The Southeast Produce Council launched its 2026 Next Generation Leadership Academy with an immersive retreat at Clemson University in Clemson, SC, 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.”

The retreat’s leadership sessions guided participants through self-awareness exercises, peer feedback processes and collaborative discussions that will anchor their collective work throughout the year.

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 Raina Nelson, NGLA co-chair. “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.”

“The energy and openness this class brought to Clemson was remarkable,” said Kim Flores, NGLA co-chair. “Great things happen when you put talented people in an environment designed for real, vulnerable learning. This retreat is just the beginning of what this cohort will accomplish together.”