MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION/RENEWAL NOW OPEN
JUNE 2026 – MAY 2027
Behind every piece of produce are countless people who helped along the way – the skilled hands, sharp minds, and big hearts that comprise a critical industry in our country. SEPC brings these worlds together. Because together, we create a strong, vibrant industry now and for decades to come.
TOGETHER WE GROW HIGHER!
Please review the updated membership information on our website and select which annual membership* best suits your company's needs. Once membership status is active/renewed, company members are eligible to register for SEPC events.
*Note that our annual membership period runs June through May each year. We do not prorate our membership fees. Contact our office if you do not have a current membership or need to verify your current membership status.
**All conference attendees are required to be SEPC members in order to attend any events. SEPC conferences have their own registration and fees. Exhibitors and members receiving complimentary event access and accommodations are required to maintain a corporate membership.**
OUR SPONSORS
SEPC sponsors are an essential part of our success. Simply put, your support allows us to create greater value for our members and the produce industry through impactful networking opportunities, educational programming, leadership development, and initiatives that promote the importance of fresh produce.
In return, sponsorship provides valuable visibility for your organization throughout the year and at our premier events. It is an opportunity to strengthen your brand presence, connect with key decision-makers, and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.
The sponsorship sign up form outlines the sponsorship opportunities currently available for Southern Innovations 2026. In addition to on-site signage, all conference sponsors will be recognized in the event app, printed directory, and on the SEPC website.
To review available sponsorship levels and benefits, please visit our website.
We appreciate your continued partnership and investment in SEPC.
Together We Grow Higher!
JULY LEVEL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
🌟 INVEST IN THE FUTURE 🌟
Sponsor SEPC Educational Programs!
SEPC offers exclusive sponsorship opportunities dedicated to driving our best-in-class educational programs! With different tiers available, you can directly contribute to the future education of our next generation of produce professionals.
Visit our website today to learn more about the innovative ways you can support the future of our industry and gain exposure for your organization!
JULY FUTURE OF INDUSTRY SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
REGISTER NOW FOR SOUTHERN INNOVATIONS
🌟WHERE INNOVATION TAKES CENTER STAGE!🌟
Get ready to see the produce industry in a whole new light!
From September 9–12, 2026, the Southeast Produce Council is taking over the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, for an unforgettable Southern Innovations experience. This year, we’re celebrating the bold, bright, and brilliant innovations driving our industry forward. Just like the glowing marquees of Broadway, the future of produce is vibrant—and it's waiting for you in Music City.
✨❤️🤍💙✨
CHAIRMAN'S DINNER DANCE NOW FEATURING:
Get ready for an unforgettable night center stage in Nashville! We are thrilled to invite you to the most anticipated celebration of Southern Innovations—the Chairman’s Dinner Dance.
In a year when we celebrate the monumental 250th anniversary of our nation's independence, it is only fitting that we gather to honor the freedom, resilience, and pioneering spirit that define both our country and our industry.
Our theme this year—An Evening of Stars, Stripes, and Spirit—pays tribute to the deep-rooted American values of the Southeast Produce Council's leadership and the hard-working farmers who feed our great land. To turn the glow all the way up for this historic celebration, the evening will feature an exclusive live performance by country music chart-toppers, LOCASH!
🎟️ How to Add This Event to Your Schedule🎟️
If you are already registered for the conference: It’s easy to update your itinerary and lock in your seat for this star-studded evening:
- Locate your original Southern Innovations confirmation email in your inbox.
- Click the Manage Attendee or Edit link provided in the email.
- Select the specific ticket or order you want to manage.
- Update your details to add the Chairman's Dinner Dance and click Save.
If you haven't secured your pass for Nashville yet, what are you waiting for? Don't miss out on the industry's ultimate night of celebration, networking, and live music. Bring your stars, stripes, and American spirit, and let’s make this a celebration for the history books!
