November 4, 2024

Specialty Program Group Announces Association with Western Growers Assurance Trust Wholesale Employee Benefits Division

November 4, 2024 – Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG), a leading operator of specialty insurance brokerage, underwriting and consulting facilities announced that it is beginning an association with the wholesale employee benefits division of Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT), a premier provider of health insurance and employee benefits solutions tailored to the agricultural sector. Founded … Read More

by mpolischuk
November 4, 2024

Hub International Expands Agribusiness Insurance and Risk Solutions with Acquisition of Western Growers Insurance Services in California

Chicago and Irvine, California, November 4, 2024 – Hub International Limited (Hub), a leading global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, and Western Growers Association (WG) today announced that Hub has acquired the retail insurance brokerage business of Western Growers Insurance Services (WGIS). The acquisition will enhance Hub’s services in the agribusiness industry and better … Read More

by mpolischuk
Western Growers Annual Meeting Early Bird Registration is Now Open
July 19, 2024

Western Growers Annual Meeting Early Bird Registration is Now Open

Secure your pass at a discounted rate for Western Growers’ 98th Annual Meeting when you register before August 30, 2024. Act fast to take advantage of early bird registration! You won’t want to miss this year’s event at the luxurious JW Marriot Scottsdale Camelback Inn & Spa! Join key decision-makers from Western Growers member companies as … Read More

by mpolischuk
Wildfire Smoke Regulations and Worker Safety
July 19, 2024

Wildfire Smoke Regulations and Worker Safety

July 11, 2024 The Lake Fire in the Santa Ynez Valley has devastated over 30,000 acres as of Thursday, with containment at only 16%. This serves as a critical reminder for employers about the Cal/OSHA permanent regulation on worker protection from wildfire smoke, effective since February 1, 2021. This regulation is crucial for ensuring the … Read More

by mpolischuk
Historic PAGA Reform Signed by Governor Newsom
July 19, 2024

Historic PAGA Reform Signed by Governor Newsom

Agreement Between Business, Community and Labor Groups Will Create a Better, Fairer System for Workers and Employers Sacramento – Today, July 1, 2024, the Fix PAGA coalition, representing non-profits, social justice advocates, family farmers, health care providers and businesses, applauded Governor Newsom and legislators for enacting historic reform to the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). Governor Newsom … Read More

by mpolischuk
California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Compliance Deadline is July 1st
July 19, 2024

California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Compliance Deadline is July 1st

California’s SB 553i requires all employers – with few exceptions – to create and implement a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). As a reminder, the statute’s effective date of July 1, 2024, is just around the corner.     Effective July 1st employers must have in place:   As discussed here, to assist employers in establishing, implementing and maintaining an effective WVPP, the … Read More

by mpolischuk
Department of Industrial Relations Revises H-2A Supplemental Notice in Response to Industry Concerns
July 19, 2024

Department of Industrial Relations Revises H-2A Supplemental Notice in Response to Industry Concerns

In response to concerns raised by Western Growers and industry partners, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has issued a revised Supplemental Notice to H-2A Employees, which addresses most of industry’s concerns. As reported here, the agricultural coalition sent a letter to DIR objecting to several aspects of the notice, which misstated the law. The effective date … Read More

by mpolischuk
Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Illness
May 15, 2024

Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers from Heat Illness

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is reminding all employers to protect workers from heat illness as high temperatures are forecast in the coming days. Some of the highest temperatures include: Employers in California are required to protect outdoor workers from heat illness by providing water, rest, shade and training and must … Read More

by Michelle Rivera
Register Today for the Agricultural Water Systems Workshop
May 8, 2024

Register Today for the Agricultural Water Systems Workshop

Join Western Growers Science, in partnership with the UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Center, on May 28 – 29, in Salinas, Calif. for the Agricultural Water Systems – Identifying, Preventing, and Managing Food Safety Risks workshop. The workshop will delve into a range of topics related to water management and safety. Experts will explore … Read More

by Michelle Rivera
Using Telematics to Bolster Fleet Safety Culture
April 10, 2024

Using Telematics to Bolster Fleet Safety Culture

In the realm of commercial driving, telematics continues to emerge as a vital tool for enhancing safety on our roads. However, it’s crucial to recognize that while telematics offers valuable insights into driver behavior and vehicle performance, it alone cannot transform driver habits. A holistic approach as part of a comprehensive fleet safety program is … Read More

by Ken Cooper