a week past, and the appointment of Laphonza Butler by Gov. Gavin Newsom to fill the remainder of Feinstein’s term has only been public for two days. While I have not worked with Sen. Butler before, and there is little in her experience that sheds light on her views on issues affecting agriculture, my team and I are hopeful that she will be accessible and open-minded.
That said, Senator Feinstein’s passing hazards the widening of an already-dangerous gap in America’s increasingly divided and uncompromising political discourse. She represented that increasingly rare politician who sought out opportunities for bipartisan problem-solving on tough issues, venturing confidently out from the safety of her own party’s dogma camps and into the desolate lands separating the warring parties as she searched for like-minded collaborators. When she succeeded, Dianne Feinstein engineered a cessation of hostilities, sometimes with lasting effect. In 2016, former Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif wrote in the pages of this magazine: “We need fewer politicians and more statesmen. We need individuals willing to set aside overriding personal ambition and political ideologies and take the kinds of risks that leadership demands. Central to the concept of leadership, at least in the American system of representative democracy, is the art of compromise. Nothing gets done without it. Does anyone believe our Constitution and Bill of Rights were drafted without statesmen making compromises they found exceedingly difficult?” I know Tom had two people foremost in mind when he wrote that. One was the late Sen. John McCain and the other was Dianne Feinstein. In re-reading that passage, and in thinking about whether and how we might reconstitute the principles of statesmanship in our politics, it seems to me there are some barriers to entry that must be acknowledged and breached. First among these, in my view, is the condition and conduct of our media outlets, not only the usual suspects—the broadcast and cable television networks, legacy newspapers, etc.—but also the newer players: Social media platforms, podcasters, bloggers and the like. From the sins of omission (information that clearly constitutes “news,” but is not reported) to biases in reported content both blatant and subtle, few engaged in politics and media today would claim that the pretense of objectivity that governed American journalism for decades remains intact. What ails our modern news media is a rabbit hole I can easily charge down, but anyone reading this is painfully aware of the issue. The real question is how to effect positive change—assuming we can at all?
Understanding media business models can be helpful. For media companies seeking to generate content that draws the easily distracted eyes and ears of the modern American citizen, the keys are conflict, drama and sensationalism, with constant projection of new content to keep us from drifting minute by minute to another media platform virtually tapping us on the shoulder and shouting, “Look at this outrage!” So, we are the problem. At least part of it. And to cure the problem, we need to actively encourage our political leaders to reject the easy path of unbending partisanship and clickbait politicking. They must know that we need, indeed demand, that they confront the tough issues dividing the parties, seek partners across the aisle, work toward balanced compromises, and drive them forward if possible. And we must step into the public arena when those legislators do all this, and fight to protect them from the inevitable savaging attacks from their own partisan-aligned allies. It is easy to become cynical these days, but there is reason for hope. In what is now a long career in public policy and politics, I have encountered politicians too numerous to recall. My less politically engaged friends often tell me it must be awful dealing with so many dishonest and self-serving people. But the truth is that many politicians seek office for the right reasons, and once elected more than a few of them preserve those good intentions. They struggle in a system that has been overtaken by partisan conflict as entertainment, and as the years go by, they may surrender to all of that. But not all do, and so it seems to me that our challenge is to surround and vigorously support those who sincerely want to accomplish something, those who see political compromise as a necessity rather than sin. Many in our industry did just that in our long relationship with Dianne Feinstein. She made it easier by placing herself in our arena—an unfamiliar place for a San Franciscan—and extending herself to create a partnership. Today, we must be the ones to place ourselves in unfamiliar situations, extending ourselves to motivate legislators to venture beyond the safety of their partisan camps and join with us in the tough work of seeking compromise solutions. None of it is easy, but with a commitment to the same determination that we admired in Dianne Feinstein, we can find new partners in public service.
