Blue was well known in the fresh produce industry, and was a regular mentor over a number of years for students attending PMA Australia-New Zealand’s Career Pathways program. The Career Pathways program funds students from a number of Australian and New Zealand universities to attend the annual PMA Fresh Connections Conference and Trade Show.

In addition to the educational and networking opportunities, the students are accompanied throughout the event by industry mentors, of which Blue was one. “As a mentor, Mark was absolutely passionate about helping the students experience all that the fresh produce industry can offer as a career,” said Michael Worthington, PMA A-NZ CEO.

The Mark Blue Scholarship has been designed to help further young people's careers in the fresh produce and floral industries through education, networking and personal development.  Candidates will be able to use the fund towards any degree, diploma, training course, internship, study tour, conference or trade show that will help towards their career advancement in the fresh produce and floral industries.

Applications are now open.

Selection Process

To be eligible to apply, candidates must be under the age of 30 at the time of lodging an application and be employed on a full-time basis in the fresh fruit, vegetable or floral industries in Australia or New Zealand. We will accept applications from candidates across the full value chain.

Those who are eligible and would like to further their careers within the fresh produce or floral industries can now apply to be one of the first recipients of the Mark Blue Scholarship Fund.

Applications close Friday 28th August 2015.