(previously Propagator Exchange Program)

December, 2009

The IPPS International board made a decision two years ago to set aside funds that could be accessed by any region for the purpose of facilitating exchanges of plant propagators. The funding arrangement was for a dollar-for- dollar match up to US$2000 for any one exchange, put simply, a region puts in $2000 or part thereof and has it matched by the IPPS International board.

At the recent board meeting in Kilkenny, Ireland, it was noted that to date no region had made an application for funding. The Education committee made a recommendation to the board regarding some changes to the program so that it might become more attractive.

These changes have been accepted by the board as follows:

• That the name “Propagator Exchange” be changed to “IPPS Travel Scholarship”. This change was adopted to remove any impediment there may be if a region has a candidate but does not have a reciprocating individual from the region being visited.

• The committee has developed a list of expectations and responsibilities that the candidates and the supporting region will be required to follow. That list is included within this communication.

• The committee also recommended changes to the timeframes for the scholarship. The period of time that the scholarship would last would be extended beyond a four-week period as originally planned to allow a propagator to stay and work longer in the country they visit, if they so desire. The length of the intended stay however, should be stipulated at the time of application.

• A 9-month limit will be placed on the time period from which an application is approved to the time the activity is undertaken. This is to ensure that funds are not “locked up” for extended periods awaiting access.

• Every effort should be made to have the visit coincide with the annual conference of the region being visited. This will provide the opportunity for the individual to engage in networking and making a presentation if they so desire. The scholarship winner should make a report to the home region’s conference after their return.

• The committee also suggested that each region appoint a person that is able to assist with the coordination of those proposing to travel and those arriving at another region. The International Secretary will then identify these individuals so they are able to liaise with one another and through the Secretary to the Education committee.

• Finally, it was restated that the program is only open to members of IPPS.

Hopefully these changes will make the program more user friendly. I urge all regions to seriously think about locating a candidate and taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

Peter Bingham David Cliffe
International President Chairman Education Committee

Conditions:

The Applicant

1. Must be working or studying in the industry.

2. Be a minimum age of 18 years.

3. Must be nominated by an IPPS member.

4. Must currently be a member of IPPS.

5. Should be in or have completed, some form of industry relevant training.

6. Exhibit an ambassadorial attitude.

Guidelines

1. Funding - $1 from International for each $1 raised by regions. Maximum funding from the International board is US$2000.

2. Submission to be received at least 9 months prior to the commencement of travel.

3. The length of stay in the region to be visited will be flexible but should be stated at the time of application.

4. A 9-month limit will be placed on the period from which an application is approved to the time the activity is undertaken.

5. The proposal should be thorough and cover all aspects of the visit to be undertaken.

6. The successful applicant will provide a written report to the International Board at the conclusion of the trip.

7. He or she must be encouraged to make a presentation at respective conferences so it is desirable that the visit takes place to coincide with the region’s annual conference.

The Application

NOTE: Click here for an application form (“fill-in” .pdf format).  The application form must be completed fully and submitted to the appropriate office as indicated. Information on the form must include:

1. The specific reason for the visit and any specific field in which the individual wishes to work.

2. Any promotion of IPPS in general that will be generated from the visit.

3. An appropriate number and range of businesses that will be visited.

4. A detailed list of expected expenses.