Official Publication of Western Growers
April — June 2026
A Century of Championing Agriculture
— From the Western Growers archives
Features
WESTERN GROWERS AT 100 A CENTURY OF CHAMPIONING AGRICULTURE 22 JACK BROS. A FOUNDING MEMBER’S ENDURING IMPACT 36 PACKAGING THEN AND NOW A CENTURY OF INNOVATION IN FRESH PRODUCE 40
WESTERN GROWER & SHIPPER Published Since 1929 Volume XCVII | Number 2
To enhance the competitiveness and profitability of Western Growers members
Dave Puglia President and CEO Western Growers davep@wga.com
100 YEARS OF CONSERVATION 42
Editor Michelle Rivera 949.885.4778 | mrivera@wga.com
JOHNSTON FARMS 80 YEARS IN THE MAKING 48
Contributors Cierra Allen callen@wga.com Ann Donahue
adonahue@wga.com Michael Escañuelas hello@mescanuelas.com Emily Gengler egengler@wga.com Isa Glassen iglassen@wga.com Taylor Lauson tlauson@wga.com Cory Lunde clunde@wga.com Emily Lyons elyons@wga.com
Inside This Issue
4 President’s Notes 6 Law of the Land
50 Member Profile 54 WG Member Welcome and Anniversaries 61 Updates from the WGCIT 63 WG News You Can Use 66 Connections 69 Contact Us 70 Farm Dogs and Barn Cats of Western Growers
10 Advocacy | California 12 Advocacy | Arizona 14 Science 16 Healthcare 18 Health and Wellness 20 Western Growers Women
Brittany Thomas bthomas@wga.com Joel Young jyoung@wga.com Circulation 949.885.2248 | communications@wga.com Advertising Sales Dana Davis 302.750.4662 | dana@tygermarketing.com TOGETHER. WGA.COM
Western Grower & Shipper ISSN 0043-3799, Copyright © 2026 by the Western Grower & Shipper is published quarterly 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.
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REALITY CHECK From Farm to Fork, We Gotta Have Plastic By Dave Puglia, President and CEO
“I want to say one word to you. Just one word… Plastics. There’s a great future in plastics. Think about it.” This is a slightly truncated quote from the 1967 film, “The Graduate,” starring a very young Dustin Hoffman. In this scene, his character, Benjamin, is offered unsolicited career advice by Mr. McGuire, a friend of his family. That scene has often popped into my head these last several years, as much to my chagrin as to Benjamin’s, but for different reasons. As we have often reported, the California Legislature passed two bills in 2022 (SB 54 and SB 343) creating a regulatory program to reduce and eventually eliminate single use plastics, and to impose rules on the ways companies describe the recyclability of their packaging. All of it paid for by fees on companies using plastic packaging. Our Sacramento team, especially Senior Director of California Government Affairs Gail Delihant, worked day and night with the legislative author, Senator Henry Stern, many other legislators and Newsom Administration officials to create a partial categorical exemption from these mandates for fresh produce. To their credit, Stern and other legislators, as well as the Governor’s staff, heard our cautions about the requirements of meeting federal and industry food safety standards and guidance, as well as maintaining freshness for the consumer. Though they limited this exemption to field packed produce (leaving out processed/fresh cut products, which remains a serious error), the end result was at least workable for much of our industry. Then the regulators charged with implementing these bills screwed it all up. Actually, they (CalRecycle) screwed it up twice. After issuing a first draft of the proposed regulations that erased the fresh produce exclusion, CalRecycle—at the direction of Gov. Newsom—pulled the draft back with instructions to get it right. They didn’t. After yet another round of public comments, including detailed submissions from WG and industry experts including Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packaging, and even a semi-impromptu address to WG board members during our Sacramento meeting, the revised regulations still effectively force fresh produce companies to abandon plastic packaging by 2027. Despite the absence of viable alternatives that can meet essential food safety and perishability standards, CalRecycle’s current SB 54 regulations impose an extraordinarily high bar—one that all but requires companies to prove a negative. As Kevin Kelly wrote in a recent op-ed published in CalMatters, “(T)he facts of the current supply chain can’t
be wished away. And neglecting this reality will risk the health of Californians, while increasing food prices, limiting food selection and putting small businesses and family farmers out of operation.” Despite our strong advocacy and expectations that Gov. Newsom might once again direct regulators to revisit the regulation and get it right, that intervention did not happen. WG therefore joined several other industry associations spanning the agriculture, manufacturing, retail and foodservice sectors in a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of one of the two laws that created this mess. If successful, the state Legislature will likely feel compelled to try again, and industry advocates will once again be called forward to try to shape a more realistic and workable law. We are also examining federal strategies in light of the fact that seven states have passed differing versions of this scheme, and several more are likely to move forward soon. Needless to say, this creates an unworkable patchwork of expensive rules and prohibitions that will cause enormous headaches and higher prices for consumers. A single national standard—or even better, a single North American standard (which is the goal of our work with our Canadian colleagues)— makes a lot of sense, provided it is economically and practically feasible. In the meantime, “plastics” will never be far from our minds. ••• As you will see elsewhere in this issue, we are proudly celebrating our centennial. This is of course a remarkable testament to the enduring relevance and value Western Growers has provided to our industry over the generations. Thinking back on our evolution from a very small association founded by Imperial Valley growers seeking to gain leverage with railroad operators to the multifaceted family of companies headed by the association that we are today, I feel immense gratitude to the association’s members and staff who shared a philosophy of growth to deliver ever-increasing attention to the policy and industry needs of our members. As I have often said when describing Western Growers to the uninformed, it is far more than a trade association today, yet every part of our diverse business is connected to the cause of our members. As we celebrate 100 years, we look just as intently at the years ahead of us and what we will do to build upon this great legacy.