✨❤️🤍💙✨
EXHIBITOR BOOTH ASSIGNMENTS
We’ve added the exhibitor booth assignment list as well as the expo floorplan to our Southern Innovations webpage. Access both by selecting the EXHIBITORS tab of the accordion menu.
EXHIBITOR TOOLKIT
Through our valued partnership with AGS Expo Services, the exhibitor toolkit information is now available! Your Welcome to Online Ordering email from eventservices@ags-expo.com will provide access to your online hub and exhibitor kit. We’ve also added the exhibitor toolkit to our Southern Innovations webpage.
SAMPLING GUIDELINES
The Food and Beverage Sample Distribution Request form within the Exhibitor Toolkit must be completed and submitted to the convention center contact as listed on the form in advance of any food or beverage samples being served. Food Sampling Guidelines are also included within the kit.
✨TURN UP THE GLOW✨
We are thrilled to introduce the incredible speaker lineup for this year's Good Seeds & Southern Roots sessions at Southern Innovations 2026 in Nashville! We are bringing bold, bright, and brilliant minds center stage to help you elevate your leadership and transform your organization:
✨ THERE'S STILL TIME TO LIGHT UP THE INDUSTRY BY FEATURING YOUR BRAND ALONG OUR WALL OF INNOVATIONS!✨
🚨SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JULY 10TH🚨
Is your company launching a groundbreaking new product, sustainable packaging, or a cutting-edge tech solution? Don't let your hard work go unnoticed—give it the spotlight it deserves at Southern Innovations 2026!
We are officially inviting you to feature your latest advancements along our Wall of Innovations. This premier showcase is the first stop for attendees looking to see the advancements driving the future of produce.
Why Showcase with Us?
The Wall of Innovations is a high-traffic, illuminated display designed to put your brand front and center. It’s more than just a display; it’s a dedicated space for the industry’s boldest ideas.
The Details
- Exclusive Price: $500
- Case Dimensions: 37” W x 13” H x 25.5" D
- Premium Features: All shelves include professional lighting to make your product pop, and cases remain locked for security throughout the event.
- Limited Opportunity: To ensure a diverse range of innovations, space is limited to one (1) case per company on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Secure Your Space
- Register: As you register for Southern Innovations, select "Wall of Innovations" as one of your sessions.
- Submit Your Info: As you register, you will receive access to our submission link. You’ll need to provide one (1) high-resolution product image and a brief description (50 words or less) for our official conference materials.
Deadline to Purchase & Submit: July 10, 2026 *Please note: Refunds will not be issued after the July 10th deadline. Purchases made after this date will not be included in the printed conference directory.
DIGITAL TOOLKIT
The SEPC is thrilled to unveil our latest Digital Toolkit! We invite you to utilize these bold, bright, and brilliant promotional assets to share your excitement as we prepare to light up Music City. Let’s make some noise for Southern Innovations!
Don't miss your chance to stand out in Nashville. Let’s show the industry what the future looks like.
TOGETHER, LET'S LIGHT UP THE INDUSTRY—TOGETHER WE GROW HIGHER!
The Unseen Hero Award honors individuals who work behind the scenes in the produce industry, recognizing their dedication, impact, and essential contributions. Our mission is to celebrate these heroes, fostering appreciation throughout the industry.
We are now accepting nominations for The Unseen Hero Award! If you know someone whose dedication, hard work, and contributions deserve to be recognized, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
Award Criteria
Nominees should exemplify:
- Dedication & Commitment – A strong work ethic and long-term contributions to their role.
- Impact & Influence – Significant contributions that improve their company, team, or the industry.
- Leadership & Initiative – Going above and beyond their responsibilities.
- Collaboration & Teamwork – Supporting colleagues and fostering a positive work environment.
- Integrity & Values – Embodying the core values of SEPC and the produce industry.
How to Nominate:
- Submit your nomination by July 17, 2026 using the link below.
- Nominations must include details on the nominee’s role, impact, and why they deserve to be honored. Supporting documents such as testimonials or letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.
