The Washington State Tree Fruit Association’s Spanish-language session, managed by Jeff Robison of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Maria Hernandez of Washington Fruit and Produce Co., will have an exciting lineup of speakers and trending topics in horticulture on the second day of the annual meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6.
This year, specialists from different fields will be on hand to train attendees to be more effective in their jobs. With the many challenges confronting the agriculture industry, these topics aim to address many of the unique trials supervisors face each day.
One of the most important aspects of growing tree fruit is that equipment is used effectively and safely, and WSDA will provide two training sessions toward those goals. WSDA has conducted many tests to determine best practices for sprayer calibration and configuration, and this year, Flor Servin will deliver a training on effective calibration and configuration. Angel Sanchez will also deliver training to better understand respirators and appropriately use them.
This year, we are also excited to be holding a panel discussion titled “The Role of Women in Agriculture.” The agriculture industry has seen an increase of women in the workplace, and many are taking leadership roles within the industry. As a workforce, it is important that we understand some of the unique challenges faced by women in the agricultural workplace, so that we can avoid common pitfalls and stereotypes placed on women who choose agriculture as a career.
Human trafficking is often referred to as modern-day slavery, and the agriculture industry is not exempt from its influence. Many H-2A workers are potentially exposed to this mistreatment. This year, Business Ending Slavery and Trafficking, also known as BEST, will deliver a training on how to recognize human trafficking and will provide resources on how to combat this problem if it is encountered.
Overtime regulations are new to our industry. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries will offer information and training to aid with the implementation within the agricultural industry. Be prepared to learn how this will impact your business.
Other speakers include Sonia Hall and Christina Gallegos of Washington State University. Hall will discuss climate change and its impact on agriculture. These are unique challenges, and we must prepare ourselves with information so that we can make the best decisions possible. Gallegos will offer tips to overcome stress and cultivate resiliency.
In addition, we hope you will plan to attend an event immediately after lunch for the presentation of the Latino Leadership Award that recognizes a deserving contributor to this industry.
—by Jeff Robison
Jeff Robison is a supervisor in the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Technical Service and Education Program.
Special edition available in Spanish
This year, Good Fruit Grower published a series of stories about codling moth control, stemming from a codling moth task force aimed at ensuring growers’ management strategies meet the needs of today. Those stories will be available in Spanish for an educational special edition of Good Fruit Grower en Español later this year.
—Shannon Dininny
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