An increasing number of employees are attending industry-related training programs, which serve individual, corporate, and industrywide goals.
“We want to train the younger generation so our industry is prepared and will have the top talent it needs,” said David Sherrod, president and CEO of the Southeast Produce Council.
Industry-led programs vary with some focused on personal development, some on specific industry issues, and others forging bonds between buyers and sellers, for example. Most represent a significant commitment for participating employees and their employers.
Southeast Produce Council
The STEP-UPP program is directed at the buy side of the industry, to educate retailers and foodservice executives on the practical ins and outs of growing and shipping, foster leadership and relationships between buyers and sellers, and improve the supply chain. Its STARS program is for agriculture students, to help lure graduates into the produce industry.
United Fresh Produce Association
Amanda Griffin, senior director of education and member programs, says providing both resources and expertise for the industry to manage complex business and technical issues is key to the organization’s mission.
Among its offerings are the Executive Development Program, presented with Cornell University’s Food Industry Management Program for mid- to senior-level produce executives, and the Produce Industry Leadership Program for up-and-coming leaders, sponsored by DowDuPont’s Corteva Agriscience division. It also offers other training programs and webinars.
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation
The California Agricultural Leadership Program, one of the longest-running programs of its kind, fosters understanding of key industry players to create future leaders.
“We’re trying to build the individual,” said Barry Bedwell, the organization’s president. “We’re not teaching advocacy; we’re creating better advocates. We call it learning from the inside out.”
The Foundation’s Washington, DC Educational Fellowship Program, hosted by the Ag Leadership Alumni Council, brings together government representatives and industry leaders for an exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Center for Growing Talent by Produce Marketing Association
The Produce Marketing Association’s educational programs range from the Executive Leadership Exchange for CEOs and senior executives, focusing on honest discussions to spur innovation and growth, to the Emerging Leaders Program, to prepare younger, high-potential employees to handle the responsibilities and challenges of leadership.
The Women’s Fresh Perspectives committee and annual conference focuses on supporting and cultivating the potential of women within the industry, while the Career Pathways program introduces university students to the many opportunities available within the fresh produce and floral industries.
Western Growers Association
Western Growers offers tailored training programs for its members and their employees, either onsite or remotely, on topics such as leadership skills, human resources and employment law, safety and risk management, supervisory skills, new technology, and training to understand and comply with federal programs like the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and Food Safety Modernization Act.
This is an excerpt from the most recent Produce Blueprints quarterly journal. Click here to read the full version.
