The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Agricultural Leadership Development Program is a two-year program designed to develop the leadership skills of up to 30 young agriculturists who exhibit leadership potential. The participants will be representative of the diverse agriculture and agribusiness of North Carolina.

The program consists of seven seminars (each two and a half days long) a legislative study tour to Washington, D.C., an international study tour, and a U.S. study-tour. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2014.

The social, economic and political changes affecting agriculture and rural communities pose a challenge for farmers and rural leaders. Potential leaders in agriculture must be identified and trained to assume leadership roles. They must be prepared to address the issues 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 program is funded by an endowment from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

Throughout the program, participants will focus on important agricultural issues they have identified for North Carolina and their communities. While focusing on agricultural issues participants will experience leading edge leadership assessments and tools.

The Agricultural Leadership Development Program will help participants:

Participants pay $800 tuition and travel expenses to Raleigh and unscheduled meals. The program pays hotel and scheduled meals. For more information.