IFPA Leadership Path offers numerous options

The International Fresh Produce Association offers produce industry professional development programs through The Leadership Path.

Three of nearly a dozen programs offered by the association opened in early June for applications, according to a news release. Others open later this year or are on-demand online. 

“At IFPA, we’re committed to growing members’ prosperity, and this leadership development suite of programs is an important component of that commitment,” Doug Bohr, IFPA chief education and programs officer, said in the release. “Powerful leaders are essential to day-to-day business and relationships. And they are key to longer-term strategies of a diverse and inclusive workforce, healthier people, healthier companies, and a healthier planet."

Programs include:

• Management Fundamentals: This online, three-part program prepares early- and mid-career staff to lead from their current seat. In collaboration with the University of Arizona, these three courses deliver a foundational understanding of leadership, management, and financial skills, the release said.   
• Emerging Leaders Program: Offered in person, ELP invests in rising stars to create a pipeline of qualified leaders. The weeklong program prepares high-potential staffers to embrace responsibility and handle leadership challenges. This 40-seat program, set for Dec. 3-7 in Tucson, Ariz., builds leadership skills and peer relationships, according to the release.  
• Leadership Program: This year-long, immersive leadership journey for mid-level staffers develops essential leadership and business skills tailored to the produce and floral industries. The 12 participants establish career-long relationships, deepen industry insights and learn to lead through connections, advocacy and communications, the release said.
• Executive Leadership Development Program: This in-person, executive and weeklong intensive program, offered by IFPA and Cornell University, is designed for senior-level leaders involved in strategic planning and execution, the release said.
• Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference: Focused on leadership, this in-person conference is where women bring to life the best of who they are and where businesses leverage this competitive advantage, according to the release. 
• Career Pathways Virtual Certificate Program: This free, on-demand and online program offers university students a glimpse into careers in the produce and floral industries, the release said.  
• Career Pathways Summer Internship Program: IFPA’s annual internship program offers 12 paid, 10-week internships to talented, career-focused individuals. It includes in-person and online components at the collegiate level. 
• Food Safety Immersion Program: This builds the technical capacity, critical thinking and leadership of the next generation of produce safety professionals. With both online and in-person components, it is designed for those new to produce food safety, the release said. 
• Volunteer Leadership Opportunities: Volunteering with IFPA allows individuals to give back while developing leadership skills and a strong business network. Opportunities are both online and in-person for all levels, the release said. 
• Mentorship Programs: IFPA’s Women’s Portfolio and Career Pathways Program offer online and in-person mentor programs for budding leaders to learn from seasoned professionals.