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Agriculture in the Wake of the Hot Labor Summer: Will Farmers Feel the Heat? By Jason Resnick, Senior Vice President and General Counsel In the ever-evolving realm of agriculture, one cannot help but be reminded of the Chinese proverb: "May you live in interesting times." These are, indeed, interesting times for the agricultural industry, where the intersection of labor organizing, technological innovation and legislative changes paints a complex and intriguing picture. As we bask in the glow of the “Hot Labor
also allows our workforce to redirect their efforts toward more high-skill tasks. It’s a pivotal step in a broader transformation that calls for the training and preparation of farmworkers for new skills and capabilities to handle these innovative technologies. This era of innovation can be a collective opportunity for our agricultural community, a chance to empower our workforce and ensure a thriving, prosperous future for all. Second, it is essential to engage in a constructive dialogue with our workforce. The concerns of farmworkers, like those of any labor force facing automation, must be heard and addressed. We must clearly communicate how the promise of agtech will also bring prosperity to those who work in our fields. Furthermore, as legislative changes reshape the labor landscape, it is incumbent upon us to adapt and build strong relationships with our workers. This transition serves as a reminder that as responsible employers, we should continue offering competitive pay and benefits, listen to grievances and engage with workers, ensuring they understand that they don’t need unions to secure a safe workplace, fair wages and benefits, and respect. In this polarizing climate, we find ourselves at a crossroads—a nexus of labor, innovation and legislation. It is a place where the past meets the future, where the plow and the robot converge and where the heart of agriculture beats strong. In these interesting times, we must navigate this terrain with wisdom, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the values that have sustained our industry for generations. The true measure of our success lies not only in our yield but also in the harmony we cultivate within our agricultural community. As stewards of our land, job creators and catalysts of prosperity to our communities, it is through unity, empathy and innovation that we shall chart a course toward a future where the fields remain fertile and productive, the workforce thrives and agriculture stands as a testament to resilience and progress.
Summer,” a season that has seen a resurgence of labor organizing activities—by screenwriters, actors, auto workers, hotel employees and more—we find ourselves pondering a question of profound consequence: could this wave of worker activism ripple into the fields of western agriculture? Labor organizing, the catalyst for change in many industries, has an enduring history in our industry. While the United Farm Workers (UFW) boasts a storied legacy as a powerful organizing force during the 1970s and ‘80s, its activity has been virtually moribund in recent years. The recent passage of California’s AB 113, ushering in the era of card check elections for agricultural labor unions like the UFW, adds a new layer of intrigue to this narrative. Yet, as we navigate the currents of labor unrest nationally, we find ourselves gazing toward the horizon, where a technological revolution beckons. The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT) in Salinas is accelerating the pace of innovation, as it works to build ties between start-ups offering real-world solutions and growers. FIRA USA 2023 provided a stage for the world’s most innovative minds to showcase autonomous tractors, AI-powered weeders and unmanned spray drones. In this era of agtech, where drones dance with crops and robots tend to the fields, it is not just the buzz of machinery that resonates. Much like the concerns expressed by screenwriters fearing AI would replace their creative talents, farmworkers too harbor questions about how these technologies will affect their roles and livelihoods. Automation, while promising efficiency and productivity, can cast a shadow of uncertainty over the workforce. So, what is the path forward? How do we harmonize the chords of labor, innovation and legislation into a symphony of progress? First, the fears of farmworkers being replaced by automation are understandable yet not insurmountable. The progression of specialty crop automation technology serves as a beacon of hope, as it not only supplements human labor but
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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023
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Connecting Organic Growers and Producers with Supply Chain and Service Providers November 29 – 30 Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa Monterey, CA
Presented by Western Growers & OPN
65 EXHIBITORS
General Registration Now Open! Ed Session Topics
Sold-Out Trade Show Floor
Regenerative Farming, AI, Ag Tech, Soil & Plant Health, Organic Rules, Sustainability
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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023
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We Have Your Back By Matthew Allen, Vice President, State Government Affairs
At the time of this writing, the California Legislature has left town having completed the first year of their two-year legislative session. Those bills that successfully made their way through the legislative process are now sitting on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk awaiting action via his signature or veto. He has until October 14 to do so. WG advocates are just as actively engaged in this final stage of the process as we were, as the bills were being heard in policy committees and on the Assembly and Senate Floors. Advocacy letters are being written and questions are being asked and answered between the Newsom Administrations’ senior staff and WG on the fine details of several of the bills. While still busy on regulatory issues, there is thankfully a brief respite from feverish lobbying activity on legislation as we enter the fall months. Fall offers a time of reflection for the State
