The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) recently celebrated the successful completion of its 2026 STEP-UPP Retail Class during the annual spring tour held last week.
This multi-day event offered participants a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience by visiting fields and state-of-the-art facilities.
The program is designed to enhance the collaboration between retail professionals and growers in the produce industry.
The STEP-UPP, or Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals, serves as SEPC’s flagship educational initiative.
It aims to equip rising retail and foodservice professionals with a thorough understanding of the produce supply chain through strategic orientation, personal leadership, and direct field experiences.
- SEPC’s 2026 STEP-UPP Retail Class concluded its successful spring tour.
- Participants gained hands-on experience visiting farms and facilities.
- Program enhances collaboration between retail professionals and growers.
- Graduation ceremony scheduled for September at Southern Innovations.
- More information available on the SEPC website.
The 2026 class commenced their journey on the evening of April 7th with a session focused on food and fellowship before embarking on a rigorous tour schedule.
The tour began on Wednesday, featuring a series of visits to facilities, farms, and fields hosted by SEPC Level Sponsors such as Local Bounti, Pure Flavor, and Genuine Georgia.
Key stops included Pearson Farm and Lane Southern Orchards.
The momentum continued with exclusive tours hosted by L.G.
Herndon Jr. Farms, Inc. and Shuman Farms, both SEPC sponsors.
The experience reached its zenith with in-depth explorations at Bland Farms before the class concluded their tour.
Gary Baker, SEPC Vice Chairman and STEP-UPP Retail Committee Co-Chair, remarked on the students’ energy and engagement, emphasizing the real-world impact of the tour on their understanding of the industry.
The STEP-UPP tour is made possible by the generous support of SEPC’s Future of Industry Sponsors, which include renowned names like Ark Foods, Bay Baby Produce, and Blue River Legacy Farms.
Mike Roberts, SEPC Board Ambassador and STEP-UPP Retail Committee Co-Chair, highlighted the importance of education and real-world connections for the future of the industry.
He emphasized that when future retail leaders experience the supply chain firsthand, it fundamentally alters their approach to leadership and decision-making.
The formal graduation ceremony for the STEP-UPP Retail Class of 2026 is scheduled for this September during Southern Innovations in Nashville, Tennessee.
For those interested in learning more about the STEP-UPP program or other educational offerings by SEPC, further information is available on the SEPC website.
