The United Fresh Foundation announced the 12 members of the 2013-14 United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program. Presented through the Foundation’s Center for Leadership Excellence and sponsored by a generous grant from DuPont Crop Protection, this program was launched in 1995 and more than 200 program participants have graduated.

The Produce Industry Leadership Program welcomed the following professionals to its 19th Class:

• Bob Biesterfeld of C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc.
• Brian Cook of San Miguel Produce Inc.
• Amanda Costa of Del Monte Fresh Produce
• Hillary Femal of IFCO
• Ryan Fukuda of Avocados from Mexico
• Peter Hill of Alpine Fresh Inc.
• Duke Lane III of Lane Southern Orchards
• Sparky Locke of Apio Inc.
• Taylor Martin of FreshPoint – Charlotte
• Rebecca Meyers of Stemilt Growers LLC
• Bill Pollard IV of Save-A-Lot Food Stores
• T.J. Rahll Jr. of Edward G. Rahll & Sons Inc.

Beginning this July, the members of Leadership Class 19 will participate in a number of educational events and outings centered on the four core focus areas of the program: leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs, and media and public communications.

During the year-long fellowship, participants will take part in a series of customized trips, which include face-to-face meetings with leading industry players, hands-on training with top industry experts and educators, and interactive experiences with influential leaders in Washington. This year's schedule will feature expansive trips to Michigan and Ontario, Washington, DC, and Wilmington, DE, Yuma, AZ, and Chicago, IL, where the class will graduate at the 2014 United Fresh Convention.

"We are proud to extend our congratulations to the newest class of the Produce Industry Leadership Program, and thank all of the candidates who applied for this year’s program,” said Leadership Advisory Committee Chairman and Board Member Lisa Strube of Strube Celery & Vegetable Co. “We applaud their commitment to developing themselves into future leaders of the fresh produce industry.”

"A special thanks is owed to DuPont Crop Protection for making this program possible and for their generous investment in the future of our industry,” Victoria Backer, United Fresh senior vice president of member services, said in a press release. “DuPont has been the sole sponsor of this program since its inception in 1995, providing a unique opportunity for our future leaders to grow professionally and personally.”

Candidates for the program must submit an application including two essays detailing their interest in the program and what they consider the most important challenges affecting the produce industry. All applications are reviewed by the Leadership Advisory Committee comprised of United Fresh Board members and program alumni. The committee is responsible for assessing each candidate based on their experience and expertise, as well as developing a class that is balanced and representative of the industry.

For questions or additional information on the Produce Industry Leadership Program, visit www.unitedfreshfoundation.org or contact Shannon Young, United’s education manager [email protected] or 202/303-3400.