Applications open for California Ag Leadership Program’s Class 51 

Applications are now being accepted for Class 51 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP).

Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals and/or individuals working in allied businesses and organizations who are emerging leaders in agriculture.

The Ag Leadership Program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. More than 1,300 men and women have participated in the program and are influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture, communities, government, business and other areas.

“We are delighted to open the application process for Class 51,” said CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson. “The California Agricultural Leadership Program is uniquely positioned to prosper and produce leaders who benefit their communities, their companies and California agriculture as a whole due to our unique curriculum, personalized coaching and a dedicated focus on lifelong learning.”

The 17-month program includes approximately 55 days of formal program activities. Four partner universities—Fresno State, UC Davis, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona—deliver comprehensive, diverse and high-impact curriculum designed to improve leadership skills. As a valuable extension to the monthly seminars, fellows participate in national and international travel seminars and receive individualized leadership development coaching. Working with our partner universities, CALF is preparing various options to ensure we continue to effectively implement this program during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

CALF invests more than $50,000 per fellow to participate in the Ag Leadership Program. The costs are underwritten by individual and industry donations.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to talk with Ag Leadership alumni about the program and to attend a recruitment event. All recruitment events will adhere to state and local guidelines for safety and health. 

Detailed program information and the phase one application are available online at www.agleaders.org/apply. Phase one of the two-part application process is due no later than April 26, 2021. Individuals are encouraged to complete the application as soon as possible.