The USApple Young Apple Leader Program was created in 2010 to equip the next generation of American apple growers and leaders with an understanding of federal, regulatory and legislative apple issues, and to provide an opportunity to learn from peers and apple leaders from around the country.

Goals

The goals of the program are to:

• Establish a credible, comprehensive, long−term leadership development program that prepares young growers for productive involvement with the U.S. Apple Association, state apple associations and the overall U.S. apple industry.
• Provide orientation, understanding and encouragement in public policy issues affecting the U.S. apple industry.
• Foster fellowship and cooperative working relationships across U.S. apple growing regions through discussions about key apple industry issues, processes, trends, research and activities.
• Identify and develop future potential leaders for the apple industry.

Overview

Young apple growers who are at start of their career through approximately age 35 are eligible to participate. Those involved in apple packing, shipping, marketing, research and other areas are also encouraged to join the program.

Activities

USApple engages young apple leaders through a growing number of industry activities, including:

Capitol Hill Day and March Board of Directors Meeting: Participants spend a day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., joining apple leaders in meetings with Congressional staff and learning how apple industry issues and policies are addressed. Held annually in March.

Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference: USApple´s own annual apple conference, held each August in Chicago, Outlook is the premiere annual global apple event. Participants hear the first−of−the−season apple crop production projections for the U.S. and other apple growing regions around the world. These crop forecast sessions are complemented by presentations for leading marketing and consumer trends experts who provide breakthrough data on consumer preferences and purchasing behaviors, as well as the most effective strategies to reach consumers and drive apple sales. A series of networking events with apple industry professionals rounds out the program.

Regional Horticultural Shows: USApple annually participates in regional horticultural conferences in apple growing regions around the country, frequently addressing audiences about the latest federal legislative and regulatory activities, as well as updates on industry research and consumer education. At most events we also have an exhibit area to provide the latest USApple information and recruit members. These events are typically held in the winter months − between harvest and bloom.

Ag Extension Days: Periodically throughout the growing season, USApple participates in Agricultural Extension Days typically held at universities in apple growing areas, meeting with local apple growers and learning about the latest production methods.

For more information on the 2013 Young Apple Leader Program, contact Mark Gedris at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .