United Fresh Research & Education Foundation has opened the application period for the 15^th annual class of the Produce Industry Leadership Program. Made possible through a generous grant from DuPont Crop Protection, the program is a special opportunity for United Fresh members to advance their leadership skills and knowledge. United Fresh invites all eligible members to apply.  

The Leadership Program, launched in 1995, is developed around four fundamental goals: Leadership Development, Business Relationships, Government & Public Affairs and Media & Public Relations. During the year-long program, participants will take part in a series of customized trips including face-to-face meetings with leading industry players, hands-on training with top industry experts and educators through a specially designed curriculum at the University of California at Davis, interactive experiences with influential leaders in Washington, D.C., and much more. This year's schedule will feature trips to Central/Northern California, Washington, D.C., Wilmington, Del., and Culiacan, Mexico. The class will graduate at the 2010 United Fresh convention in Las Vegas, Nev.

Program applications are examined by an Advisory Committee who choose 12 individuals from a cross-section of the industry to represent the breadth of the United Fresh membership. Since the program’s inception, more than 160 industry members have participated. United Fresh Board member and Leadership Class 6 graduate Mike Martin of Rio Queen Citrus, Inc., will serve as the Chairman of the 2009 Advisory Committee. 

"The Produce Industry Leadership Program is an opportunity for the industry to recognize and foster leadership among the next generation of great minds in produce," said Martin. "This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who is interested in building a strong, foundational knowledge of the broader produce industry and significantly enhancing their ability to be an effective leader. I encourage any interested applicants to apply today."

The Leadership Program is an exclusive program for United Fresh members. It is the only ongoing, fully paid national leadership program for the produce industry.  Candidates interested in applying for the program can download information and an application from the United Fresh website. The deadline for applications is March 2, 2009. For more information, contact Victoria Backer, United Fresh senior vice president of member services at 202-303-3400 ext. 408.