MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION OPENING SOON
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, including restructured membership tiers, and select which annual membership* best suits your company's needs. Once your current membership status is confirmed, then you'll be able to register for our events.
*Note that our annual membership period runs June through May of the following year. We do not prorate our membership fees. Contact our office if you do not have a current membership or are unsure of 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 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!
MAY 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.
Beginning in May, we will be accepting sponsors for the 2026-2027 fiscal year!
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!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025-2026 FUTURE OF INDUSTRY SPONSORS!
🎸 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.
Nashville is a hot ticket, and our room blocks will go faster than a guitar solo! Secure your registration and housing today to ensure you’re center stage for the most innovative experience in the Southeast!
⚠️ACT FAST: LIMITED EXHIBIT SPACE AVAILABLE⚠️
To maintain the intimate atmosphere and high-quality networking our members value, exhibit space is strictly limited. We anticipate a complete sell-out, and booths are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your presence today to ensure your brand has the opportunity to shine!
✨ LIGHT UP THE INDUSTRY BY FEATURING YOUR BRAND ALONG OUR WALL OF INNOVATIONS!✨
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.
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.
In April, SEPC successfully hosted its 2026 STEP-UPP Retail Class for their annual spring tour last week. The intensive multi-day journey took participants directly into the fields and through state-of-the-art facilities, providing hands-on experience designed to foster more effective partnerships between retail professionals and growers.
STEP-UPP (Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals) is the SEPC’s flagship educational program. It provides rising retail and foodservice professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the produce supply chain through an emphasis on strategic orientation, personal leadership, and direct field experience.
The 2026 class gathered on the evening of April 7th for an initial session of food and fellowship before beginning a rigorous tour schedule.
The tour kicked off Wednesday with a series of facility, farm, and field tours hosted by SEPC Level Sponsors Local Bounti, Pure Flavor, and Genuine Georgia (including stops at Pearson Farm and Lane Southern Orchards).
Momentum continued with an exclusive tour of facilities hosted by SEPC Level Sponsor L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms, Inc. and SEPC Level and Future of Industry Sponsor Shuman Farms.
The experience culminated with in-depth explorations hosted by SEPC Level Sponsor Bland Farms before the class departed.
“The STEP-UPP Retail Spring Tour truly came to life through the energy and engagement of the students at every stop. Their curiosity, thoughtful questions, and genuine interest in each operation showed just how impactful it is to have this real-world experience. As they walked the fields, met the growers, and saw the supply chain firsthand, you could see their understanding deepen in real time. That level of engagement not only enriches their education—it helps shape more connected, informed leaders who will strengthen the relationships between retailers and farmers, ultimately supporting a more sustainable future for our industry.” ~ Gary Baker, SEPC Vice Chairman and STEP-UPP Retail Committee Co-Chair, Merchants Distributors
This STEP-UPP tour is made possible by the generous support of SEPC’s Future of Industry Sponsors: Ark Foods, Bay Baby Produce, Blue River Legacy Farms, Bostock New Zealand, Crystal Valley Foods, Divine Flavor, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, J&C Tropicals, LK Packaging, Miami Tropical Wholesaler, Nature Fresh Farms, Ray’s Heritage, Red Sun Farms, RPE, Shuman Farms, Southern Specialties, Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc., and Suja Life.
“The STEP-UPP Spring Tour is a powerful reminder that the future of our industry depends on education and real-world connection. When the next generation of retail leaders can step into the fields, meet the growers, and truly understand where their products come from, it changes the way they lead and make decisions. Building strong relationships between farmers and retailers isn’t just important—it’s essential to the long-term success and sustainability of our industry.” ~ Mike Roberts, SEPC Board Ambassador and STEP-UPP Retail Committee Co-Chair, Harps Food Stores
The journey for the STEP-UPP Retail Class of 2026 will reach its pinnacle this fall. The formal graduation ceremony will be held 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
Our Featured Charitable Partner for April is the Paul Anderson Youth Home. Since 1961, this Christ-centered, fully accredited home has been offering a second chance to young men and their families from across the country.
By providing a nurturing environment focused on recovery, restoration, and redemption, they help transform troubled lives and rebuild them on a foundation of faith and hope.
🌱Through our partnership, SEPC is proud to support the hands-on programs that help these young men grow:
The Goodness Garden: Cultivating life skills through agriculture.
Ag Business Class: Educating the next generation of industry leaders.
Annual Bike Ride & Golf Tournament: Rolling and swinging toward a brighter future.
