Thank you for you interest in participating in the AgForestry Leadership Program. Today’s pressing issues demand strong, able, informed leaders who not only excel in their chosen professions, but also in the areas of communications, public policy and issues management. Those who are directly engaged in farming, forestry or fishing are vital to influencing public decisions that impact natural resources and the Washington State economy. The Leadership Program is designed to develop those leaders for the natural resources and rural communities, while allowing them to continue conducting their business operations.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What is the Program?
2. When will the Program begin?
3. Who is Eligible?
4. What are the four expected commitments?
5. What are the costs involved?
6. Who are the sponsors?
7. How can I apply?

What is the Program?
The Washington Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program (AgForestry) awards fellowships to 24 people each year from throughout Washington State. Over the course of 18 months, twelve seminars are held across the state at public and private institutions of higher education and leading Washington businesses on various topics including government, economics, international trade, communication, water issues, media relations, the criminal justice system, and the environment. Each seminar is three-days, typically Wednesday through Friday.  In addition the program includes two study travel seminars, including a two-week seminar in a selected foreign country and a seven-day seminar in Washington D.C.

When will the Program begin?
Each new class commences in October each year. After receiving applications, a screening committee considers each candidate, and personal interviews are required. The twenty-four candidates are selected for each class by a committee representing natural resource industries, education and business in all geographic areas of Washington. Final selection is made by the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.

Who is eligible?
The applicant must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States and be a resident of the State of Washington for at least one year.
2. Be given approval by the candidate’s employer to take the required time of 26 days during year one and 32 days during year two. Self-employed individuals must be able to be away from their enterprises for the necessary amount of time.
3. Remain in an agriculture, forestry, or fishing profession or in a service sector dedicated to the natural resource industries during the two-year term of the fellowship

Agriculture, forestry and fisheries are broadly and inclusively defined to include the producer, the processor or shipper and the marketer or sales person. It also includes professionals from education, law, finance and government whose work is dedicated primarily to servicing the natural resources sector.
Individuals from other fields such as the environment, energy, the media, research, labor and public relations who can demonstrate strong connections to agriculture, forestry and fishing are equally included.
An important test of qualification is the applicant’s current and future commitment to the state’s natural resource industries.

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The AgForestry Board of Trustees expects each participant in the Leadership Program to fulfill the following four commitments:
1.   To attend all seminars and travel
2.   To assume leadership responsibility
3.   To participate in post-graduate leadership activities
4.   To help in the perpetuation of the AgForestry Leadership Program

What are the costs involved?
Each participant pays $3000 ($1,500 per year of participation). The balance is paid by private donors. Participants are responsible for the cost of in-state travel and must also consider the costs related to being away from home and business for the 58 days they are involved in the program.
The value of the fellowship awarded to the participant is $18,000, which includes travel and subsistence costs for state seminars and national and international study travel seminars.

Who are the sponsors?
The program is under the direction of the Washington Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation, which is funded almost entirely by the private sector; over 700 individuals, businesses and private foundations. State and private universities throughout Washington State provide support in the form of facilities, seminar instructors and coordinators. Businesses provide similar support as do various levels of government.

How can I apply?
Simply click here and fill out the necessary application forms.

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For more information contact the AgForestry Foundation at 509-926-9113 or leaders@agforestry.org.