West

Frieda Rapoport Caplan, produce industry leader, dies

Produce industry pioneer Frieda Rapoport Caplan, 96, died in her home on Jan 18. Caplan is widely praised for her role in elevating the role of women in... more »

Romaine outbreak declared over; safety efforts up

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared Jan. 15 the e. Coli outbreaks associated with romaine lettuce grown in the Salinas, California, region over and the agencies lifted... more »

California Giant Berry Farms hires new CFO

California Giant Berry Farms recently added a new member to its Executive Team, welcoming Sean Martin as Chief Financial Officer to the growing company. Martin will supersede Dan Nicola as he begins his transition into... more »

Biofungicide Stargus by Marrone Bio gains California approval

Marrone Bio Innovations (NASDAQ: MBII) (MBI), a sustainable bioprotection and plant health solutions company, said Jan. 14 that its patented Bacillus biofungicide, Stargus, has been fully reviewed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR)... more »

California governor’s proposed 2020-2021 budget gets ag support

The California Farm Bureau Federation and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) have both expressed support for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2020-2021 budget. Farm Bureau president Jamie Johansson: “The governor’s budget reinforces his commitment... more »

Energy independence is topic at forum for growers in California

The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT) and Concentric Power Inc., an energy technology company deploying power solutions for some of the country’s largest grower-shippers, will co-host the first-ever Salinas Valley Energy Forum... more »

New Mexico chile pepper conference will be Feb. 3-4

The New Mexico State University Chile Pepper Institute's 2020 New Mexico Chile Conference will be held Feb. 3-4 at its new location, the Las Cruces Convention Center. Las Cruces Convention Center is located at 680... more »

Church Brothers acquires Green Giant veggie unit

Salinas, California-based Church Brothers Farms acquired the Green Giant Fresh value-added vegetable business from Growers Express. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. According to a news release, the acquisition includes Growers Express’ production facility... more »