Help us shine a light on the incredible individuals who make a difference every day. We look forward to celebrating these Unseen Heroes at Southern Innovations 2026.
SEPC's 2026 STEP-UPP Retail Class launched its highly anticipated annual summer tour last week, providing participants with intensive, hands-on experiences designed to bridge the gap between retail operations and field production.
STEP-UPP — the Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals — is SEPC’s premier flagship initiative. The program is specifically structured to cultivate the next generation of retail and foodservice leaders through strategic classroom education, leadership development, and immersive, in-the-field learning.
The multi-day educational tour kicked off on Wednesday, June 10th, in Miami, Florida, where the class explored a diverse range of packing facilities and active farming fields. These foundational, firsthand experiences were made possible through the generous hospitality of SEPC Level Sponsors Freshway Produce, Alpine Fresh, and Desbry/WP Produce.
On Thursday, the rigorous learning schedule continued across the region with exceptional facility tours and operational deep dives hosted by SEPC Level Sponsors Crystal Valley Foods, Pioneer Growers, and Southern Specialties.
The summer tour concluded on Friday with a final site visit hosted by SEPC Level Sponsor Del Monte Fresh Produce, wrapping up a high-value week of invaluable supply chain exposure, agricultural education, and peer-to-peer networking.
One of the greatest strengths of the STEP-UPP program is its ability to connect future industry leaders with every part of the produce supply chain. During this tour, our class had the opportunity to step into the fields, packinghouses, and facilities where the hard work begins and gain a deeper appreciation for the people who make fresh produce possible. These experiences help retail professionals better understand the challenges, opportunities, and dedication required to bring fruits and vegetables from the farm to our customers’ tables. I am incredibly grateful to our host companies for opening their doors, sharing their knowledge, and investing in the future of our industry. The relationships built and lessons learned during this week will stay with these participants throughout their careers.” ~ Mike Roberts, SEPC Board Ambassador, STEP-UPP Retail Committee Co-Chair, Harps Food Stores
One of the most valuable aspects of the STEP-UPP program is the depth of education it provides across the entire produce supply chain. This level of exposure equips participants with practical insights that go far beyond the tour. As they return to their respective companies, they will be better prepared to make informed merchandising, sourcing, and quality decisions, while also strengthening relationships with growers and suppliers. I’m grateful to the host companies for investing in this education—what was learned this week will have a lasting impact on how this group leads, collaborates, and elevates the produce business moving forward.” ~ Gary Baker, SEPC Vice Chairman & STEP-UPP Retail Committee Co-Chair, Merchants Distributors
The SEPC extends its sincere appreciation to these Future of Industry sponsors whose steadfast commitment makes the STEP-UPP program possible:
The culmination of this year's program will take place center stage at the Music City Center, where the official graduation ceremony for the STEP-UPP Retail Class of 2026 will be celebrated during Southern Innovations this September in Nashville, Tennessee.
APPLY NOW for one of our 2027 STEP-UPP Classes
The STEP-UPP Foodservice class targets professionals in broadline foodservice companies that provide food and non-food products to restaurants, cafeterias, industrial caterers, and hotels and also in chain foodservice companies which include restaurants, hotels, industrial caterers, cafeterias, and meal box subscription companies. Foodservice participants will attend two tours in February and May, with attendance at both Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations required.
The STEP-UPP Retail class is designed for professionals from full-service retail chains that sell food directly to consumers, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and club stores. Participants will gain valuable industry insights through two tours in April and June. Attendance at both Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations is required.
Share Your Expertise!
The Southeast Produce Council invites you to share your expertise as a presenter during our STEP-UPP Virtual Education Days. These sessions provide class participants with valuable insights into all aspects of the produce industry — from growing and harvesting to distribution, marketing, and emerging trends.
Unlike our in-person tours, Virtual Education Day presentations are open to companies nationwide. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your knowledge and highlight your company’s role in the supply chain, regardless of location.
