On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, joined us for Part 2 of a wide-ranging conversation about the future of California agriculture. From water infrastructure and rising production costs to automation and the next generation of farmers, Puglia offered his perspective on where the industry goes from here.
Water remains one of the biggest pieces of that conversation. Puglia said California needs additional surface storage, canals, aqueducts and groundwater storage, but argued that simply building infrastructure isn’t enough. The state also needs to address the regulatory system governing how that infrastructure is developed and operated.
He also raised a bigger question about who benefits from agricultural water infrastructure—and who should pay for it. Puglia pointed to Sites Reservoir as an example, arguing that the economic activity, employment and tax revenue generated by productive farms should be considered part of the broader public benefit when projects are financed.
The discussion then turned to technology.
Puglia said agricultural automation has advanced considerably, particularly with automated weeders and thinners. Harvesting remains a much tougher challenge, especially for crops such as berries and Central Valley stone fruit. Western Growers is working with technology companies through its innovation efforts and Reservoir Farms, where new equipment can be tested under real farming conditions before growers make major investments.
Puglia also discussed consolidation in California agriculture, what encourages him about younger farmers entering the business, and whether he believes California can change course after years of difficult agricultural policy.
Hear Part 2 of the full conversation with Dave Puglia in the player above or on your favorite podcast app.
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