WASHINGTON, DC - Forever remembered as an advocate for not only fresh produce, but the people within the industry, Frieda Rapoport Caplan left an undeniable and indelible legacy in her wake that is still felt today. Reminding us of her spirit of giving and growth, United Fresh Produce Association has announced that the application period for the 2021 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business scholarship is now open.

“Each year, the Caplan family so graciously provides the industry’s family businesses with this one-of-a-kind professional development and leadership opportunity to get deeply immersed in the policy side of fresh produce,” said Miriam Wolk, United Fresh’s Vice President, Member Services. “Scholarship recipients come away from the Washington Conference with strategic connections and the skill set and knowledge to advocate for the issues that impact their businesses and the produce industry.”

Founded in 2001 by Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins, daughters of Frieda Rapoport Caplan, the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship program honors their mother by providing the opportunity for representatives from family-owned, United Fresh member companies to attend the United Fresh Washington Conference.

The event will be held in-person once again this year in Washington, DC, at the Grand Hyatt, according to a press release, and scholarship recipients will receive complimentary airfare, hotel, and registration to participate in the conference.

“Through our family’s scholarship, we have been honored to host more than 60 industry professionals at the Washington Conference through the past two decades,” commented Wiggins, Owner/Vice President and COO, Frieda’s. “These scholarship recipients have developed into strong leaders and advocates for our industry.”

Taking into consideration several criteria, the scholarship committee reviews applicants on their interest in advocacy work and commitment to the produce industry. All applications must be received by July 30, 2021, for consideration.

Bringing together produce leaders from all sectors of the industry, the United Fresh Washington Conference will be held September 20–22, 2021, and will feature key opportunities for education on critical industry issues and meeting with members of Congress, their staff, and top regulatory officials. Through this scholarship, recipients will have the chance to network with industry executives from across the nation, as well as gain a crucial understanding of the political process and how to advocate for their issues.

In addition to face-to-face Congressional meetings, the Washington Conference also features a Produce Advocacy Bootcamp for attendees new to communicating with Congress, workshops detailing critical public policy issues facing the industry, general sessions with top national leaders, and pivotal opportunities for networking throughout.

If you meet the criteria and would like to apply for the scholarship, click here.

For more vital opportunities for growth from across the fresh produce industry, remember to keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow.

United Fresh Produce Association