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WALK ABOUT & TALK ABOUT IT
WALKABOUT AND TALK ABOUT IT
A CENTURY IN THE FIELDS—PROGRESS, PERSISTENCE AND THE ROAD AHEAD By Jason Resnick, Senior Vice President and General Counsel
As Western Growers marks its 100th year, I find myself approaching a milestone of my own—23 years representing the fresh produce industry. When I arrived in May 2003, I could not have imagined how dramatically the legal and regulatory landscape would evolve, nor how often we would find ourselves navigating uncharted territory. Looking back, certain themes remain constant: labor shortages, immigration policy gridlock, regulatory expansion, litigation risk and the ongoing tension between Sacramento, Washington, D.C., and the realities of farming. What has changed is not the existence of these challenges, but their intensity, complexity and the stakes for growers. The Constant: Labor Supply and Immigration Long before I arrived at Western Growers, the association was already engaged in the effort to align federal immigration policy with the realities of agriculture. Western Growers supported the agricultural compromise embedded in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, including the Special Agricultural Worker (SAW) program, recognizing that a stable workforce required bringing experienced farmworkers out of the shadows. That same principle has guided our advocacy ever since: agriculture is different, and it requires solutions that reflect the seasonal, labor- intensive nature of growing fresh produce. When I joined Western Growers in 2003, that work was front and center. We were heavily engaged in the push for AgJOBS, which paired earned legalization with a workable guestworker program. While AgJOBS ultimately fell short, it established the framework for every serious agricultural labor proposal that followed. That framework carried into the Senate’s bipartisan immigration bill in 2013, S. 744, where Western Growers led and helped shape agriculture-specific provisions balancing enforcement, legalization and a reformed guestworker system. More recently, that same effort has continued with the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The core elements remain familiar: a path to legal status for the existing workforce and meaningful reforms to the H-2A program to make it more usable and reliable for growers. Despite bipartisan support and repeated House passage, the bill has yet to reach the finish line. For decades, there has been general agreement on what agriculture needs. The challenge has been getting it across the line. In the meantime, the industry has adapted. The H-2A program, once viewed as a last resort, has become a central pillar of the agricultural workforce. It remains
complex and costly, but for many operations, it is no longer optional. Recent adjustments to wage calculations and wage reductions in exchange for providing housing have offered some relief, but the broader issue of agricultural labor reform remains unresolved. For more than two decades, our work in this space has centered on one objective: a legal, stable and experienced workforce. That objective remains as urgent today as ever. The Rise of Wage and Hour Complexity If immigration has been a constant challenge, wage and hour law has been the fastest-moving target. When I began, compliance was important, but manageable. That changed in the early 2010s with the surge of piece-rate litigation. Court decisions requiring separate compensation for nonproductive time and rest breaks upended long-standing practices and created immediate exposure across the industry. The result was a wave of class actions seeking significant damages for practices that had been widely understood as lawful. Western Growers worked closely with the Legislature on AB 1513, which created a “safe harbor” allowing employers to correct past practices. It was a pragmatic solution, but not an easy one, requiring substantial back payments and administrative effort. That period was followed by AB 1066 and the phase- in of agricultural overtime, permanently altering the industry’s historical framework. Layered on top of these developments was the rapid expansion of representative litigation under the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). What began as a novel enforcement mechanism quickly became a primary driver of wage and hour risk, often targeting technical violations with outsized penalties. Today, agricultural employers in California operate under one of the most complex wage and hour systems in the country, where even minor missteps can carry significant consequences. Recent PAGA reforms championed by Western Growers and coalition allies offer a measure of relief. By narrowing claims to violations personally experienced, reducing penalties for less serious violations and incentivizing proactive compliance, the Legislature has taken steps to recalibrate the system. It is not a complete fix, but it reflects a growing recognition that the balance had shifted too far. Labor Relations: A Changing Landscape Labor relations in agriculture have moved through distinct cycles.
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The passage of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act in 1975 fundamentally reshaped the landscape, formalizing collective bargaining rights and ushering in an era of intense organizing activity led by the United Farm Workers. Western Growers was deeply engaged during this period. Its team of attorneys, including Ron Barsamian, Rob Roy, Terry O'Connor, Jim Bogart and many other prominent legal professionals who began their careers at Western Growers, frequently represented clients before the Agricultural Labor Relations Board. They skillfully managed representation elections, addressed unfair labor practice allegations and handled the complexities of collective bargaining under a newly established and evolving statute. Those were high-stakes years, with frequent conflict and uncertainty, as both growers and labor organizations tested the boundaries of the law. What followed was a long period of relative quiet. Union activity declined, elections became less frequent and labor relations issues receded from the forefront for many growers. Attention shifted toward compliance with wage and hour laws, safety regulations and the growing complexity of employment law more broadly. That dynamic has shifted again. Recent statutory changes, including majority support petitions (“card check”), have brought renewed organizing activity and related litigation. Once again, familiar questions are emerging around due process, fairness and how these systems function in practice for agricultural employers. The issues may look different than they did in the 1970s, but the underlying challenge remains the same: ensuring that the system works in a way that respects workers’ rights while allowing growers to operate and sustain their businesses. Workplace Regulation: Expanding Expectations Alongside these developments, workplace regulation has steadily expanded, with California often leading the way. Heat illness prevention stands out as one of the most consequential examples. California adopted the nation’s first outdoor heat illness prevention standard, and Western Growers played an active role in helping shape that framework. From the beginning, the focus was on ensuring that the rules were both protective and workable in real-world agricultural settings. Over time, what began as a general safety standard has evolved into a detailed and highly prescriptive regime, with requirements tied to temperature thresholds, written procedures, training and documentation. More recently, attention has shifted to indoor heat, introducing new challenges for packing and processing operations. Through each phase, Western Growers has continued to advocate for practical, science-based standards that can be implemented in the field and in practice. Heat illness is only part of the story. Cal/OSHA enforcement has expanded, and new rules have added layers of compliance. COVID-19 standards required rapid, real-time operational changes across housing, transportation and worksites. Wildfire smoke regulations introduced monitoring and response obligations tied to changing air quality conditions. At the same time, broader employment laws continue to evolve, including paid sick leave, leave of absence requirements and accommodation obligations. In many cases, Western Growers has worked to shape these measures before they are enacted and to provide guidance once they take effect.
Litigation Trends As regulation has expanded, litigation has followed. Wage and hour class actions remain a primary source of risk, but they now cover an increasingly broad range of issues. Employers now face claims across a wide range of areas, including rest and recovery periods, meal break compliance, wage statements and off-the-clock work. Disability discrimination and accommodation claims have become more frequent and more complex, requiring careful, individualized analysis. In the workers’ compensation system, continuous trauma claims have added another layer of exposure, particularly in labor-intensive operations. Another notable shift is the use of litigation as a policy tool. Advocacy organizations and public agencies are increasingly using the courts to advance broader regulatory objectives. For example, an emerging trend is the increase in California’s Proposition 65 notices directed at fresh produce, with claims focused on naturally occurring heavy metals like cadmium and efforts to impose warning label requirements on raw agricultural commodities. For growers, this means litigation risk is no longer confined to individual disputes, but can shape the operating environment more broadly. Looking Ahead If there is one takeaway from the past century, and my time at Western Growers, it is that these issues rarely arrive in isolation. Legislation, regulation and litigation are no longer separate tracks. They intersect, compound and often amplify one another. Western Growers has been at the center of that intersection, working to shape policy where possible, to challenge it where necessary, and to help members navigate it in real time. That role has not changed, even as the complexity has increased. The path forward will not be simpler. But if the past is any guide, progress will continue to come in increments, shaped by persistence, practical engagement and a clear understanding of what agriculture needs to remain viable. It has been a privilege to represent family farmers for nearly a quarter century, and I remain committed to helping our members face the challenges ahead.