To ensure these sessions are as impactful as possible, we kindly ask that presentations remain educational in nature rather than promotional. The goal is to equip participants with tools, insights, and real-world knowledge they can carry forward in their careers.
We encourage presentations that may include:
📹Virtual field or facility tours🏭
🌱💡Educational sessions on sustainability, innovation, or retail/foodservice trends📈
🎯🚚Insights into marketing, distribution, or processing practices ⚙️
🧠Other impactful topics that provide learning and leadership development🌟
Thank you for helping us inspire and equip the next generation of leaders in the fresh produce industry. Together, we grow higher!
As part of our SEPC Cares commitment to giving back, we are seeking support for our Good Seeds Buckets and Strong Roots, Strong Heart initiatives. These bags and buckets are filled with essential items for the homeless, and your support will have a meaningful impact on those in need.
In appreciation of your generosity, we will send you a copy of our new book, For the Love of Produce - Southeast Produce Council's Culture and Spirit, which features personal stories and experiences from our members.
We encourage you to join us in making a difference in our community—because Together, We Grow Higher!
COMMUNITY UPDATES
We are incredibly proud to spotlight the Society of St. Andrew as our SEPC Cares Featured Charitable Partner for July! 🌟
Their incredible organization coordinates volunteer networks and food distribution programs that directly bridge the gap between fresh food production and America’s hungry. Through our steadfast partnership, SEPC members roll up their sleeves to make a tangible impact across the Southeast:
🍎 Conference Salvage: We are honored to work with their team each year to ensure that every single pound of leftover, high-quality food from Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations is recovered and immediately donated to local families.
🚜 Hands-On Crop Gleaning: SEPC volunteers regularly head out into the fields to harvest surplus produce that would otherwise go unpicked, saving fresh food right at the source.
📦 Community Crop Drops: From our high-impact Macon Produce Distribution to the annual Destin Crop Drop, we work together to drop off massive truckloads of bulk produce, bagging it on-site for immediate neighborhood distribution.
💰 Disaster Relief & Financial Aid: Direct funding and critical logistics support deployed to communities recovering from unexpected crises.
ANNUAL MACON DROP
The Society of St. Andrew/Society of St. Andrew Georgia/Society of St. Andrew - Florida would like to thank the many SEPC members for donating to the annual Macon Drop, held on Friday, June 12th, in Macon, GA. These generous donations made it possible for us to host this incredible event.
Thank you: Harvest Fresh Partners, Little River Produce, Grower Network, Lane Southern Orchards, Leger & Son, Bland Farms, Shuman Farms, Southern Valley, Del Monte Fresh Produce, Titan Farms, Lipman Family Farms, Herndon Farms, Pratt Industries, Nickey Gregory Company, Southeast Regional Cooperative, Satsuma Co, Freshway Produce, Mack Farms, Alpine Fresh, Sunripe Certified Brands, Fruitist, Misionero, Crystal Valley Foods, Chestnut Hill Farms, and Molly’s Grape & Citrus Company!
Good things happen when the Society of St. Andrew, Atrium Hospital, and our loyal friends at the Southeast Produce Council team up! The Operation Fresh Food Distribution event peaked at an incredible donation of 136,904 pounds of fresh produce—thanks to farmers and food cooperatives. That’s 78 full pallets distributed—right into the Macon community and the surrounding counties! It went from farm to plate, creating a balanced meal for so many families and seniors in need.
The volunteers packed it all into hefty, 35-pound boxes, which allowed us to serve 3,800 local families. We were also able to share the supply with our hometown heroes at local rescue missions, food banks, and senior care centers to make sure the love reached even further. It was a true team effort, and we put a dent into addressing critical social determinants of health together, for the good of many. We are grateful that the SEPC members partner with us in this labor of love." ~ Angela Partain, SoSA GA Regional Director
When the produce industry links arms with dedicated partners like the Society of St. Andrew, nothing goes to waste, and everyone wins. Thank you for helping us nourish our communities!
FUELING FUN & HEALTHY LIVING AT CAMP STRONG4LIFE!
