The Texas International Produce Association has raised $30,000 for the first year of its scholarship program, with funds from the Viva Fresh Open Golf Tournament.
The funds will provide one-year scholarships to families of TIPA members, Viva Fresh Expo exhibitors and sponsor companies. Recipients are those who intend to pursue a degree or certification relevant to the fresh produce industry, according to a news release.
Each year, the scholarship honors a notable fresh produce industry member, and Leonard Pike is the honoree for the first round of scholarships. Pike is well knows as the developer of the Texas 1015 sweet onion, and a long-time Texas A&M professor. He died Jan. 12.
“We’re excited to support the development of the next generation of produce industry professionals and future leaders,” Ed Bertaud, IFCO director of retail sales and the chairman of the Viva Fresh Golf Tournament Committee. “Whether candidates are pursuing a degree in horticulture, or becoming a commercial driver by enrolling in a vocational program — these scholarships are designed for them.”
For more information on the scholarships, visit https://vivafreshexpo.com/scholarship/.