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A REFLECTION ON WESTERN GROWERS’ LEGACY OF ADVOCACY By Matthew Allen, Vice President, State Government Affairs
have served, and others were struggling with the loss of family and friends. Yet they were at the annual meeting in 1946 to be with each other and to advocate for agriculture. While I don’t know their names, I have come to know their faces. Occasionally, I do my best to decipher what the menu was for lunch that day as the plates on the tables are a bit grainy. I am pretty sure that steak was the main fare. What each of these participants could not have known then was the impact that their participation at that meeting, and their sitting for this photo would mean to a lobbyist who started working at Western Growers in December 2011. They celebrated with me and the state government affairs team on our big and small wins, and have been there as a pick-me-up when we have suffered losses that have consequences for our industry and growers. They have been my personal reminder to remain steadfast for our industry and that no challenge is too big to resolve. Three words come to my mind whenever I glance over at the photo: patience, resilience and passion. These are the menu ingredients that stand out to me from that luncheon in 1946. Western Growers is an organization that fully embraces new endeavors, yet we stay true to our past ideals and acknowledge with great gratitude those stewards of the association that came long before us. As someone who comes from a family with a long farming history, I am blessed and extraordinarily proud to be a part of the Western Growers family. It is an honor to represent all that you do.
Honestly, I have been grappling for quite some time about what to write about for this article given we are celebrating Western Growers' 100-year anniversary. Just a little bit of pressure! Should I expound on an important bill that we are opposed to in the California Legislature? No. How about a regulation that would increase costs on our growers? No, that doesn’t seem right either. I have felt like a student again, over- thinking and engaging in unnecessary hand-wringing when the answer to my woes has been in front of my face, literally, this entire time. There is a framed photo by the entrance door to the Sacramento office that greets me every morning when I arrive and wishes me a temporary farewell when I leave after a long day. It serves as a tangible reminder to me about the history of Western Growers, and how it’s a dynamic organization composed of individuals who are passionate about both the organization itself and agriculture as a whole. Back to the photo on the wall. It is a photo of the Western Growers Annual Meeting Luncheon at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on Nov. 20, 1946. It is a room full of growers undoubtedly with hopes and dreams for their farms. Many of them look very serious while others have broad smiles on their faces. I wonder what issues and challenges they were discussing at that meeting in 1946. Labor, water and transportation of produce to market have always been perennial issues for our growers, but I also find it to be a profound image since the photo was taken not long after World War II (which ended on Sept. 2, 1945). Many might
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ARIZONA’S WINTER GOLD A Century of Lettuce and Specialty Crop Success By Robert Medler, Director of Arizona Government and External Affairs
When people think of Arizona, they often picture a vast desert landscape—but over the past century, the state has quietly become one of America’s top producers of specialty crops, especially winter vegetables. Central to this story is lettuce, a crop that turned Arizona into a major agricultural power and transformed rural economies across the state. The roots of Arizona’s specialty crop success go back to when the Hohokam people built advanced canal systems to farm the desert. These same irrigation methods later supported modern farming, especially after large canal projects in the late 1800s opened up huge areas for cultivation. By the early 20th century, citrus groves, vegetable farms and cotton fields were flourishing, forming part of Arizona’s well-known “Five C’s” economy—copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate. A key milestone took place between the 1910s and 1930s, when expanding irrigation along the Colorado River allowed Yuma farmers to grow winter vegetables on a scale unmatched elsewhere in the U.S. The completion of major infrastructure projects, such as the Hoover Dam and subsequent water-delivery systems, helped ensure stable water supplies, making large- scale specialty crop production more reliable. By the mid-20th century, improvements in refrigerated rail transport and interstate highways enabled Arizona- grown lettuce to reach national markets swiftly, fueling rapid industry growth. Today, the Desert Southwest produces nearly 90 percent of the nation’s leafy greens during the winter months, with Yuma playing a central role in that production. The region has also expanded into broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and melons, building a strong specialty crop sector that supports thousands of jobs and adds billions to Arizona’s economy. However, challenges loom. Water scarcity, particularly pressures on the Colorado River, poses long-term "Today, the Desert Southwest produces nearly 90 percent of the nation’s leafy greens during the winter months, with Yuma playing a central role in that production."
uncertainty. Urban expansion continues to convert farmland, and growers face rising labor, fuel and input costs. Food safety concerns and supply chain disruptions have also added complexity in recent decades. Despite these challenges, the future remains promising. Farmers are adopting cutting-edge technologies, leveraging unique insights from remote sensing and data-driven precision agriculture to improve efficiency and sustainability. Plant breeding is producing more heat- and drought-tolerant crops, all while consumer demand for fresh, healthy foods continues to grow. As Western Growers celebrates its centennial this year, it’s important to understand how the organization’s history and the success of Arizona agriculture are intertwined. A century after its founding, Arizona’s specialty crop industry continues to be a story of resilience and adaptation—where innovation combines with tradition, and where a desert still feeds a nation, one harvest at a time. I’m proud to say I work for an organization that does the same—and perhaps more importantly, serves members who lead their industry through action.