On Friday, a very special delivery was headed straight to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Camp Strong4Life! We are absolutely thrilled to pack and send off this year's incredible Camp Strong4Life Boxes, bursting with up to 14 vibrant components of fresh, nutritious produce.
Inside this year's boxes, campers will find everything they need to stay fueled and learn about healthy eating, including:
🥗 A complete kit for salad-making
🥑A dynamic kit for guacamole-making
🍓Sweet Strawberries & Blueberries
🍠Fresh Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini, & Yellow Squash
🧅World-famous Vidalia Onions & juicy Mangoes
A mountain of gratitude goes out to the entire Southeast Produce Council family for sponsoring this beautiful initiative. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible industry partner Nickey Gregory Company whose product contributions played a huge role in minimizing costs and maximizing the impact for these kids.
Not all superheroes wear capes—some distribute fresh produce!!
Talk about a heroic effort! Reinforcing our SEPC Cares initiative, a fantastic team of SEPC member volunteers joined the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life Superhero Sprint team once again on Saturday, June 6th, at Piedmont Park!
Together, our member companies donated and transported over 16,000 lbs of nutritious fruits and vegetables to distribute to race participants and their families, who welcomed the fresh, healthy bounty with immense gratitude. Every pound shared goes toward supporting CHOA's Strong4Life program, helping Georgia families raise healthy, resilient kids.
A massive, superhero-sized THANK YOU to the incredible member companies who donated their time, energy, products, and logistics resources to this worthy cause:
Nickey Gregory Company | Family Fresh Foods | Gregory Family Express | Robinson Fresh | Lane Southern Orchards | Herndon Farms | Bolthouse Fresh | California Giant Berry Farms | Royal Food Service | Wish Farms | The Wonderful Company | Red Sun Farms | FreshPoint | Mucci Farms | Bland Farms Vidalia Brands | Grimmway Produce Group | Eco Farms | The Fresh Market | Chick-fil-A
When our industry comes together to support the health and wellness of the next generation, everyone wins.
🌼🌿THE HOPE GROWS GARDEN 🌿🌼
We invite you to learn more about the incredible impact of the Hope Grows Garden and how nature is playing a vital role in a child’s journey toward healing.
🗓️ SAVE THE DATE! 🗓️
SAVE THE DATE 🚴🏼🚴🏼♂️🚴🏼♀️
The countdown is on until the PAYH Bike Ride! From July 18–24, our riders will travel more than 550 miles across Georgia to raise support for the young men of Paul Anderson Youth Home, and you can make a difference by contributing through any of the giving options. Thank you for helping us provide hope, healing, and a second chance to young men in need."
🪴CULTIVATING HOPE & COMMUNITY AT THE PAUL ANDERSON YOUTH HOME GOODNESS GARDEN🪴
🏌🏼SAVE THE DATE!⛳
ORLANDO HEALTH CHILDREN'S PAVILION – Coming Summer 2026
The region's first and only advanced facility to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and compassionate specialized care tailored specifically for your little ones and your family's needs. This six-story marvel will revolutionize outpatient pediatric care, uniting over 30 pediatric specialties in one convenient location. Imagine the convenience of having all your child's healthcare needs met under a single roof, fostering seamless collaboration among specialists, and ensuring a smoother, more comforting experience for you and your little one. Spearheaded by the Orlando Health Foundation, this monumental project promises to elevate the standard of pediatric care through community support.
To learn more about SEPC Cares and how you can join the Southeast Produce Council in giving back to the community by educating others about the benefits of healthy eating and habits, click the link below.
Next Generation Leadership Academy Launches 2026 Learning Year with Retreat at Clemson University
SEPC launched its 2026 Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA) with an immersive retreat at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, June 8–12. This retreat marked the official kickoff of the learning year, uniting a talented and diverse cohort of rising leaders from across the fresh produce industry.
