Introduction

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University announces a two-year program designed to develop the leadership skills of up to 30 young agriculturists who exhibit considerable leadership potential. The participants would be representative of all agriculture and related agribusiness in North Carolina. This program consists of eight seminars at NC State University; one training session with spouses; a legislative study tour to Washington, D.C.; a study tour to Brazil (if funds are available),a major competitor with agricultural commodities of the United States; and a wrap-up session with spouses.

Objectives

The Agricultural Leadership Development Program will help participants:

• Understand problems and policies related to agricultural commodities and agricultural issues;
• Develop a better understanding of people, their environments, and their personal and group aspirations;
• Build an understanding of the public policy development process and prepare individuals to participate in that process;
• Analyze and work in teams to solve complex agricultural problems relating to agricultural production, people, the environment, and the state and world economies;
• Enhance their ability to provide leadership in the resolution of agricultural issues;
• Improve their ability to communicate to both large and small groups, while increasing confidence in working with people;
• Improve their ability to manage a farm and related agribusiness in a competitive global economy;
• Establish a basis for lifelong development by stimulating a desire for independent study and learning.

The total effort is designed to help people make informed decisions on public issues - decisions that shape the future of rural communities in North Carolina.

The Program

The social, economic, and political changes affecting agriculture and rural communities pose a challenge to farmers and rural leaders. It is important that potential leaders in agriculture be identified and trained to assume leadership roles. They must be prepared to bridge the gaps between rural and urban interests, to participate actively in issues affecting agriculture and to foster unity among agricultural interests.

The Agricultural Leadership Development Program of North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is designed to prepare 30 selected outstanding young agriculturalists for such challenges. Support comes from grants from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, Golden LEAF Foundation, commodity and farm organizations and related agribusinesses.

The participants will represent diverse agricultural enterprises in North Carolina, and their ages will range from 25-45. They will take part in 50 days of training over two years. There are eight seminars in Raleigh, a legislative study tour to Washington, a study tour to Brazil and local and domestic study tours to enrich participant leadership abilities. In Brazil, participants will observe agricultural production and marketing strategies of a major U.S. agricultural competitor. The domestic tours provide participants an opportunity to observe production of diverse agricultural commodities and to understand how producers deal with environmental issues. 

Throughout the program, participants will focus on important agricultural issues they have identified for North Carolina and their communities. Training focuses on the following areas:

• Mastering Self
• Mastering an Understanding of Agriculture's Environment
• Mastering Relationships
• Managing Social and Organizational Action
• Enhancing Participants' Understanding of Global and National Aspects of Agriculture

Throughout the program, leaders from government, commodity and farm organizations interact with the participants on issues and leadership opportunities.

Program Cost

Sponsors of the program will be sought from the various commodity organizations in North Carolina.  This is in addition to major grants from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission and the Golden LEAF Foundation.  This will include travel, food, and lodging for formal seminars and study travel tours. Supplies and reading materials also will be provided. Participants will be expected to pay a registration fee of $600, due at the second seminar, to help defray expenses. The operating costs per participant will be about $15,000 each, not including the international study tour.

Program Leadership

Program development and implementation will be done by faculty from N.C. State University and others as needed to enrich the program.  The program leaders have had experience with eight previous successful two-year leadership programs. 

Eligibility

Active farmers and related agribusiness individuals between 25 and 45 years of age are eligible to apply for the 30 participants in the program.  Up to five field faculty from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service may be invited to participate.  Spouses will be asked to complete a supporting application. North Carolina State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, or national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.

Selection Process

Selection will be by a committee of the co-directors of the program, members of the Personal and Organizational Development team (NCCES), and representatives of other CALS departments.  Those selected to participate will be announced in early September 2008.  Personal interviews will be conducted with applicants/spouses to insure they understand the expectations of the program and time commitment required.  Interviews will be conducted at the work place or at the home of the applicant. 

Seminar Initiation

The first three-day seminar is expected to be held in Raleigh in mid-October 2008. All seminars and trips will be during the months of October, November, December, January, and February, with the program being completed in February 2010 or October 2010.

Application

You may download editable or print-only versions of the application online. Take the completed application to your county extension director for signature and submission to:  W.K. Collins, CALS Advancement, NC State University, Campus Box 7645, Raleigh, NC 27695-7645.  Telephone (919) 513-2944.  Fax (919) 515-5274.  If you have questions, please contact Dr. Collins.

Copies of the application forms are available from the director of your county extension office.  Applicants are encouraged to communicate with several of the 200 who have been participants in one of the eight previous Agricultural Leadership Programs from 1984-2007, especially participants in the 2005-07 program because the 2008-10 program content will be very similar.

Previous Leadership Program Participants from North Carolina Classes 1984-86, 1986-88, 1989-91, 1992-94, 1996-98, 1999-2001, 2002-04, 2005-07