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TESTING TO INNOVATE Redefining Food Safety Data’s Role By Joelle Mosso, Associate Vice President, Science Programs
For 100 years, Western Growers has stood alongside its members, supporting the advancement of agriculture through leadership and innovation. From navigating historic challenges to embracing modern solutions, that legacy continues today through initiatives like GreenLink®, a platform that redefines how food safety data supports public health and long-term industry viability. Western Growers and its members have made a significant investment in the future of food safety for fresh produce through the development of the data- sharing platform, GreenLink®. More important than the GreenLink® platform itself is how the effort has been made and what it represents. GreenLink® came about proactively, looking for pathways leading to a prevention-based, less reactive food safety strategy than we have today. It is grower-led, with Western Growers members quietly investing time, money, expertise and optimism to innovate more effective approaches to public health protection and long-term industry viability. GreenLink® was adopted without a known guarantee of success, and, as with most experiments, it has a certain element of risk associated with it. That can be scary and intimidating. But what often is forgotten when forging out into a new unknown is that the status quo isn’t totally safe either. In fact, we know from the current system that it increasingly leads to unfavorable food safety, litigation and regulatory outcomes. Recognizing that today’s status quo isn’t free from risk puts more emphasis on the value and potential reward of identifying a new, more effective system. Using GreenLink®, Western Growers and its members are
investing in defining a more sustainable solution for fresh produce food safety, one that will improve public health outcomes while also offering pragmatic business outcomes in years going forward. Facing uncertainty isn’t new for growers. Each day, this committed and resilient community chooses the uncertain path—the path controlled by often uncontrollable factors like weather, water and fluctuating markets, all in the effort to grow nutritious food and to be stewards of our soils for future generations. Risk is not an exception in agriculture— it is the norm. Growers innovating within that risk have developed a certain sort of specialty, strength and resilience. GreenLink® started in 2022 , anchored by a committed group determined to design a different and more improved future for fresh produce safety. Today, that effort has ushered in over 400 growers’ product and water data, houses three established data sharing programs—one run by Western Growers, one managed with the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) and one joint program with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are also many more programs in the pipeline, with three in near development. Overall, the system and programs have built improved data structure, expanded relevant data points for enhanced learnings, optimized analysis for patterns worth exploring and built community around learnings and next steps.
• Collecting irrigation water & tissue testing data across numerous commodities, areas • Individual dashboards for analytics & visualizations • Additional layers in development for augmented analysis & prediction WG Food Safety Data Sharing Program • A CA LGMA program for romaine beginning in 2023 and currently extended to 2027 • All tested romaine in the LGMA program is reported with associated metadata to drive analysis • Minimum standards for testing type (sample mass, acreage, target organisms) • Focused exploration into learnings are being used to improve industry practices and metrics CA LGMA Test & Learn • A first of its kind data sharing program between the leafy green industry and FDA • Collaborative project for joint learnings & discussion WG & FDA MOU • Root Cause Assessment program in partnership with the Healthy People One Health 2023 group • Environmental Monitoring Program for Stone Fruit • Area Index System (AIS™) to build comprehensive risk management system Projects in the pipeline
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Improve individual programs
Clean, structure, analyze existing participant data to offer enhanced value from data
Support risk communication by visualizing data in effective ways to drive action, discussion, future focus
Support designing risk-based systems off existing trends
Accelerate & Improve industry learnings
Clean, structure, aggregate like industry data to accelerate solutions for all participants
Make accessible learnings that may have taken decades for individual companies to learn from
Use learnings to drive changes in risk, approaches, food safety metrics, and overall industry knowledge
Design a new status quo
Use big data and predictive analytics to design a more prevention-based food safety system
Characterize control, documenting the system’s baseline across numerous variables
Explore and focus efforts to understand where/when factors lead to increased risk
Innovating the new status quo. There’s a misconception with food safety data programs that the only valuable data point and interest is a positive pathogen, or failing test result. What conclusively does a positive pathogen result mean? It means the test method had a detection. It doesn’t mean that the process was out of control, contamination happened, someone failed, the product is bad and/or that the facility is harboring ongoing risk. The detection is just that, a detection. As new entrants come into GreenLink® programs, that is often the first thing learned: the positives are not the point. The point, and what’s more interesting, is what we do with these signals. What context can we bring to understand what they mean? What can we change for the future to improve overall? How can we make our system more resilient to sporadic and ongoing vulnerabilities in programs? Alone, test results can simply be noise, points in time that are used to tell a story that may or may not be true. These types of systems, collections of data points in isolation and/or without a designed purpose, are two things for certain— overly expensive and woefully inefficient. GreenLink® data programs are here for designing a better status quo, and collectively, we as an industry are investing in building the foundation for the offramp to a better, more efficient system. If we are successful, years from now the data we collect will look very different, and we will be using it to fuel a different system altogether. Do we know for sure where that will take us? No, but it is certain that continuing down the same road will get us to the same destination, and there’s a great amount of risk in that too. GreenLink® and the collective efforts of the grower and research community are ushering in a new era—leveraging past and present data to enable smarter, more targeted risk management, and to collaboratively shape future best practices and regulatory policy. The future doesn’t have to look like today—but using today’s data, we can cultivate a more successful tomorrow.