My pride in my team comes from watching them take on all of these complicated and challenging tasks, knowing that the legislative fight will likely get difficult. Strategies and tactics are developed to figure out the best way to tackle a policy problem as the bill process moves forward. The wins and losses are heartfelt, too. They truly hope for and work diligently toward the best possible outcomes for each of our members’ operations. Your wins and losses are ours as well. We are in this together. So, what is it that I’m trying to say? Quite simply, we have your back. We have your back by being on the lookout and managing legislative and regulatory issues early on so you can focus the greatest amount of your energy and attention on maintaining and, hopefully, further growing your business. Your success is obviously good for your business, your employees, your local community, your state and your nation. We grow the best and most nutritious food in the world. I know that each of our members is proud of that fact, and so are we. WG State Government Affairs is even more proud and grateful that we have this opportunity to help represent your interests. We will continue advocating for your operations with passion and steadfastness. As always, please do not hesitate to reach
Government Affairs team. We look back on the session and see what lessons we’ve learned and what we should be anticipating on a legislative and regulatory level in the upcoming year. My top-of- mind reflection this year is a sense of immense pride in our team and in the world-class industry that we have the privilege to represent. Our advocates engage on numerous issues throughout a typical day. Labor, water, crop protection, environment, tax and workplace safety are just a few of the many issues that require our immediate attention. We provide ongoing reports to our membership on the wins/losses of those issues. What you don’t see is our many wins on issues that have not made their way into bills. This is the result of being present at the Capitol and engaging early with legislators and their staffs as policy concepts are being developed. I’ve compared being in the Capitol to a doctor’s rounds. A significant part of our job is to be on the lookout for issues before they become major problems. Countless bad ideas have been tossed in the trash bin over the years. We don’t highlight these bad ideas because we want them to stay where they belong—in the trash. If we are lucky, they’ll stay in the dustbin of history.
out to us. We love hearing from you. I wish you all a happy fall season.
Contact us at:
MATTHEW ALLEN Vice President, State Government Affairs mallen@wga.com (916) 446-1435, ext. 7332
GAIL DELIHANT Senior Director, California Government Affairs gdelihant@wga.com (916) 446-1435, ext. 7335
ROBERT MEDLER Manager, Arizona Government Affairs rmedler@wga.com (602) 682-9142
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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023
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Navigating the Path Ahead: The 2024 Transportation Outlook By Bryan Nickerson, Commodity & Supply Chain Services Director Approaching the end of the year, it's remarkable how swiftly time has passed. Amidst this rapid progression, our dedication to ensuring the preparedness of the grower-shipper community remains unwavering. Given the dynamic nature of our industry, it’s imperative that we consider key factors when assessing the freight forecasts presented by industry analysts. To navigate the evolving landscape of 2023 and its implications for supply and demand into 2024, we strongly advise keeping a watchful eye on the following critical aspects:
1. Supply vs. Demand Dynamics: The market is currently grappling with an oversupply situation. The transition from owner-operator-based fleets to employee-centric models has largely resulted in some carriers discontinuing their operations. While the market has yet to stabilize, it is gradually progressing toward equilibrium, possibly attaining balance later in 2024. 2. Consumer Confidence’s Impact: Freight volumes are intimately tied to consumer spending patterns on goods and services. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed a significant surge in demand for center-store items at retail outlets. However, we now observe a narrowing gap between perishable items and center-store products. Furthermore, data reveals consumers are reallocating their spending habits, favoring perishables and peripheral store items over center- store items. This shift indicates a return to a more conventional pattern of consumer demand at the retail level and an improvement in retail inventory. 3. Key Freight Industries: Keep a close watch on the three primary freight industries: Retail, Manufacturing and Housing. Monitoring developments in these sectors can provide valuable insights into forecasting trends for the upcoming quarters. 4. The Rise of Nearshoring: A popular trend among global shippers is diversifying supply chains to mitigate risks. Mexico has emerged as the United States’ top trading partner, surpassing China and Canada. The exponential growth in trade along the U.S.-Mexico border is most evident in Laredo, Texas. The Port of Laredo experienced a remarkable 20 percent increase in trade with Mexico last year, and northbound freight crossing at Laredo has already surged by 20 percent in the first half of this year. This growth is largely attributed to its proximity to major manufacturing hubs in Mexico, particularly the thriving automotive industry in Monterrey, with auto parts taking the lead as the primary product. As we forge ahead, signs point toward the U.S. economy avoiding a recession and moving towards a “return to normalcy.” The initial excitement following
