TIPA launches a student networking and career development program

The Texas International Produce Association is expanding their career networking program, Encouraging Discovery and Growth in Education, also known as EDGE. TIPA will welcome this year’s student cohort at the Viva Fresh Expo on April 1, 2023. 

EDGE is the next evolution of the original Aggies for Fresh program launched in 2017. The program is designed to offer students information, exposure and connections in the fresh produce industry to help them identify career paths and obtain hire-ready roles.  

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The networking and career development program highlights fresh produce industry internships and job openings in Texas. This year, according to a news release, program participants include students from universities across the state, such as:

• Texas A&M.

• Texas Tech.

• University of Texas Austin.

• University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

EDGE has sought students from a wide range of departments at these universities to recruit students from all degree areas. 

“As an industry, we face a talent shortage, and the fresh produce industry needs to be more aggressive in bringing people to us and making fresh produce industry a career path of choice. It's why EDGE was so aptly named,” Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of TIPA, said in the release. “We all need an EDGE, an advantage to succeed, and we want to make sure the entire supply chain is well-staffed for the future.” 

 EDGE peels back the curtain for students to engage with part of a $1.5 trillion food industry, according to the release. It also provides businesses with a direct line to students and recent graduates who are eager to join the workforce, find meaningful jobs and develop careers.

“By introducing and promoting the wide range of opportunities in the industry through the EDGE program, we hope to pique interest and guide students to a sector unknown to many students,” Galeazzi said in the release. “On behalf of TIPA, we are excited to continue taking an active role in shaping the future of agriculture through the EDGE program.” 

Companies interested in meeting with EDGE students at the Viva Fresh 2023 conference or who would like to submit job openings or internships for students to review in advance should contact Melinda Goodman at melinda@fulltiltmarketing.net. Learn more at vivafreshedge.com.