SEPC STEP-UPP Retail Class kicks off summer tour

The Southeast Produce Council’s 2025 STEP-UPP Retail Class launched its annual summer tour last week, offering participants immersive, hands-on experiences designed to strengthen partnerships with growers. STEP-UPP — the Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals — is SEPC’s premier initiative focused on developing retail and foodservice produce professionals through strategic education, leadership development and in-the-field learning.

The tour began on Wednesday, June 11, in Columbia, SC, where the class visited various facilities, farms and fields. These insightful experiences were made possible by SEPC Level Sponsors City Roots and Titan Farms, along with SEPC member company Walther Farms.

On Thursday, June 12, the learning continued with exceptional facility tours hosted by SEPC Level Sponsors WP Rawl and Coosaw Farms.

The tour concluded on Friday, June 13, with a final stop at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Consumer Protection Division, wrapping up a week of invaluable industry exposure and education.

SEPC thanked its Future of Industry sponsors — Ark Foods, Blue River Legacy Farms, Bostock New Zealand, Crystal Valley Foods, Divine Flavor, J&C Tropicals, LK Packaging, Mastronardi Produce, Miami Tropical Wholesaler, Nature Fresh Farms, Ray’s Heritage, Red Sun Farms, RPE, Shuman Farms, Southern Specialties, Southern Valley Fruit & Vegetable and Suja Life — for their support.

“Our recent journey through the heart of South Carolina’s agricultural landscape was nothing short of extraordinary," said Harps Food Stores' Mike Roberts, SEPC board ambassador, STEP-UPP Retail Committee co-chair. "The STEP-UPP Retail Class had the opportunity to engage with the people, produce and passion that make this industry so special. It was a true celebration of food, farming, fellowship and education! From microgreens to watermelons, with stops for peaches and fresh sweet corn along the way, our class got an up-close look at a wide range of crops and operations. The tour was not only a feast for the senses but also a powerful educational experience, connecting future produce leaders with some of the most innovative and dedicated growers in the region. This tour was a reminder of just how inspiring and dynamic our industry truly is — and how vital it is to invest in its future leaders!”

“Visiting Columbia, South Carolina gave our STEP-UPP class a firsthand look at the innovation shaping our industry," said Merchants Distributors' Gary Baker, SEPC secretary and STEP-UPP Retail Committee co-chair. "Touring the facilities, farms and fields was eye-opening — but it’s always the technology that captures the most excitement. Seeing how it is transforming agriculture and operations in real-time is both inspiring and energizing for our future leaders.”

The graduation ceremony for the STEP-UPP Retail Class of 2025 will be held during Southern Innovations this September in Charlotte, NJ. For more information about the STEP-UPP program as well as other SEPC educational offerings, visit the Education page of the SEPC website.