the easing of lockdown restrictions led to increased spending on travel and leisure activities. Americans are now gradually reverting to spending patterns more reminiscent of 2019, a time when the economy was robust, and consumers held cautious optimism for the future. As we transition into the winter season, where traditionally consumers tend to stay indoors more, this positive trend in consumer spending is expected to persist. In summary, the outlook appears favorable for increased demand, translating to a tightening of truckload capacity and a shift in the market dynamics. Reflecting on our journey, the Western Growers Transportation Program (WGTP) remains committed to making significant strides in meeting the evolving needs of our shipper members. Through the strategic deployment of advanced technology, supply chain optimization and the delivery of unparalleled services, we continue to provide a substantial competitive advantage. Our unwavering commitment remains focused on supporting the success of our members in the ever-changing transportation landscape. To explore the development or expansion of your personalized logistics program and gain further insights into the WGTP, please reach out to Lauren via the contact information provided below:
LAUREN SINGH WGTP / CHR Transportation Director, C.H. Robinson (831) 392-7061 lauren.singh@chrobinson.com
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023
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Accelerating Groundwater Recharge Opportunities By Jeana Cadby, Environment and Climate Director Extended and extreme periods of drought driven by climate change have placed a high demand on groundwater resources in the western United States. Despite a water windfall this year, consecutive years of drought have led to declining groundwater levels in the West.
Many stakeholders are looking to groundwater recharge as an effective strategy to replenish water supplies. Simply put, agricultural groundwater recharge is the practice of taking water when it is available, putting it on farm and allowing it to percolate down to the aquifer. In fact, the recently released “California Water Plan Update” 2023 draft highlights the need and intention to fast-track groundwater recharge projects and maximize stormwater capture by investing in and incentivizing groundwater recharge projects. Summer 2023 was the driest on record across parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Oregon, yet the wettest on record across much of Southern California and parts of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming. The influx of rainfall in the southern U.S. was mostly due to Tropical Storm Hilary, the first intact tropical cyclone to make landfall in California in decades. As we enter into fall, climatologists are predicting with high certainty El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions to maintain through January to March 2024. The Climate Predictions Center (CPC) anticipates ENSO will encourage more rainfall during this late winter period, especially in Southern and Central California, along the coast of California, as well as in Arizona and New Mexico, although a wetter-than-average winter is not always guaranteed. What we can expect to see are more intense atmospheric rivers due to maintained warmer-than- average near-shore ocean temperatures. Which begs the question, where will all this water go? Recent Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) reports found that, among the available options to expand water supply, the least expensive options include capturing more local runoff via groundwater recharge and reoperation of reservoirs to expand the joint storage potential of surface and groundwater storage. Additionally, according to California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California’s 515 groundwater basins can hold between 850 million and 1.3 billion acre-feet of water, 8-12 times more than the combined 50 million acre-feet of storage for California’s major reservoirs. Groundwater recharge, in conjunction with improved trading rules and water infrastructure, could lower the cost of adapting to reduced water availability via the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), climate change and environmental flows. However, major roadblocks slow the adoption of this practice, especially for those managing agricultural 12 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
lands. There is consensus among water districts, policy makers, environmentalists and groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) that infrastructure, policy and research are in great need of development. Groundwater recharge project participants will require advanced preparation, infrastructure and access to funding to facilitate project development and management. Growers will need assurances in instances of incidental take, advanced permits and options to mitigate risk. Streamlining the process will necessitate clarity on under what conditions water can become available for groundwater recharge and additional research quantifying flow levels to accommodate critical wildlife habitats and capacity for crops to tolerate increased soil moisture. Groundwater recharge presents land managers with the opportunity to capture excess water flow in areas where conditions permit, as we saw this past season. Growers must be considered in conversations about how they can be included in groundwater recharge opportunities and what is an equitable next step for those outside of the ideal conditions. With expected increased rainfall in late winter 2024, we must consider what should be the future of our water security.
