The United Fresh Produce Association is accepting applications for class two of its Produce Safety Immersion Program.
The program supports the career development of produce safety professionals, according to a news release.
“Despite a global pandemic, class one of the Produce Safety Immersion Program successfully built their professional network, advanced their technical knowledge, and grew their leadership skills,” Jennifer McEntire, senior vice president of food safety and technology at United Fresh. “I’m looking forward to welcoming new fellows into the program as class two applications are now being accepted.”
In addition to participant applications, the release said United Fresh also is now accepting applications from prospective mentors for class two of the program, sponsored by Renaissance Food Group at the gold level, and Ecolab as a silver sponsor.
The release said the program offers face-to-face meetings/trainings, web seminars, networking and professional development sessions with industry leaders and a mentorship program.
Three or four produce safety professionals will serve as mentors to the program fellows and will support the professional growth and development of class participants, according to the release.
“Being selected to participate in the United Fresh Produce Safety Immersion Program has been an honor,” Kristina Schoen, food safety specialist at Highland Ag Solutions and class one fellow. “We have had the opportunity to learn from key individuals from different sectors in the food safety discipline, whom have allowed us to ask specific questions to further build our knowledge within the industry,”
Early-to-mid career professionals with less than five years’ experience in produce safety are encouraged to apply for class two, according to the release. Participant and mentor applications will be considered by members of the United Fresh Food Safety Council Steering Committee based on their backgrounds, roles in the industry, career aspirations, and recommendations.
“Ongoing professional development is especially crucial in produce safety, as ensuring consumers can safely consume such healthy products requires knowledge of a wide variety of processes and regulations,” Donna Lynn Browne, director of food safety and social responsibility and social responsibility for Naturipe Farms. “United Fresh has always been on the forefront of all things food safety in produce and this program is yet another great tool for the industry.”
Those interested in applying for class two of the Produce Safety Immersion Program as a fellow or mentor can visit www.unitedfresh.org. For additional information, contact Katie McGowan, food safety coordinator of United Fresh, at 202-303-3402 or kmcgowan@unitedfresh.org.
New student membership program
United Fresh also has launched a complimentary membership program for undergraduate and graduate students with a career interest in produce safety or quality, according to the release. In the program, the release said students will have access to all United Fresh membership benefits, including dozens of food safety webinars, discounted trainings and events, and regular networking opportunities with industry professionals. In addition, United Fresh also has created a job board exclusively for produce safety and quality positions that will be available to members this fall, according to the release.
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