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Meet the 2024 FPFC Apprentices The 2024 Apprentice Class of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council has been named and the apprentices will begin their program at the 2024 FPFC Expo. To introduce the FPFC membership to these potential future leaders, Fresh Digest asked each ap- prentice to answer a few questions about themselves and their personal journey to this place on their path. Hannah Rocha Replenishment Analyst Country Sweet Produce Inc. Bakersfield, CA Background: I was born and raised in Tulare, CA. My family and I have been involved in the agriculture industry in some way, shape or form since I was a child, whether it was through 4H, FFA, or my stint on the Tulare County Junior Fair Board. I graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelors in Agriculture Business. While in college, I worked at the Fresno State Meat Science Lab, and after three years I accepted an internship with a small produce export company. In this position, I was able to gain experience in numerous facets of the industry from sales to shipping to food safety and more. I was offered a full-time position upon graduation and spent seven years in exports. In 2022, after moving to the Bakersfield area, I was thrilled to find my current position at Country Sweet Produce Inc. with the help of an amazing agriculture-focused recruiter. In the two short years I’ve been with my company, I’ve learned so much and I’m very excited what the future holds! FPFC Connection: When I started at Country Sweet Produce, I learned about the FPFC right away, as we had several employees who had been in the Apprentice Program in the past. As a result, I was able to learn about their experiences very early on. The whole program sounded like a great learning experience and oppor- tunity to connect to others in the industry. I applied just as I reached one year with Country Sweet Produce and though I wasn’t accepted the first time, I was able to attend several events in the industry including the FPFC Dinner Dance. I was thrilled to be chosen this year upon my second application, thanks to the contin- ued encouragement and support of my sales director, Susan Noritake. Fun Fact: Apart from my career, I have a passion for creativity, some of my favorite forms being art and music. Throughout the years I’ve taught myself how to sketch and paint using different mediums. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am constantly listening to music. I was told from a young age that I sang before I could talk and that’s something I’ve carried with me over the years. I love going to karaoke and will attend any live music event I can find. I’m a big cat-person and have two sweet felines that I adore. 8