Groundwater Level Conditions 2022 and 2023 Measurements • All Time High • Much Above Normal • Above Normal • Normal • Below Normal • Much Below Normal • All Time Low County Groundwater Basin
Map of Current Groundwater Conditions based on Historical Averages based on DWR’s groundwater level database. Explore current groundwater and surface water storage at “California’s Groundwater Live.”
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023
I grew with
Jack Vessey Class 34 President of Vessey & Company
“Ag Leadership gave me the confidence to engage with local, state and federal decision makers who have direct influence on the agricultural industry. “Improving your communication skills is an important aspect of the program. By using effective communication, I have been able to develop connections and effect positive change with policymakers – from my local county supervisor to our state senators. “If you want to be a leader who can help change the world and help California agriculture continue to feed our nation and beyond, the Ag Leadership Program is an excellent first step.”
Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families.
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CLASS 54 APPLICATIONS OPEN IN JANUARY 2024
Five Ways to Make the Most of WGAT’s Healthcare Concierge By Tim Cheatham, Project Manager The Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) Healthcare Concierge, powered by Rightway Healthcare, has made a significant impact on WGAT members since its rollout earlier this year. The way WGAT members navigate and interpret their healthcare benefits has undergone a significant transformation, all thanks to the platform’s live health guides and robust features. In this article, we'll explore five helpful ways WGAT members can make the most of the WGAT Healthcare Concierge to enhance their healthcare experience. language. Many individuals struggle to understand terms, such as copays and deductibles. In fact,
1. Expert Care Navigation Navigating the healthcare landscape can be a daunting task. With the concierge, WGAT members don’t have to do it alone. The platform provides access to live clinical experts who can assess WGAT members’ current healthcare needs and direct them to the highest-quality and most cost-effective points of care. What sets the concierge apart is that WGAT members are not dealing with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots; they have a real team of live experts in the palm of their hands. These live health guides can even schedule appointments with in-network providers on WGAT members’ behalf, making healthcare decisions less complicated and hassle-free. 2. Bilingual Support One of the WGAT Health Concierge’s standout features is its attention to the needs of the agriculture community. For those who speak Spanish, navigating the complex healthcare system can often be challenging. The concierge addresses this issue by offering support in the Spanish language. Users can seamlessly interact with the live healthcare guides and find providers who speak Spanish. This not only enhances accessibility but also ensures that language is no longer a barrier when seeking healthcare services. 3. Seamless Telemedicine Scheduling The convenience of telemedicine has become increasingly popular, especially in today’s fast-paced world. WGAT recognizes this and makes scheduling telemedicine visits a breeze within the app. What’s even more impressive is that the cost of telemedicine appointments to WGAT members is $0. This affordability and accessibility make telemedicine a compelling solution for various healthcare needs. Whether members need a routine check-up or a consultation, our telemedicine services have WGAT members covered. 4. Convenient Answers to Benefit Questions Understanding healthcare coverage and benefits can oftentimes be as complex as decoding a different 14 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
according to a recent survey from KFF, a nonprofit health research group, “People have a hard time understanding their coverage and benefits, with 30 percent or more reporting difficulty figuring out what they will be required to pay for care or what exactly their insurance will cover.” The care navigation team is here to help demystify these terms and provide clarity on benefits. Whether members are curious about what their copay is for a specific service or simply want to understand how their deductibles work, the care navigation team can help. WGAT members’ benefit details are also outlined within the coverage section of the app, allowing for easy self- service navigation. 5. Effortless Bill Support Dealing with medical bills can be a frustrating experience, especially when members are faced with disputes or out-of-network claims. The WGAT Healthcare Concierge simplifies this process by allowing users to effortlessly request assistance with bill support. It is as easy as snapping a photo of an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to enable WGAT members to conveniently submit disputes or claims or request information about their coverage. This feature streamlines the billing process, saving time and reducing the stress associated with managing medical expenses. The WGAT Healthcare Concierge is not just another healthcare app; it’s a valuable tool that empowers WGAT members to take control of their healthcare journey, and is included in all U.S. medical plans, free of charge. The five features we’ve discussed collectively make WGAT a game-changer in the healthcare industry. If you currently do not have a WGAT plan and would like to learn more about how we can assist you in managing your healthcare costs, we encourage you to contact Western Growers Insurance Services. Our dedicated sales team members are available at (800) 333-4WGA to provide you with the information you need.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023
