The produce industry has always been built on relationships. From growers and shippers to retailers, researchers, and industry partners, success depends on trust, collaboration, and meaningful connections. As women continue to take on leadership roles across the fresh produce supply chain, events focused on professional development, networking, and mentorship have become increasingly valuable.
This month, I attended two events that highlighted the importance of women’s leadership and relationship-building in agriculture: the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Women’s Fresh Perspectives Lunch on September 18 and the Western Growers Women Workshop on Relationship Strategies on September 24. Together, these experiences reinforced a common theme: strong relationships are not only beneficial for individual careers, but also essential to the growth and resilience of our industry.
The IFPA Women’s Fresh Perspectives Lunch brought together women from across the produce and floral industries to share experiences, discuss challenges, and celebrate professional growth. The event created a welcoming environment where emerging professionals and seasoned leaders could engage in candid conversations and learn from one another.
What stood out most was the openness with which participants shared their career journeys. Discussions extended beyond titles and job descriptions, focusing on lessons learned, leadership development, and the importance of supporting one another throughout different stages of a career. One industry leader reflected on beginning her career without female role models in agriculture, a reminder of how far the industry has come and how important it is to continue creating opportunities for future generations.
The event also underscored the value of mentorship and peer networks. Women bring unique perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches that contribute to innovation, stronger teams, and better business outcomes. Creating spaces where those perspectives can be shared benefits both individuals and organizations.
A few days later, Western Growers Women hosted a workshop on relationship strategies provided a practical extension of many of the themes discussed at the IFPA event. Led by Peter Stark, the workshop helped participants identify behavioral styles, understand preferred work environments, and learn how to communicate more effectively with different personality types.
One of the session’s strongest messages was that relationships should never be viewed as purely transactional. The most valuable professional networks are built through genuine engagement, consistent communication, and a willingness to invest in others before expecting something in return. Participants explored strategies for strengthening existing relationships, expanding professional networks, and maintaining meaningful connections despite increasingly busy schedules and changing business environments.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, active listening, and authenticity. In an industry that relies heavily on partnerships, these skills can be just as important as technical expertise or market knowledge. Understanding how others communicate and what motivates them can lead to stronger working relationships and more effective collaboration.
Although the two events approached professional development from different perspectives, both delivered the same overarching message: relationships matter.
The produce industry remains deeply personal despite its global reach. Business decisions are often influenced by years of trust, collaboration, and shared experiences. Whether connecting with a mentor, supporting a colleague, or building a new partnership, strong relationships create opportunities that benefit individuals, organizations, and the industry as a whole.
Reflecting on both events, I left with a renewed appreciation for the power of connection. Professional success is rarely achieved alone. It is built through mentorship, collaboration, and relationships that grow stronger over time. I look forward to attending future women’s leadership events and continuing to learn from the incredible women helping shape the future of the produce industry.
