Jan 16, 2014

IFTA offers scholarships for conference attendees

The International Tree Fruit Association (IFTA) is offering young growers an opportunity to learn more about the fruit tree industry and network with other professionals from around the world.

Scholarships for young growers will be available for the 2014 Annual Conference in Kelowna, British Columbia, Feb. 22-March 1. The Young Grower Scholarship application is available by emailing [email protected] or by downloading at www.ifruittree.org.

“The IFTA Young Grower Scholarship effort was put forth as a test program in 2013 to encourage participation in IFTA events by the next generation of tree fruit orchardists,” said Rick Dungey, IFTA executive director. “Twelve young growers received an education scholarship to the Study Tour in Pennsylvania this past summer to help defray registration cost. It was a great success and the IFTA board has committed to continue this program at future IFTA events.”

A young grower is generally 18 to 35 years of age, but the scholarship review committee is looking for growers in the “next generation” of orchard management, Dungey said. “In other words, if you are training to become an orchard owner/manager, that’s who we are looking for and wanting to get involved in IFTA events.”

Sponsorships for young growers are available for individuals or companies, Dungey said.