FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2026

Lacey, Wash. – The Worker and Farmer Labor Association (WAFLA) and the Washington Growers League (WGL) announced today that the two organizations are merging, uniting decades of agricultural expertise under the WAFLA name to better serve labor-intensive farms across Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

Labor remains one of the most significant challenges facing agriculture in the region, with growers consistently citing the cost and availability of labor as top threats to farm viability. The merger brings together two organizations with complementary strengths to address those challenges more effectively through expanded services and a stronger, unified advocacy voice.

Founded in 1987, the Washington Growers League has long focused on advocacy, HR support, farmworker housing, and worker safety training. WAFLA, founded in 2007, provides nationally recognized expertise in agricultural visa filings, HR guidance, farmworker housing, and policy advocacy. Together, the organizations represent nearly four decades of combined experience supporting growers and farmworkers.

“This merger positions our organizations to better meet the real-world needs of growers operating in an increasingly complex regulatory and labor environment,” said Enrique Gastelum, Chief Executive Officer of WAFLA. “By combining our teams, expertise, and relationships, we are strengthening our ability to deliver practical solutions, effective advocacy, and high-quality services that support both agricultural employers and the workforce they rely on.”

The merger reflects a strategic response to an evolving agricultural landscape, allowing the combined organization to utilize industry resources more efficiently through one membership base and one coordinated voice.

“WAFLA and WGL have long worked toward the same goals from complementary angles,” said Mike Gempler, Executive Director of the Washington Growers League. “This merger allows us to pool our resources and expertise, reduce duplication, and provide greater value to our members. It’s a smart, forward-looking move for the industry.”

The combined organization becomes the largest labor-intensive, agriculture-focused association in Washington and the Pacific Northwest, strengthening its ability to advocate on labor, housing, and workforce issues at the state and regional levels.

“WAFLA has always focused on practical support for growers paired with responsible stewardship of farmworker programs,” said Adrian Roozen, Chair of the WAFLA Board of Directors. “Welcoming WGL into WAFLA enhances that mission and expands our capacity to serve agriculture with integrity, credibility, and impact.”

“This merger ensures that WGL’s legacy of advocacy, worker safety, and housing expertise will continue – and grow – within a stronger, unified organization,” said Jeff Perrault, Chair of the WGL Board of Directors.

The merged organization will operate as WAFLA, maintaining existing programs while integrating services to support growers across the Pacific Northwest. Enrique Gastelum will continue serving as CEO of WAFLA. WGL Executive Director Mike Gempler will assist in merging the associations and supporting WAFLA’s advocacy efforts.