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Saving Arizona Water by Investing in Arizona Farmers: Arizona’s On-Farm Water Irrigation Efficiency Project By Dr. Ethan Orr, University of Arizona Robert Medler, Manager, Arizona Government Affairs, Western Growers The first dam on the Colorado River was Laguna Dam built in 1905, seven years before Arizona became a state, followed by 14 more dams in 61 years to completely control the flow. Similar water management projects were made on all rivers across the state, providing access to local communities. Complex canal systems were built over time, with a major public works project occurring post World War II. The canal systems of Arizona were specifically designed to deliver high flows of river water to the field to support flood irrigation, which resulted in a greening of the desert and vast improvements to agriculture. UArizona Water Irrigation Efficiency Program will Robert Masson, University of Arizona Flood Irrigation in the Desert Southwest
There are many reasons why basin-flood irrigation remains the cheapest and easiest form of irrigation possible in desert agriculture to this day, with dirt borders raised around a field to hold in a steady flow of water that fills the basin. The ‘flatwater’ practice not only irrigates crops, but also recharges soil nutrition and improves soil health by leaching concentrated salts that build up at the soil surface. Furrow-flood irrigation is the next iteration of surface irrigation, with crops grown on raised beds and water directed down the field in low furrows between them. The water fills the furrow and is slowly absorbed into the sides of the raised bed, wetting the plant and pushing soil salts laterally. Furrow-flood has the added benefits of reducing the total water used compared to basin-flood and limiting crop damage from overwatering. As cheap and reliable as flood irrigation may be, often it is not the most efficient use of water, with water evaporating or soaking into the soil below the rootzone, taking mobile fertility with it. More modern irrigation solutions designed to increase irrigation efficiency exist but are often expensive to purchase and maintain. On-Farm Water Irrigation Efficiency Project With the help of the Western Growers Association and individual farmers, the University of Arizona grew a $30 million grant into a $62 million program that is working directly with farmers to assist them in converting from flood-irrigation to more efficient systems, which has currently saved over 36,000 water acre-feet (12 times the size of Tempe Town Lake). Seven months ago, in February 2023, the UArizona Cooperative Extension received a $30 million grant from the Arizona Governor’s Office to research how to reduce on-farm water usage while maintaining soil health and crop yields. A total of $23 million was set aside to directly support Arizona farmers by reimbursing growers and farmers up to $1,500 per acre to change to a more efficient watering system. The
reimburse the growers using flood-irrigation or vendors for creating 20 percent or more water efficiency savings. Western Growers Association was a vital outreach organization, hosting two in-depth seminars for growers and coordinating informational meetings and outreach to vendors, irrigation districts and growers. Overall, the educational campaign reached more than 1,500 people, including over 100 on-farm site visits by Cooperative Extension faculty and staff. “The Cooperative Extension staff made the application very simple to work through and were quick to respond to us throughout the process. The application website that we applied through made it simple to upload all pertinent documents in one location and made it simple to submit multiple applications,” said Mike Clements, Ranch Supervisor for Topflavor Farms in Yuma. “In the short term, we were able to acquire and implement several new irrigation systems in a short amount of time and put these systems into use immediately. We received notice that our grants were approved in mid-June and were able to have the first system installed and operational for our first wet date in early September. The long-term impact is going to be hitting our goal of reducing our water usage by 20 percent year-over- year.” Topflavor is expecting to save 1-1.2 acre-feet over 190 acres, nearly 60 million gallons in total. The Barkley Company of Arizona opted to utilize the program on a 200-plus acre farm in the Welton- Mohawk Valley. Located toward the terminus of the canal, they have opted for a variety of new irrigation systems. “This was an opportunity to be more efficient with our water now and plan for the future, especially if there are changes in availability of water,” said Hank Auza, General Manager of the Barkley Companies. The improvements include a gravity-fed retention pond, improved pressurized drip irrigation and electronic gates. Between February and August 2023, the Water Irrigation Efficiency Board approved 62 applications