At less than four years old, and with over six and a half million data points, GreenLink® is just getting started in shaping the future of fresh produce food safety. It’s not about looking backwards at old data—it’s about using yesterday’s and today’s data (i.e., unrealized data potential) to look forward, change our data collection approaches and to drive more efficient risk- management systems. GreenLink® goes beyond a database and data sharing platform. It’s a broader initiative, one that is based on collective innovation aimed at designing a new status quo for risk- management. To achieve that, GreenLink® has three core priorities and/or products. First, and most directly, it is to help build usable tools to improve the existing data and systems that individual organizations use at their operations. The platform achieves this through structuring existing data, cleaning it, analyzing it and visualizing it, helping participants communicate where and what their food safety systems do today. Second, GreenLink® expands beyond the individual users, aggregating industry participants who share data to help accelerate learnings and socialize the value of larger datasets to identify trends, learnings and information. What may have taken years or decades to learn at an individual company is being learned in days and months—speeding up where focus and exploration is needed. Third, GreenLink® is focusing on building new systems to replace or improve the old systems—driving focused improvements through the use of big data and predictive modeling to determine more effective and efficient tools for the fresh produce industry. Think of this third product as the off-ramp to the circuitous loop the industry has been on, one where it often feels like the only thing consistent is that we are collecting more and more data, taking more tests and adding to checklists each year. GreenLink®’s most valuable project is to identify where and how we need to move to have the biggest impact and to design a more certain future.
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BUILT TOGETHER A Partnership That Strengthened Agriculture By Steve Mangapit, President, Pinnacle Claims Management and Chief Operating Officer, Western Growers
Agriculture has always required resilience. When faced with complex challenges, growers and the organizations that support them have worked side by side to find practical solutions. In the 1950s, providing health benefits in agriculture was not simple. Seasonal employment patterns, language barriers and the unique structure of the agricultural workforce made traditional insurance carriers hesitant to engage deeply in the space. Employers needed coverage that reflected the realities of their operations, and employees needed access to meaningful care. Rather than accept limited options, agricultural leaders and Western Growers came together for a better path forward. In 1957, Western Growers Assurance Trust, now Western Growers Health, was formed to serve agricultural employers and their employees. It was established as a nonprofit, guided by growers who understood the industry firsthand and supported by professionals dedicated to navigating the complexities of healthcare. From the beginning, it was a collaborative effort rooted in a shared goal: accessible and affordable coverage designed specifically for agriculture. What started with a single plan design and 144 covered lives grew steadily over the decades. As farms expanded, diversified and adapted to new market realities, the Trust evolved alongside them. Member leadership identified emerging needs. Western Growers Health responded with innovative solutions. By the 1990s, employers sought greater flexibility and financial control over their health plans. In response, "In my 30-plus years on the board, what’s impressed me most is how connected we stay to our members. That connection gives us insight and understanding in a way the big insurance companies can’t figure out." - David Gill, Owner Rio Farms and Gills Onions
Pinnacle was established to administer self-funded plans while preserving the same member-driven philosophy. PinnacleRx Solutions soon followed, ensuring easy access to critical medications. Over time, health management programs, telemedicine services and Cedar Clinics were introduced, expanding the way care could be delivered to the workforce. At every step, innovation grew from listening, partnering and a shared dedication to supporting the people behind the industry. Today, Western Growers Health remains governed by a Board of Trustees made up of agricultural leaders who understand both the pressures and the opportunities facing the industry. That governance structure, paired with a dedicated healthcare team, ensures decisions remain closely aligned with the real-world needs of employers and their workforce. Western Growers Health provides insured health benefits for employers ranging from small operations to organizations with thousands of employees, while Pinnacle supports self-funded health plan administration for both agricultural and non- agricultural employers. Together, these organizations help employers of nearly every size access meaningful health benefits while staying grounded in the agricultural community they were created to serve. With more than 500 employees, 750 clients and 421,768 members, they generate more than $200 million in revenue each year. All dedicated to supporting agriculture and the employers who sustain it. “Serving on the board is something I take seriously because growers depend on these benefits for their employees and their families. My focus has always been making sure we protect that trust and continue strengthening it for the future,” said David Gill, Owner, Rio Farms and Gills Onions. He continued: "In my 30-plus years on the board, what’s impressed me most is how connected we stay to our members. That connection gives us insight and understanding in a way the big insurance companies can’t figure out." Together, we have built a legacy that strengthens both the industry and its people. The evolution of agricultural health benefits reflects something deeper than growth. It reflects a true, unwavering partnership. It reflects shared responsibility. And as Western Growers marks its 100th anniversary, it stands as a reminder that the strongest institutions are built not alone, but together, with a steadfast commitment to the people who keep the industry moving forward.
