IFPA Leadership Path Powers Produce, Floral Businesses

June 14, 2023

Newark, DE. and Washington, D.C. - The International Fresh Produce Association is committed to empowering people who can lead from wherever they are – in their current roles and the roles they aspire to. The Leadership Path offers progressive leadership development programs – from entry-level staff to next-gen leaders to the C-suite. Three of nearly a dozen programs opened in early June for applications. Others open later this year or are on-demand online.

“At IFPA, we’re committed to growing members’ prosperity, and this leadership development suite of programs is an important component of that commitment,” said Doug Bohr, IFPA chief education and programs officer. “Powerful leaders are essential to day-to-day business and relationships. And they are key to longer-term strategies of a diverse and inclusive workforce, healthier people, healthier companies, and a healthier planet. IFPA’s Produce & Floral Leadership Path powers the people who power our members’ success.”

The Produce & Floral Leadership Path is a one-stop shop that builds skills and networks to expand employees’ contributions. IFPA programs:

advance organizations by developing strong leaders,

enhance employee contributions,
showcase a company’s commitment to its employees and their career paths,
reward star performers with additional opportunities to grow,
build staff loyalty by investing in them, and
enrich a culture of ongoing learning that drives business success.

Offered throughout the year, the programs combine online and in-person options to suit company needs. Applications for three programs opened June 5:

Management Fundamentals: This online, three-part program prepares early- and mid-career staff to lead from their current seat. In collaboration with the University of Arizona, these three courses deliver a foundational understanding of leadership, management, and financial skills.

Emerging Leaders Program: Offered in person, ELP invests in rising stars to create a pipeline of qualified leaders. The weeklong program prepares high-potential staffers to embrace responsibility and handle leadership challenges. This 40-seat program, Dec. 3-7, 2023, in Tucson, AZ, builds leadership skills and peer relationships.

Leadership Program: This year-long, immersive leadership journey for mid-level staffers develops essential leadership and business skills tailored to the produce and floral industries. The 12 participants establish career-long relationships, deepen industry insights, and learn to lead through connections, advocacy, and communications.

“We all attend events and pursue education around job skills – all to enhance day-to-day success in business,” Bohr said. “That needs to be balanced with leadership development for strategic, long-term benefits. The Leadership Path makes good leaders better and builds a cadre of leaders at all levels in an organization, preparing them for greater opportunities and ensuring the organization has a strong corps of leaders for strategic work and business continuity.”

Additional Leadership Development from IFPA:

Executive Leadership Development Program: This in-person, executive, weeklong intensive, offered by IFPA and Cornell University, is designed for senior-level leaders involved in strategic planning and execution.
Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference: Focused on leadership, this in-person conference is where women bring to life the best of who they are and where businesses leverage this competitive advantage.
Career Pathways Virtual Certificate Program: This free, on-demand, online program offers university students a glimpse into careers in the produce and floral industries.
Career Pathways Summer Internship Program: IFPA’s annual internship program offers 12 paid, 10-week internships to talented, career-focused individuals. It includes in-person and online components at the collegiate level.

Food Safety Immersion Program: This builds the technical capacity, critical thinking, and leadership of the next generation of produce safety pros. With both online and in-person components, it is designed for those new to produce food safety.
Volunteer Leadership Opportunities: Volunteering with IFPA allows individuals to give back while developing leadership skills and a strong business network. Opportunities are both online and in-person for all levels.
Mentorship Programs: IFPA’s Women’s Portfolio and Career Pathways Program offer online and in-person mentor programs for budding leaders to learn from seasoned professionals.

IFPA Leadership Path Powers Produce, Floral Businesses

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