Ali Ikhwan
Nana Muazin
Dwi Wanna
Nana
Jia Lissa
Reynand Wu
The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) has officially unveiled "Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab," a strategic initiative designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the modern food manufacturing sector: the critical deficit in leadership talent. Scheduled for November 5–6, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky, this intensive two-day conference is tailored specifically for early- to mid-career professionals who are poised to steer the future of food production.
As the industry grapples with rapid technological advancements, supply chain complexities, and shifting regulatory landscapes, the ability to lead effectively has moved from a "soft skill" to a primary operational necessity. By focusing on practical application, peer-to-peer accountability, and behavioral science, the FPSA aims to transform the next generation of industry workers into resilient, forward-thinking leaders.
The Catalyst: A Data-Driven Call to Action
The decision to launch Cultivate was not arbitrary; it was a measured response to empirical data. The FPSA’s 2025 Member Research: Trends in U.S. Workforce Gap and Solutions study painted a stark picture of the current state of professional development within the food sector.
According to the research, the "leadership gap" is pervasive. A staggering 75 percent of fabricators and 64 percent of service technicians—roles that form the backbone of the industry—demonstrated significant leadership skill deficiencies at the time of their hiring or promotion. These findings suggest that while the industry is excellent at training technical experts, it is failing to equip those experts with the interpersonal and management tools required to lead teams effectively.
Perhaps even more concerning is the lack of institutional support for professional growth. The study found that less than half—only 48 percent—of surveyed companies possess formal leadership training programs. This leaves a significant portion of the workforce to navigate complex management hurdles through trial and error, a process that is costly in terms of both human capital and operational efficiency. Cultivate is designed to serve as an immediate intervention, offering a structured environment to fill these institutional voids.
Event Overview: A New Paradigm for Professional Development
Unlike traditional lecture-heavy conferences, Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab is structured as an immersive laboratory. The curriculum is built upon three pillars: leadership labs, collaborative team challenges, and long-term accountability.
The Behavioral Foundation
Preparation begins before participants even arrive in Lexington. Each attendee will complete a DiSC behavioral assessment, a tool that provides insight into individual communication styles, motivations, and stressors. By understanding their own behavioral profiles—and the profiles of their colleagues—participants are better equipped to navigate workplace conflict and leverage team diversity.
The "Cultivate Circles" Model
The heart of the program lies in the "Cultivate Circles." Upon arrival, participants are assigned to small, diverse peer groups. These circles will serve as the primary unit for the duration of the event, engaging in workshops, simulations, and problem-solving exercises. The intent is to simulate the real-world dynamics of cross-functional team leadership. Crucially, these groups are designed to endure beyond the conference, functioning as ongoing accountability networks where peers can exchange advice and support as they return to their respective organizations.
Keynote and Curricula
The event will open with a keynote address from Jason Burke, the Founder and CEO of The New Primal. Burke’s insights are expected to provide a roadmap for navigating the volatile food industry landscape, drawing on his personal journey from startup founder to industry leader.
Following the keynote, the program will pivot to tactical skill-building sessions. These sessions are specifically curated to address the "missing" skills identified in the 2025 research, including:
- Strategic Communication: Techniques for clear, concise, and persuasive messaging.
- Managing Difficult Conversations: How to handle conflict with empathy and professionalism without sacrificing operational standards.
- Leading Without Formal Authority: Strategies for influencing teams, stakeholders, and departments when you lack direct supervisory power—a common challenge for mid-level managers.
Chronology of the Two-Day Intensive
The schedule is engineered for maximum engagement, balancing conceptual learning with hands-on practice.
Day 1: Theory and Team Dynamics
The first day focuses on the internal and interpersonal dimensions of leadership. Attendees will dive into the findings of their DiSC assessments, participate in high-impact workshops, and begin the foundational work within their Cultivate Circles. The day concludes with an opening reception, providing a networking environment designed to foster authentic connections between industry peers who may otherwise never cross paths.
Day 2: Application and Simulation
The second day transitions from the classroom to the field. Participants will embark on a tour of a local food production facility, offering a tangible look at operational leadership in practice. This is followed by a high-stakes, team-based operational leadership simulation. In this exercise, participants must apply the communication and management strategies learned on Day 1 to solve a complex, time-sensitive problem. This capstone experience is intended to solidify the lessons learned and prepare participants for the challenges they will face upon returning to their home companies.
Implications for the Food Industry
The launch of Cultivate signals a broader maturation of the food production industry. As the sector faces increased scrutiny regarding food safety, sustainability, and workforce retention, the "human factor" is becoming a critical competitive advantage.
Closing the Knowledge Gap
By standardizing leadership training, the FPSA is attempting to create a common language of management across the industry. When a service technician or a fabricator is promoted, they are often moving from a role where they are judged by their output to one where they are judged by the output of others. Without training, this transition often results in high turnover and low morale. Cultivate addresses this by providing a standardized toolkit for success.
Retention and Workforce Development
The "Great Reshuffle" of the past few years has taught HR leaders that professional development is a primary driver of retention. Employees are increasingly looking for organizations that invest in their long-term career growth. By sponsoring employees for an event like Cultivate, companies are sending a clear message: We see your potential, and we are willing to invest in your development. This investment is likely to yield dividends in employee loyalty, job satisfaction, and overall institutional knowledge.
Cultivating an Ecosystem of Support
The lasting impact of the Cultivate Circles cannot be overstated. By creating a cross-company network, the FPSA is essentially fostering a mentorship ecosystem. In an industry as specialized as food production, having a confidential, peer-based outlet to discuss management challenges is invaluable. It transforms the solitary act of "being a manager" into a collaborative professional experience.
Registration and Participation Details
Given the high-touch, collaborative nature of the program, attendance is strictly limited to approximately 80 participants. This cap is essential to maintain the integrity of the small-group model and ensure that every attendee receives personalized guidance.
Registration is currently open and will close on October 30, 2026. The fee structure is tiered to encourage member engagement:
- FPSA Members: $995
- Non-members: $1,495
The registration fee is inclusive, covering the DiSC assessment, all conference sessions, transportation between event venues, and the opening reception. To further incentivize organizational development, the FPSA has introduced a "Buy Two, Get One Free" promotion, allowing companies to send a cohort of three leaders for the price of two. This is a strategic move intended to ensure that the knowledge gained during the conference is reinforced by a supportive team back at the office.
Final Reflections: The Future of Food Leadership
As the food production industry looks toward 2026 and beyond, the challenges of automation, regulatory complexity, and a shrinking talent pool will only intensify. The launch of Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab is a testament to the fact that technical expertise, while necessary, is no longer sufficient.
The future of the industry belongs to those who can manage people as effectively as they manage machines. By prioritizing the development of the next generation of leadership today, the FPSA is not merely hosting a conference; they are actively building the infrastructure for a more resilient, capable, and connected food production workforce. For those looking to ascend the ranks of the industry, Lexington in November 2026 may prove to be the turning point in their professional journey.
Nila Kartika Wati