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A CENTURY OF WELLNESS Caring for What Matters Most By Beth Sims, Manager, Health and Wellness, Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc.
One hundred years. When I really sit with that number, it doesn’t just feel historic; it feels like looking at an old black-and-white photograph. I imagine families gathered around kitchen tables with home-cooked meals being passed around. Simple moments that probably didn’t feel extraordinary at the time, but meant everything. I find myself reflecting on how wellness and the healthy foods that support it have remained central to our story from the very beginning. Wellness Then and Now Of course, wellness looked a little different 100 years ago. There were no fitness trackers counting steps. No smoothies photographed on Instagram. No podcasts reminding us to hydrate. If someone in 1926 talked about “core strength,” they probably meant working the fields from sunrise to sunset. Back then, wellness looked like home-cooked meals made from simple ingredients. It looked like fresh air,
early nights and food that came straight from the land, not a label. Wellness wasn’t something that was talked about often, it was simply lived, in long days spent caring for the land and feeding communities. Even portion sizes told a story. Plates 100 years ago, and even through the 60s and 70s, looked different than they do today. Meals were simpler, portions were smaller and produce often took up more space on the plate. Food was satisfying, but it was also balanced, rooted in what was available, seasonal and home-prepared. Today, meals may look different than they once did, but the importance of fresh, thoughtfully grown food remains just as strong and the work that begins in the fields still plays the most important role in nourishing our communities. Today, wellness comes with apps, wearable devices and more information than we sometimes know what to do with. We talk about gut health, mindfulness and balanced lifestyles. We read labels more closely. We try new recipes. We look for ways to feel better and stay energized.
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And while the language has changed, the heart of it hasn’t. At its core, wellness has always been about taking care of ourselves and each other. The Meaning of Wellness Wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s not about doing everything “right.” It’s about small, consistent choices made with care. Healthy eating plays such an important role in that picture, not as a rigid rulebook, but as an act of respect for our bodies, our futures and the people who gather around our tables. Food has always been a connector. It brings comfort. It builds tradition. It creates moments that last far beyond the meal itself. Often, wellness begins with something beautifully simple: Bringing home fresh ingredients and cooking a meal from scratch. Adding more color to your plate with leafy greens, bright berries and vegetables. Choosing seasonal produce that tastes the way nature intended. Trying a new fruit or vegetable for the first time. Sharing a wholesome meal around the table with the people you love. Simple Ways to Support Healthy Eating As a nutritionist, I’m often reminded that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. It usually begins with small, thoughtful steps. The kind anyone can take.
Adding more fruits and vegetables to daily meals helps provide the vitamins, minerals and fiber our bodies rely on to stay energized and strong. Choosing fresh, whole foods when possible supports heart health, digestion and overall well-being. Eating a variety of colorful produce ensures we’re nourishing our bodies with a wide range of nutrients. And perhaps just as important, slowing down long enough to enjoy meals allows us to feel more connected to both our food and the people we share it with. These simple habits, practiced over time, help build healthier lives. Because wellness is never just individual. It strengthens families. It strengthens communities. Looking Ahead If the past 100 years have taught us anything, it’s that while trends will come and go, the need to care for our health will never fade. Wellness will continue to evolve. There will be new research, new tools and yes, probably even more apps. But my hope for the next century is simple: That we continue choosing fresh, nourishing foods. That we continue placing wellness at the center of our lives. Because when people feel well, they live well. And when communities live well, everything grows stronger. Here’s to the next century: hopefully one with fewer fad diets and more meals made with fresh ingredients, with just as much heart.