The week-long experience was a balanced blend of industry education, deep leadership development and relationship building. Participants spent time at Clemson’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, where they received an overview of the college’s research mission and engaged directly with faculty conducting cutting-edge work in plant and environmental sciences. A visit to the Musser Fruit Research Farm, offered interactive research stops and hands-on learning alongside Clemson’s world-class horticulture and plant pathology teams.
We believe in investing in the future of this industry by equipping tomorrow’s leaders with the tools and relationships they need to thrive,” said SEPC President and CEO David Sherrod. “This retreat sets the tone for a year of deep learning, cross-sector collaboration, and transformational growth. Clemson’s commitment to agricultural innovation made it the perfect setting to launch this next chapter of NGLA.”
Now in its fourth year, the NGLA has become a signature SEPC initiative, intentionally designed to cultivate the next wave of leaders who will guide the produce industry with character, courage, and connection. With sessions planned throughout the year focusing on personal leadership development, industry innovation, and strategic thinking, the program builds toward graduation at SEPC’s Southern Exposure conference in Spring 2027.
This is more than a leadership course, it is a launchpad for a new generation,” said NGLA co-chair Raina Nelson. “The individuals in this cohort are not only talented and driven; they are committed to shaping a stronger, more connected, and more resilient produce industry. Watching them come together at Clemson and invest in one another is exactly what this program is about."
2026 SEPC Sustainability Webinar Series
This year’s lineup is designed to meet members where they are—whether you’re just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to dive deeper into data-driven solutions and best practices across the supply chain.
Each webinar will focus on a key sustainability topic impacting the fresh produce industry. While speakers, session content, and learning objectives will be shared closer to each event, we encourage you to preregister now using the individual links below to secure your spot.
SUSTAINABILITY 101
An introductory session designed for individuals new to sustainability or those looking to build a strong foundational understanding. The webinar covers key topics including packaging, waste, integrated pest management, energy and carbon emissions, social responsibility, logistics and transportation, water stewardship, deforestation, and biodiversity.
⚠️ Notice of Cancellation: The remaining webinars in the 2026 SEPC Sustainability Webinar Series have been cancelled. We sincerely appreciate the engagement and support of our members throughout this series. Please stay tuned for updates on upcoming learning modules, industry panels, and future educational programming.
Visit our SEPC University resource site for session recordings and more!
Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship was established to memorialize Jim Nolan, who took an ethical stand on a business matter at great cost to himself. As a result of his professional ethics, Nolan was ostracized by colleagues and remained isolated in his efforts to maintain moral integrity in his workplace. It would have taken only a few others with the courage to speak out to change the course of events. Tragically, Jim died before the trial that finally vindicated his actions by a judge and a jury of 13 who found in his favor.
Our sincere thanks to Theresa Nolan for providing this scholarship to the members of the Southeast Produce Council. She is a lifetime member of the SEPC and is always available to lend a helping hand wherever needed.
Scholarship Details
One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will receive a one-time scholarship of $5,000 to their enrolling college/university. The scholarship will be awarded based on GPA (3.0 or higher), references, and quality of essay.
Thank you to all applicants! The recipients will be announced July 27th!
Visit our website for more scholarship information!
Congratulations to Adam Brady of Shuman Farms for being the first to answer our June SEPC Fruit & Veggie Trivia Question correctly!
JULY TRIVIA QUESTION
Be the first to answer correctly and win a $25 gift card!
July is officially National Watermelon Month, and it is peak season for this ultimate summer favorite. While we love eating it fresh by the slice, watermelon is completely edible from top to bottom—including the seeds and the rind! Mathematically and biologically speaking, by what percentage is a watermelon actually made up of water? 🍉💦
A) 78%
B) 85%
C) 92%
D) 98%
🍉💦Extra Fun Fact: Not only does water content make it the ultimate hydrating summer snack, but early explorers actually used watermelons as natural canteens to carry water during long desert journeys!
Our office will be closed Friday, July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day.
Contact Us!
242 North Masonic Street | Millen, GA 30442 | 877.720.SEPC (7372) | info@seproducecouncil.com