California
Ag groups seek quick availability of water project funding
A coalition of agriculture groups in the western U.S. is asking federal officials to immediately implement drought funding in the Inflation Reduction Act. Western Growers, the Agribusiness and Water Council of Arizona, Family Farm Alliance... more »
UC study breaks down costs of growing organic strawberries
Thinking about commercially growing organic strawberries on California’s Central Coast? To help prospective and current growers evaluate financial feasibility, the University of California has estimated costs to produce and harvest organic strawberries for fresh market... more »
Grafting watermelons could boost yields for California growers
As growers across California navigate severe drought, supply-chain challenges and rising inflation, reducing inputs has become an existential necessity. And for watermelon growers, a new twist on a thousands-year-old practice is showing real promise. In... more »
Western Growers supports California water plans
Dave Puglia, Western Growers president and CEO, praised California Gov. Gavin Newsom's water supply strategy. Responding to Newsom’s Aug. 11 announcement, Puglia said the plan is “bold and comprehensive.” “Our... more »
Gov. Newsom unveils water strategy for hotter, drier California
Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced California’s latest actions to increase water supply and adapt to more extreme weather patterns caused by climate change. Hotter and drier weather conditions spurred by climate change could reduce California’s water... more »
Industry remembers Western Growers’ Hank Giclas
Hank Giclas, who served the fresh produce industry in a variety of roles for 30 years at Western Growers, has died. “Hank Giclas dedicated himself, totally and fully, in service to the people of the... more »
USDA program boosts local crops from California’s underserved farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding a program in California that will buy and distribute locally grown, produced and processed food from underserved producers. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the program July 27 during... more »
California strawberry researchers identify Fusarium wilt-resistant gene
Strawberry losses from Fusarium wilt could become less of a threat after researchers at the University of California-Davis discovered genes that are resistant to the deadly soil-borne disease. The findings, published in the journal Theoretical... more »
Western Growers to honor California’s John Harris
Western Growers will honor California agricultural icon John Harris with its 2022 Award of Honor. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively... more »
Cal Poly sets annual Strawberry Center Field Day
More than 300 strawberry growers, researchers and industry representatives are expected to attend the Cal Poly Strawberry Center Field Day. The July 28 event features researchers and students from Cal Poly and the University of... more »
