February 27, 2015

WG Board Members Discuss Industry Issues with Arizona Elected Officials

Western Growers Executive Committee and Arizona Directors, led by Chairman Vic Smith, President and CEO of JV Smith Companies, and President and CEO Tom Nassif, were in Arizona this week for meetings at the Arizona State Capitol.  The Western Growers delegation met with statewide officials and legislators regarding several issues facing our members.  

The agenda included a visit with Governor Doug Ducey, as well as a meeting with his new Natural Resources Policy Advisor Hunter Moore. Lunches with Secretary of State Michelle Reagan and Speaker of the House David Gowan and meetings with State Treasurer Jeff DeWit, President Andy Biggs and several legislators were also part of the packed schedule.

Topics of discussion included WG’s bills to protect the piece-rate wage calculations in Arizona and a bill to clarify the statutes regarding investigations of alleged pesticide violations. The group also discussed water policy, the Department of Agriculture budget and the preservation of the ag water conservation tax credit.  

Pictured in the photo from left to right are: WG Chairman Vic Smith (JV Smith Cos.–Yuma, AZ); Gary Pasquinelli (Pasquinelli Produce Co.—Yuma, AZ); Hunter Moore Natural Resources Policy Advisor to Gov. Ducey; Arizona Governor Doug Ducey; Larry Cox (Lawrence Cox Ranches–Brawley); Sammy Duda (Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.—Salinas, CA); WG President and CEO Tom Nassif; Will Rousseau (Rousseau Farming Co.—Tolleson, AZ)