MILLEN, GA - As part of its continual efforts to prepare future produce leaders, the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) is celebrating the completion of its inaugural Next Generation Leadership Academy’s (NGLA) immersive trip to the Research Triangle region in North Carolina. The experience was centered on the theme “New Era of Agriculture” and was designed to cultivate emerging leaders in the produce industry while exploring cutting-edge agricultural practices, tech advances, and sustainable solutions.

“The Research Triangle provided the perfect backdrop for our Next Generation Leadership Academy to explore and envision the future of agriculture,” said Raina Nelson, NGLA Committee Chair at SEPC and Chief Executive Officer of Westfalia Fruit Marketing USA. “By engaging with pioneers and innovators in the industry, our participants gained invaluable insights into the transformative technologies and sustainable practices that will shape the next era of agriculture.”

The program, organized by SEPC, brought together a select group of emerging leaders, each representing a diverse range of talents and perspectives within the produce industry, a release stated. During the trip, participants had the opportunity to interact with thought leaders, industry experts, and researchers at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

The Research Triangle is recognized for its innovation and technological prowess, allowing attendees to visit state-of-the-art research facilities, participate in collaborative sessions with agtech startups, and conduct dialogues with key players in sustainable farming.

Topics like precision farming, agtech integration, sustainable practices, and supply chain resilience took center stage in discussions and hands-on experiences. The trip concluded with a culmination of the NGLA’s virtual leadership course facilitated by Ashley Andersen of Dare to Lead™.

Upon completing their curriculum, the 2023–2024 Next Generation Leadership Academy participants will be recognized at Southern Exposure on Thursday, March 7, during SEPC’s Future Generations Celebration Dinner.

To read more about this trip, click here.

AndNowUKnow will share more innovative industry programs and leadership tools as they are announced.