IFPA's Produce & Floral Leadership Path Programs Applications Open in May

May 14, 2024

Washington, D.C. - The International Fresh Produce Association is committed to growing members’ prosperity and that starts with programs to grow leaders – they are key longer-term strategies of a diverse and inclusive workforce, healthier people, and a healthier planet. The Produce & Floral Leadership Path offers progressive leadership development programs, from entry-level staff to next-gen leaders to the C-suite. Four of nearly a dozen programs opened applications in May. Others open later this year or are on-demand online. 

“The industry relies on IFPA’s Produce & Floral Leadership Path as a one-stop shop that builds skills and networks to expand employees’ contributions,” said Doug Bohr, IFPA chief education and programs officer. “IFPA is committed to empowering people who can lead from wherever they are, in their current roles and the roles they aspire to.”

"Pacific Coast Fresh Company has benefited greatly from our participation in IFPA Events and Leadership programs, and we look to IFPA to provide industry specific professional development to employees at all career levels,” said Kathleen Quandee, Vice President of Human Resources, Pacific Coast Fresh Company. “Over the past few years, we have had employees attend the Women's Fresh Perspectives conference, the Washington conference, and the Emerging Leaders and Executive Leadership Development Programs. All participants have returned to our company with new insights and an expanded industry network to call upon now and into the future."

Benefits of The Produce & Floral Leadership Path:   

advances organizations by developing strong leaders,  
enhances employee contributions,  
showcases a company’s commitment to its employees and their career paths,  
rewards star performers with additional opportunities to grow,  
builds staff loyalty by investing in them, and  
enriching 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 four programs opened May 13.

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. 1-5, 2024, 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.    
Executive Leadership Development Program: Expertly guided by world-renowned faculty at Cornell University, this executive, week-long intensive course serves as a cornerstone for nurturing leadership excellence in the global fresh produce industry.

Additional Leadership Development from IFPA:

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.

More information on IFPA’s leadership programs is available on IFPA’s website.

IFPA's Produce & Floral Leadership Path Programs Applications Open in May

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