What is the single most urgent shift the produce industry must make today to ensure it remains sustainable and profitable in 2030 and beyond?
“The industry must become more proactive about adopting innovation and documenting what it takes to grow and deliver fresh food with fewer resources. Growers are already being asked to do more with less water, labor and fewer crop-protection tools and increasingly restrictive packaging choices — all while keeping healthy food affordable. … The produce industry must bring credible data and real-world experience to policymakers early in the process. If growers do not help define what workable and economically sustainable policies look like, those policies will be defined for them.”
Gail Delihant is senior director of governmental affairs for Western Growers, where she has represented farmers and the fresh produce industry since 2008.
She is recognized for her expertise in California agricultural, water and environmental policy and regularly works with legislators, regulators and industry leaders on the complex issues affecting growers.
Before joining Western Growers, Gail spent more than 20 years working in and around the California State Capitol. She served as chief of staff to Assemblymember Greg Aghazarian and previously worked for Assemblymember and State Senator Dave Kelley.
She began her Capitol career in 1987 under then-Assembly Speaker Willie Brown.
