Participants in the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program traveled to central Chile this week, visiting several regional produce operations and hearing insights from program alumni. The 12-member class arrived in Santiago on Tuesday and was welcomed by local industry leaders with a Chilean-style lunch. On Wednesday, the group traveled north to visit with Frutamerica, El Triunfo Orchards and Propal (OsoSweet Onions) and continued on Thursday with stops at Hortifrut and the Port of Valparaíso. Friday's tours included visits to the south with Dole, Chiquita, Unifrutti and Greenvic. During the Chilean excursion, class participants also heard from leadership alumnus Jerry Butt of MIXTEC Group, on "retaining the best and brightest employees."

The Chile visit marks the third trip in "Class 12's" year-long leadership journey. Class 12 will meet again in Chicago for their graduation at the Fresh Marketplace Reception & Retail Awards Banquet on Sunday, May 6. The Leadership Program is made possible through a generous grant from DuPont Crop Protection.  Applications for Leadership Class 13 are now being accepted. For more information, please contact Victoria Kuhns, senior vice president, member services and foundation or call (202) 303-3400 ext. 408.