The Evening As the end of negotiations on the House ag labor bill nears, Dennis spends hours speaking with Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s office to discuss items such as where the bill stands, components and elements within the bill, what language needs revising, and much more. The discussion also identifies stakeholders who will be crucial in helping the bill pass through the House. FRIDAY The Morning Jonathan attends the CropLife America Government Policy Weekend and Annual Meeting. In addition to being a part of two coalitions that fight for the use of crop protection tools, WG is actively engaged with organizations that produce and protect the necessary crop protection and biotechnology products used by farmers. During the meeting, Jonathan receives updates about the latest and pending threats to pesticides and speaks with other advocates about ways to protect these necessary tools on a federal level. Dennis speaks with the chief of staff for a California congressional representative to outline the pending House ag labor bill and explain how the bill would benefit the constituents the member represents. This is in an effort to gain momentum for the passage of the ag labor bill in the House. Tracey communicates with several WG members on their export issues and walks them through how to resolve those challenges, which often includes close coordination with USDA staff. She also finalizes the agenda for the Colorado farm tours she and Jonathan will be participating in next week. The Afternoon Dennis works with congressional staffers and water and irrigation districts on the mechanics of a House water bill that can accompany the Drought Resiliency and Water Supply Infrastructure Act (S. 1932) authored by Senators Dianne Feinstein, Cory Gardner, Martha McSally and Kyrsten Sinema. The larger objective is to secure a legislative package to address water supply and drought resiliency needs throughout the country, particularly in the Western states. The Evening Dennis connects with WG President & CEO Tom Nassif and Jason Resnick, WG vice president & general counsel, to provide an update on the House ag labor
Since establishing the D.C. office in 2007, WG’s influence has grown substantially at the federal level. Pictured is theWG Board and Future Leaders in front of Cannon Building during the 2018 Annual D.C. Fly-In.
bill and discuss tactics on how to move the bill forward. For many, the thought of spending long hours every workday in the halls of government is about as appealing as
a dentist appointment. Fortunately for Western Growers members, Dennis,
Jonathan and Tracey are driven to be there, to fight for good ag policy, and to never give up. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT TOM! Thank you for your passion, stewardship, and guidance over the past decades. Our industry is deeply grateful for everything you’ve done.
31
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019
Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online