California agriculture is navigating a challenging combination of water shortages, labor concerns, regulations, trade uncertainty, rising costs and a rapidly changing technology landscape. On “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni sat down with Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers Association, for a wide-ranging discussion about the issues shaping the future of California agriculture.
Puglia, who has led Western Growers since 2020, brought decades of experience in California public policy and agricultural advocacy to the conversation.
California Farmers Continue to Adapt
The interview began with a discussion of farmer resiliency, including Stuart Wolf’s efforts to develop agave production on the West Side despite difficult water conditions.
Puglia said California farmers continue to search for new opportunities despite high energy costs and a challenging regulatory environment. He described agave as another example of growers adapting to changing conditions and looking for profitable alternatives.
Puglia also criticized what he sees as a disconnect between lawmakers stated support for agriculture and policies affecting farmers and farm workers. He pointed to agricultural overtime requirements as an example and argued that economic pressures ultimately influence where businesses choose to operate.
Western Growers represents growers in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, while its members operate across numerous states and countries. Puglia highlighted the stark differences between California and Arizona, particularly for growers in the Imperial Valley competing with operations just across the border in Yuma.
Trade, Canada and the Farm Bill
Trade relationships with Mexico and Canada remain particularly complicated for California agriculture. Puglia explained that Mexico is both a competitor and a major export market, while Canada is California fresh produce’s largest export market.
He said declining Canadian consumer demand for American products had become a concern for California agriculture and pointed particularly to impacts on the wine and fresh produce industries.
Puglia also discussed the stalled Farm Bill, saying disagreements over SNAP administrative requirements were among the issues preventing an agreement. He described the proposed legislation as potentially transformative for specialty crops, with additional support for pest and disease research, mechanization, automation, risk management and more efficient economic assistance programs.
Agriculture’s Labor Challenge
Labor was another central topic.
Puglia endorsed the concept of creating a regulated work status for long-term agricultural workers while improving the H-2A visa system. He said a workable solution would need to reduce bureaucracy and make agricultural labor programs more economically practical.
The conversation also addressed the misconception that farm work is “unskilled.” Puglia emphasized that harvesting and packing specialty crops requires speed, precision and experience.
He recalled a reporter who attempted to work alongside a strawberry crew and lasted roughly 35 minutes before realizing how physically demanding the job was. Puglia said watching workers expertly fill strawberry clamshells or carefully pack table grapes demonstrate the skill involved in specialty crop production.
California Needs a New Water Conversation
Water infrastructure was another major focus.
Puglia said California needs additional surface storage, dams, aqueducts, canals and groundwater storage. However, he argued that the state also needs to reconsider the regulatory systems governing both existing and future infrastructure.
He noted that much of California’s water infrastructure was developed for a population far smaller than today’s, creating a need for additional investment.
Puglia also argued that agriculture’s broader economic contribution should be considered when determining who pays for water projects. Farms generate employment, economic activity and tax revenue well beyond the individual growers receiving water.
Food Safety and Consumer Confidence
The interview also examined the aftermath of a lettuce-related food safety outbreak.
Puglia said growers suffered enormous losses when produce was destroyed even though many operations had no connection to the outbreak. He called for faster and clearer communication from government agencies and the industry when food safety incidents occur.
He said consumers need to know quickly which product is affected—and which products are not—so an isolated incident does not cause unnecessary declines in consumption across the entire fresh-produce category.
Automation Could Change Specialty Crops
Puglia sees significant potential for automation to address agriculture’s labor challenges.
He said automated weeders and thinners are already becoming commercially viable, while harvesting remains considerably more difficult. Western Growers is working with Reservoir Farms and other innovation sites to allow agricultural technology companies to test equipment under real farming conditions.
The organization also conducts economic evaluations designed to help growers determine whether emerging technology can actually deliver a return on investment.
Puglia said automated harvesting of leafy greens and broccoli is showing promise, while berries and Central Valley stone fruit remain much more challenging.
From Sacramento Politics to Agricultural Leadership
Puglia grew up in Sacramento and initially entered the political world rather than agriculture. While working on political campaigns, he was mentored by Ken Khachigian, who later helped connect him with Western Growers.
Puglia joined Western Growers in 2005 and eventually became president and CEO.
When Papagni asked whether California could regain its economic strength, Puglia said he believes it can, but emphasized that doing so will require changes in public policy and continued engagement from Californians.
He encouraged agricultural supporters to communicate with urban communities and remain involved in the political process.
Puglia’s Message: Don’t Give Up
Puglia’s closing message to California agriculture was one of persistence.
He encouraged growers and industry supporters to remain active, positive and proactive, arguing that there are public officials who genuinely want to do the right thing but sometimes need greater support from constituents.
Papagni jokingly suggested Puglia should someday run for governor. Puglia laughed off the idea, saying he had promised his wife, who also worked in politics, that he would not run for public office.
For growers facing the challenges ahead, Puglia’s message was clear: stay engaged, continue working for practical solutions and don’t give up.
Listen to the Full Interview
The conversation between “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and Dave Puglia cover far more than can fit into one article, including California water policy, agricultural labor, trade with Mexico and Canada, the Farm Bill, food safety, automation, family farms and the future of California agriculture.
To hear Puglia discuss these issues in his own words, listen to the full “Ag Meter” interview.
For more information about Western Growers, visit Western Growers at wga.com. The organization’s official contact information includes info@wga.com and 1-949-863-1000.
Western Growers Association
Website: wga.com
Phone: 1-949-863-1000
Email: info@wga.com