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19 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com April – June 2026
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE THIRD ANNUAL WESTERN GROWERS WOMEN LEADERSHIP RETREAT By Cierra Allen, Program Manager
with our alumni and hear the great conversations that come along with it. While a group of 35 may seem large, the shared industry background fosters an environment where genuine and meaningful conversations are able to develop. Each year, I strive to create an agenda that balances leadership development, personal reflection, teamwork and a little bit of fun. A standout moment of this year’s retreat was our Welcome Dinner, which featured California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross. Secretary Ross shared her personal journey from growing up in Nebraska to becoming one of the most influential women in agriculture. She offered an honest and motivating perspective about never imagining she would end up in the agriculture industry and how unpredictable one’s career path can be. Her story resonated with the attendees as many are navigating their own leadership journeys.
The Western Growers Women (WGW) Program marked its third annual Leadership Retreat in Rancho Mirage, Calif., bringing together 35 women for an experience centered around growth, connection and leadership. Despite an unusual heat wave and soaring desert temperatures, attendees fully embraced the opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities and focus on personal and professional growth. As in previous years, the retreat created a unique space to connect with other women in the agriculture industry. More than half of the women were first-time participants at an in-person WGW event. While I personally love to see returning women as many have become great friends, it is equally exciting to welcome new faces. One aspect that makes each WGW event special is the presence of program graduates who choose to return year after year because of the value they have found in it. It is always inspiring to see the newcomers interact
Attendees enjoyed a farm tour of Hadley Date Gardens led by owner and Western Growers Board Director, Albert Keck and his son, Paul.
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Workshops throughout the retreat provided valuable personal and practical tools from various speakers. Teresa McQueen, Corporate Council at Western Growers, opened with a dynamic icebreaker focused on AI in the ag industry. Dr. Tina Huff led a session on leadership mindset and effective communication. Her workshop encouraged attendees to better understand how they show up as leaders and how to navigate different team dynamics. Karen Timmins, SVP of HR at Western Growers, facilitated a thought-provoking workshop on confidence, personal value and strengthening one’s professional presence. A special highlight was renowned speaker and author, Jim Ferrell, who led a full-day workshop based on his book, "You and We: A Relational Rethinking of Work, Life, and Leadership." His session emphasized the importance of balancing individuality with social connections. Through various activities, he demonstrated how personal growth is shared by relations, empathy and community; and how a healthy society depends on all three. Attendees also enjoyed a farm tour of Hadley Date Gardens led by owner and Western Growers Board Director, Albert Keck and his son, Paul. The group learned about the unique process of
how dates are cultivated, harvested and transformed into various products. Of course, the retreat wouldn’t be complete without a bit of fun. On the final night, the group made the 10-minute, 6,000-foot ascent on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for dinner at the top. As someone who’s not exactly a fan of heights, it ended up being a surprisingly memorable bonding experience, especially with fellow non-height lovers. The slightly nerve-wracking ride was well worth it for the incredible desert views and a delicious meal. Ultimately, the retreat was more than just various workshops, it was an opportunity for the attendees to build confidence, strengthen their community and leave with actionable plans to lead their teams more effectively. This year’s event demonstrated the continued commitment of Western Growers member companies investing in women leaders. The strong and diverse turnout renewed my passion for growing this program for new and returning participants. As the program continues to evolve, the WGW Program continues to be a powerful example of the importance of empowering women in the agriculture industry.
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Western Growers
at
A Century of Championing Agriculture
Founded on March 9, 1926 as the Western Growers Protective Association, Western Growers began with a clear mission: to represent the interests of western produce shippers during a time when the industry faced mounting regulatory and transportation challenges. In the last century, Western Growers has evolved alongside the industry it represents—expanding its services to meet the changing needs of agriculture. From labor relations and legal advocacy to insurance solutions, dispute resolution and pioneering research in crop production and ag technology, the association has remained committed to helping its members thrive. For 100 years, Western Growers has also been a steadfast voice for agriculture in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals— championing policies that protect and advance the fresh produce industry. The story of Western Growers is inseparable from the story of Western agriculture itself—marked by perseverance and adaptability. As we commemorate this milestone anniversary, the following timeline highlights key moments that reflect not only our association’s growth, but the enduring strength and evolution
of the industry it serves. -Michelle Rivera, Editor
1947 pole-grown tomatoes
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