Washington, D.C. - United Fresh Research & Education Foundation announced today that it is accepting applications for the 2008 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program. The Program awards up to four scholarships for employees of United Fresh member, family-owned businesses to attend United Fresh's Washington Public Policy Conference (WPPC).

The four scholarships recipients are selected by an advisory committee and receive complimentary airfare, hotel, and registration to attend the conference, which will be held September 10-12, 2008 at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. This annual conference brings together hundreds of produce leaders from all sectors of the industry to interact personally and share ideas with Administration officials, congressional leaders, and industry colleagues.

"This experience was eye-opening," said 2007 Caplan Scholarship recipient, Kristine Zerr, Vice President of Operations for Domex Superfresh Growers. "This program is an exceptional opportunity to gain perspective on the way that politics affect our industry. It is so powerful to march on Capitol Hill with 300 other industry leaders and know that we are helpingour elected leaders in Washington D.C. understand how the laws they propose impact our businesses."

The 2008 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program was established in 2001 through a generous grant from Frieda's, Inc. by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins; it is administered through the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation. The goal of the program is to increase family business' involvement in government relations and produce industry advocacy.

"This program provides an exceptional opportunity for employees of family-owned businesses to get involved at the grassroots level and learn how to make a difference in Washington," said Victoria Backer, senior vice president, member services & Foundation. "Karen & Jackie truly understand that the most effective way to make our voice heard is by coming together as a produce community in Washington. I encourage anyone who is involved with a family business to apply for this year's program and find out how they can make a difference."

To apply for a Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship, participants must complete an application form and briefly write why they want to attend the WPPC and what they hope to gain from the experience. The application can be downloaded from United Fresh's website and must be received by July 28, 2008.

Applications should be sent to the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation, attention Beth Berman. Applications can be e-mailed to bberman@unitedfresh.org, faxed to 202- 303-3433 or mailed to United Fresh Foundation, Attn: Beth Berman, 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, 20006.

For more information about the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program, please contact Victoria Backer at vbacker@unitedfresh.org or 202-303-3400 ext. 408.

For more information about WPPC, or to register, contact Angela Bezon at abezon@unitedfresh.org, 202-303-3400 ext. 416, or visit http://www.unitedfresh.org/programs/wppc/homepage.