Dave Puglia on California Agriculture's Challenges
AgNet News Hour, October 5, 2026
California agriculture is facing a growing list of challenges, from rising labor costs and water restrictions to regulations, trade pressures, and competition from imported produce. On the latest AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter,” and Josh sat down with Dave Puglia, president and CEO of the Western Growers Association, for a wide-ranging conversation about these issues and the future of California’s agricultural industry.
Resilience and Adaptation
Puglia discussed the resilience of California farmers, highlighting new opportunities such as agave production as examples of growers adapting to difficult conditions. However, he also warned that California's regulatory environment, high energy costs, and labor challenges are making it increasingly hard for agricultural businesses to remain competitive.
Navigating Regulatory and Economic Challenges
He noted that agricultural organizations frequently collaborate in Sacramento to prevent harmful policies from passing, describing much of their work as trying to “keep pucks out of the net.” The conversation also explored California’s broader economic challenges, with Puglia pointing out that people from various economic backgrounds are leaving the state, including working families and taxpayers who contribute to California’s budget.
Comparative Cost Structures
Contrasting California's regulatory environment with Arizona, where growers can operate under a significantly different cost structure while producing the same crops just a short distance away, Puglia emphasized the impact on competitiveness.
Trade Dynamics
Trade was another significant topic. Puglia explained the complex relationship between California growers and Mexico and Canada, highlighting both countries as critical export markets while imports also directly compete with California crops. He called for stronger labor and food-safety standards in Mexican agricultural production, acknowledging potential trade retaliation consequences.
Farm Bill and SNAP Negotiations
Discussing the proposed Farm Bill, Puglia expressed optimism that it could be transformative for specialty crops by providing support for pest and disease research, mechanization and automation, crop insurance, and more efficient economic assistance programs. He also advocated for bipartisan action on agricultural labor, including a regulated work-status pathway for longtime farmworkers and improvements to the H-2A program.
Puglia emphasized that farm labor should not be dismissed as “low-skilled” or “unskilled,” underscoring the critical role farmers play in California's economy and food system.