⛳️ TEE UP FOR A CAUSE! 🏌🏼♂️
This incredible day on the course directly supports the mission of the Paul Anderson Youth Home—changing the lives of young men and strengthening families through faith, discipline, and love. Mark your calendar for Monday, May 4th, grab your team, invite your friends, and secure your spot today. Let’s make this year’s tournament the best one yet!
🏃🏼SAVE THE DATE - SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH 🏃🏼♀️
For the past few years, SEPC has been the Title Sponsor of the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life Superhero Sprint where we give away fresh, free produce to event attendees. All proceeds benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Strong4Life program, which helps Georgia families raise healthy, resilient kids.
We invite you to join our team this year as we support this super benefit, or if you aren’t up for the run, but would like to help out, we would love for you to volunteer with us!
We're excited to welcome a new charitable partner to our SEPC family! Founded in 1906, Nazareth Child & Family Connection is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for every child, individual, and family.
Nazareth has an array of services which are provided in their continuum of care including Family Foster Care, Adoptions, Transitional Living Services for Young Adults, Level II Therapeutic Residential, Short Term Care, Individual and Group Outpatient Therapy, Psychiatric Services, and Outpatient Substance Abuse Therapy in Rowan and Davidson Counties.
At SEPC, we believe in nourishing the next generation. That’s why we are proud to support their Garden Bed Campaign, a mission that prioritizes healthy living and hands-on wellness for the children and families at Nazareth. Together, let's help their garden grow! 🥕🍅
Spring reminds us that new life often begins quietly, beneath the surface 🌱
At Palmer Home for Children, we see that same kind of growth in the lives of the children we serve. With care, stability, and love, what begins as a small seed of hope can grow into a future filled with confidence, purpose, and compassion. This Easter season, you can help that hope take root. Join us in making a difference:
🌱HOPE GROWS HERE🌱
Thanks to generous support from the Southeast Produce Council, the Hope Grows Garden at Palmer Home helps their campus serve as a restorative environment for children and families in need of hope and healing.
🗓️ SAVE THE DATE! 🗓️
"I’m excited to share that we have confirmed the date for our 2026 Radiothon — Thursday, July 16. We are incredibly thankful for your generous $25,000 gift and are thrilled to announce your match sponsorship during the live broadcast. Your continued support makes such a meaningful impact on the success of this day and on our mission." ~ Sarah Zambroni, Sr. Director of Development, Palmer Home for Children
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.
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.
FOOD WASTE & RECYCLING
📅MAY 20, 2026 🕐1:00 PM EST A practical discussion on measuring and diverting food waste, as well as managing non-organic waste and recycling streams. The session will cover best practices and resources specific to the fresh produce supply chain.
REGENERATIVE & CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE
📅JULY 29, 2026 🕐12:00 PM EST An overview of regenerative agriculture and climate-smart ag practices, including how these approaches support long-term resilience and environmental stewardship, along with the economic considerations associated with their adoption.
GHG EMISSIONS
📅OCTOBER 28, 2026 🕐1:00 PM EST A deeper look at greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on carbon measurement, reduction strategies, and available tools.
We hope you’ll join us for these timely and educational conversations as we continue working together to grow a more sustainable produce industry.
Visit our SEPC University resource site for session recordings and more!
Recipients of the SEPC Member Scholarship will each receive a scholarship of $1,500 toward their educational goals for the upcoming school year. The SEPC is proud to have awarded 41 scholarships ($61,500) in 2025 thanks to the dedication of our members.
The SEPC Member Scholarship application can only be submitted online through our link which was provided beginning March 9, 2026. The application deadline is May 1, 2026 at 5pm EST.
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.
The application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning May 11, 2026. The application deadline is June 26, 2026 at 5pm EST.
Visit our website for more scholarship information!
Congratulations to Maddie Chera of What Chefs Want for being the first to answer our April SEPC Fruit & Veggie Trivia Question correctly!
MAY TRIVIA QUESTION
Be the first to answer correctly and win a $25 gift card!
The "Fields to Families" journey often features this vibrant spring favorite. While many people believe this vegetable is a stalk, botanically speaking, we actually eat the petiole (leaf stalk) of the plant. Furthermore, it is one of the few vegetables that is almost always treated like a fruit in North American kitchens—frequently starring in pies and jams alongside strawberries.
Can you name this "pie plant" that hits its peak harvest in May?
A) Celery
B) Swiss Chard
C) Kohlrabi
D) Rhubarb
Our office will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.
Contact Us!
242 North Masonic Street | Millen, GA 30442 | 877.720.SEPC (7372) | info@seproducecouncil.com