Western Growers Association Explained

The Western Growers Association (WGA) is an association representing family farmers who grow fresh produce and tree nuts in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.[1] [2] [3] The issues they advocate on include farm labor regulation, immigration and guest worker programs, environment and sustainability, pest control, and water.[4] They have offices in Sacramento (California), Phoenix (Arizona), and Washington, D.C.

History

The Western Growers Association (WGA) was founded in 1926 to represent the interests of family farmers cultivating fresh produce and tree nuts. Initially focused on California, the organization expanded its advocacy efforts to include Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico as agriculture in these regions grew.[5]

In its early years, WGA worked to address market access issues, ensuring that farmers could sell their produce in urban centers efficiently. During the mid-20th century, the association became a prominent voice for farmers amid changing labor and regulatory landscapes. It played a significant role in advocating for farmworker programs during the establishment of the Bracero Program, which allowed Mexican laborers to work temporarily in the United States during World War II and beyond.[6]

By the 1980s, WGA was deeply involved in immigration debates, particularly concerning the need for guest worker programs that would balance labor shortages with regulatory compliance. It supported policies aimed at stabilizing labor supply chains and reducing the impact of immigration enforcement on agricultural productivity.[7]

In more recent decades, WGA has broadened its focus to include sustainability initiatives, water management policies, and pest control measures critical to the success of modern farming. It has also promoted technological innovations in agriculture, such as precision farming techniques, to enhance productivity and environmental stewardship.[8]

Today, the association continues to advocate for policies that benefit its members while navigating challenges posed by climate change, labor shortages, and evolving food safety regulations.[9]

Reception

The WGA has been cited in articles in the New York Times on issues related to agriculture and regulation thereof, and in particular immigration and guest worker programs associated with agricultural labor.[10] [11] [12] [13] [14] It has also been cited and quoted as an authority on produce, farm labor and immigration issues in articles in Forbes,[15] CNN,[16] [17] and the Wall Street Journal.[18] [19] [20]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Our Mission and Vision. Western Growers Association. February 9, 2015.
  2. Web site: Company Overview of Western Growers Association. February 9, 2015. Bloomberg Business.
  3. Web site: Western Growers Association. February 9, 2015.
  4. Web site: Issues and Advocacy. Western Growers Association. February 9, 2015.
  5. Web site: Our Mission and Vision. Western Growers Association. February 9, 2015.
  6. Web site: Western Growers Association. February 9, 2015.
  7. News: U.S. Plans to Ease Alien Labor Rules. Pear. Robert. January 27, 1985. February 9, 2015. The New York Times.
  8. Web site: Issues and Advocacy. Western Growers Association. February 9, 2015.
  9. Web site: Company Overview of Western Growers Association. February 9, 2015. Bloomberg L.P..
  10. News: U.S. PLANS TO EASE ALIEN LABOR RULES. Pear. Robert. January 27, 1985. February 9, 2015. New York Times.
  11. Web site: U.S. Official Blames Farmers For Worker Shortage in West. June 21, 1987. February 9, 2015. New York Times (originally from Associated Press).
  12. News: Growers Reach for the Ballot in California Duel Over Pesticides. Schneider. Keith. February 22, 1990. February 9, 2015. New York Times.
  13. News: Short on Labor, Farmers in U.S. Shift to Mexico. Preston. Julia. September 5, 2007. June 9, 2015. New York Times.
  14. News: California Farmers Short of Labor, and Patience. Medina. Jennifer. March 29, 2014. February 9, 2015. New York Times.
  15. A U.S. Worker Shortage Calls For 'Red Card' Immigration Reform. Powell. Benjamin. Benjamin Powell. October 18, 2013. February 9, 2015. Forbes.
  16. Web site: Food industry mulls 'killer spinach' impact Growers gauge effects of FDA E. Coli warning. Grocers, restaurants remove product from shelves, menus.. Ellis. David. September 15, 2006. February 9, 2015. CNN (Money).
  17. Web site: Business wants immigration reform. Why? Because they can't find enough workers. July 11, 2014. February 9, 2015. CNN (Money. Liberto. Jennifer.
  18. News: As Border Tightens, Growers See Threat to 'Winter Salad Bowl'. Yuma, Ariz., Relies on Muscle From Illegal Immigrants; Security vs. Economics. Jordan. Miriam. March 11, 2005. February 9, 2015. Wall Street Journal.
  19. News: Agricultural Visa Program Finds Accord. Murray. Sara. April 12, 2013. February 9, 2015. Wall Street Journal.
  20. News: Farmers Urge Congress to Legalize Agriculture Workers. Obama Move Will Help Only a Fraction of the Undocumented Immigrants Toiling on Nation's Fields, Farmers Say. Jordan. Miriam. November 23, 2014. February 9, 2015. Wall Street Journal.

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