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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023
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or drug out with a tractor and a chain. In general, flood irrigation is not as efficient as other systems but is still the only method that is used to mobilize and leach toxic salt concentrations, which may be an added value of this system. Conclusion Water conservation advancements will continue to grow as the essential resource of water becomes more scarce. It is expensive to conserve water, but through mindful use it will be available for longer. The UArizona Water Irrigation Efficiency Program is in place to assist growers with the cost of water savings, and UArizona Cooperative Extension will continue to assist growers trying out these new technologies, while providing optimization tips and operation and maintenance advice. Through grower flexibility, commercial innovation and University of Arizona support, our civilization will continue to thrive in Arizona and provide the nation with healthy food for their plates. With the support of WG and other agricultural advocacy organizations during the 2023 legislative session, Arizona allocated an additional $15.2 million to fund the program next year. A total of $14 million will be set aside to directly support farmers, and $1.2 million will be used for irrigation and crop research. The Arizona Cooperative Extension’s goal is to support Arizona growers with research, education and programming. Next year, the UArizona On-Farm Water Irrigation Team will continue to partner with growers and work to conserve even more water for Arizona. Investing in Arizona’s growers is the most cost-effective way to save water.
for applicants in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties. These projects will help our state conserve 36,418 water acre-feet (WAF) annually, equal to over 12 times the size of Tempe Town Lake. Additionally, farmers invested their own funds matching the $23 million in public sector money with $16,515,088 in private sector money. Ultimately, over 42 percent of the water savings program funding came directly from farmers. Because of support from farmers and growers, the public cost per water acre-foot conserved was a mere $631, approximately one-fifth of the cost of desalination. The table below summarizes the current water savings this program has generated so far. Conventional Alternatives to Flood Irrigation A movement toward agricultural water conservation was made in the 1970s with sprinkler technology used to cool and moisten instead of soak. Vegetable production regions adopted solid-set sprinkler irrigation powered by a mobile diesel pump and modular 30-foot sections of aluminum or PVC pipes. Circular center-pivot sprinklers for open land or linear-move sprinklers for square fields were widely adopted in row or field crops across the state. Drip irrigation, an even more water-wise choice, became commercially available in the early 1980s, with the greatest success stories hailing from cotton production, with some farms reporting decades of continuous use without changing the drip-line. Emerging Irrigation Technologies As water becomes scarce, the demand for resource conservation has increased,
driving irrigation efficiency innovation and on-farm adoption. Emerging technologies include: canal automation, with gates that meter water with more precision for greater control; gravity- drip irrigation, pump-less drip; moisture meters, used to trigger irrigation events; and automated micro-jet sprinklers for orchard production. Additionally, the UArizona Cooperative Extension service utilized UArizona Water Irrigation Efficiency Program funding to develop and evaluate a more efficient method of basin- flood irrigation. In winter vegetable production regions, such as Yuma, solid-set sprinklers are commonly used to germinate seed and irrigate some crops to completion, so the pipe is readily available and in use. Sprinklers are some of the most water- efficient systems available but cannot be used in spring rotational crops of wheat or sudan grass, after emergence, due to kernel damage and plant height. Traditionally, these crops are basin-flood irrigated, undermining winter water savings of sprinkler pipe. The UArizona Cooperative Extension solid-set flood irrigation system replaces the interchangeable sprinkler heads on standard solid-set sprinkler irrigation pipe with high-flow, pressure-regulated ‘bubbler heads’, used to basin-flood irrigate with more precision. Solid-set flood irrigation spreads water out evenly across the field from heads located every 30 feet, fixing the basin-flood irrigation problem of oversaturation near the canal gate where water is introduced into the field and undersaturation occurs at the opposite end of the field. Pipes remain in the field during crop growth and removed before harvest by pulling out of the field with a pipe-pulling machine
