Southeast Produce Council’s STEP-UPP Foodservice Class Gains Invaluable Insights During Spring Tour
April 2, 2026 | 3 min to read
Millen, GA — Last week, the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) successfully hosted its STEP-UPP Foodservice Class for an immersive spring tour, offering participants a deep dive into the produce supply chain and fostering vital grower-retailer partnerships.
STEP-UPP (Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals) serves as SEPC’s flagship educational initiative. The program is specifically designed to provide rising leaders in the retail and foodservice sectors with a 360-degree view of the industry through a blend of strategic leadership development and hands-on, field-based training.
The educational journey kicked off on Tuesday, March 17th, when participants engaged in a series of facility, farm, and field tours hosted by SEPC level sponsors Fresh Del Monte Produce, Sunripe Certified Brands, Wish Farms, and Florida Classic Growers. The momentum continued into Wednesday with additional on-site experiences courtesy of SEPC level sponsors Pioneer Growers and Duda Farm Fresh Foods, providing the class with a comprehensive look at modern agricultural operations and logistics.
The tour concluded on Thursday with a final visit to SEPC Future of Industry sponsor Southern Specialties. This closing leg allowed participants to reflect on the complexities of the supply chain before heading home with newfound expertise.
SEPC extends its sincere gratitude to the Future of Industry sponsors whose generosity makes these educational milestones possible: Divine Flavor, Fresh Alliance, Mid-State Produce, Nature Fresh Farms, Nickey Gregory Company, NPC Foodbuy, RPE, Shuman Farms, Southern Specialties, Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, and Vick Family Farms.
“Our Florida trip was a great success, despite a few travel complications. We saw excellent engagement from our students and a real desire to immerse themselves in learning about growing and supply chain processes. The students really came together as a group, and they supported each other through every step of the trip.”
Heather Hart | STEP-UPP Foodservice Committee Co-Chair | Baldor
“Despite a very hectic travel day due to weather delays, our students used the time to push through challenges, which helped them better appreciate each other and the anomalies that define our industry. Because of those hardships, the group quickly came together and immersed themselves in the learning process. After three full days visiting a wide range of SEPC partner growers, packers, and shippers, their attentiveness and thoughtful questions were clear signs of genuine engagement.”
David Verdrager | STEP-UPP Foodservice Committee Co-Chair | RPE
The journey for the STEP-UPP Foodservice Class of 2026 is far from over. These professionals will officially celebrate their graduation during Southern Innovations this September in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information about the STEP-UPP program or to explore other educational initiatives, please visit the SEPC Education page on the SEPC Website.
About Southeast Produce Council
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) sprouted in 1999 when a shared vision for cultivating a nonprofit Southeastern-based produce organization was planted. From the first formal meeting of the SEPC where 100 agriculture, retail, and foodservice professionals gathered, we’ve flourished into a vibrant and innovative organization of over 6,500 industry professionals who reap the benefits of harvesting quality experiences guaranteed to increase the value of their membership. As with farmland, a well-cultivated industry can last for generations, and today, we continue to grow at a steady pace thanks to a broad range of backgrounds and expertise from people like you, creating a more bountiful tomorrow.
Learn the benefits of SEPC membership at www.seproducecouncil.com.