Applications by County
Applications Approved
Funding Approved
Acres Funded by the Project
Additional Acres Funded by Participant
Participant Match
Estimated Water Savings Annual Acre-Feet
Apache Cochise Graham
1 2 1 5 8 1 1
$ 315,000 $ 144,000 $ 180,015 $ 4,371,000 $ 4,346,170 $ 999,000 $ 375,000 $ 4,584,557 $ 199,200 $ 303,600 $ 7,182,458 $ 23,000,000
210
$ 85,000 $ 364,564 $ 179,985
1,000
96
208 363
120
La Paz
2,914 2,897
6,413 6,602 2,850
Maricopa
2,836
$ 4,736,433
Mojave Navajo
666 250
134
$ 71,000
500
Pinal
10
3,056
4,920
Santa Cruz
1 2
133 202
105
Yavapai
$ 303,404 $ 6,452,732 $16,515,088
1,364
Yuma
30 62
4,795
204
12,093 36,418
TOTAL
15,339
3,174
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Will 2024 Be the Year of Automation? By Walt Duflock, Senior Vice President, Innovation
A lot of spaces have been overhyped in AgriFoodTech the last couple of years. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) got $7 billion in investment, and the unit economics for vertical farming facilities and SKUs is still far too high. Alt-protein received similar amounts, and Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger are facing massive headwinds. Both spaces are likely to see fundraising headwinds as the space looks to be trending closer to 2022’s $30 billion in venture investing compared with 2021’s $50 billion. Meanwhile, the next hype factor appears to be around Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing and carbon marketplaces, with a focus on sequestration. Much of the investments to date have been in marketplaces that are generally acknowledged to be hard to verify, hard to audit, and in some cases, hard to even measure. What could go wrong as money pours in?
In many cases, the investments in climate and ESG seem driven by food buyer specifications and general retail willingness to set targets they may or may not believe in strategically. This is a poor way for companies to make decisions. Even more problematic, the opportunity cost of these poor investment decisions is often overlooked. If we hadn’t spent $7 billion on CEA over five years, how much closer would we be to solving food safety, or how much further would spaces like biological controls be in terms of scale and commercialization? That is not all. With the slow down to $30 billion in 2022, venture investing will now not be able to fund startups that would have otherwise been funded in a $50 billion market space. So not only do the bad investments hurt the companies that never should have received the money due to the hype factor, but they also hurt the startups in other segments in the AgriFoodTech space. We can all hope that investors who were burned by some of the hyped categories have gotten reality checked in board rooms enough that next time they’ll do more due diligence. Similarly, we can hope that startup founders seeking quick fame and fortune will find it more challenging to secure funding. So, what about an area the Western Growers Innovation team spends a lot of time on these days—automation? It’s a good question. Let’s look at automation first. Many startups have secured significant fundraising in the past couple of years and are starting to deliver robots to the marketplace that work at grower economics for all sides. There are still hundreds and not yet thousands of these machines in farming operations but there are some very positive signs beyond just the fundraising. At FIRA USA, the messaging from startups was very focused on use cases, problem statements and economics from the grower’s perspective. There are customer stories and solid answers to questions about support and product availability in different regions. The space is maturing, and individual startups are maturing as well.
The demo area at FIRA USA 2023 in Salinas included 16 demos in vegetables, orchards and vineyards, and there were over 55 exhibitors. Over 2,000 attendees came to the show. There was not much hype and a lot of good conversations. It is becoming clear there will be a range of price points from Burro/Farm-NG ($15,000 to $25,000) to Stout/ Carbon Robotics/Farmwise ($350,000 to $400,000, $1.4 million, $1 million) that can do a variety of functions on farms. AI is helping push automation solutions to do more things to more crops and weed varieties as the AI can learn faster for each new plant. Finally, international startups are entering the U.S. market and U.S. startups are entering global markets, and the search is on for effective partners all over the globe. Multiple sprayer solutions (GUSS and Robotics Plus) and autonomous solutions (Bluewhite, Agtonomy) are in market and prepared to scale. Frequent conversations about manufacturing partnerships and dealer partners suggest that the product set is rounding out with a complete ecosystem forming around it. All of that said, it is still early and there is much that is being built that needs to be completed for me to believe the automation space will have a break- out year in 2024. I do believe that 2024 will be a
FIRA USA 2023 in Salinas
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