AG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM PLANNED IN WASHINGTON STATE

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University are launching the Agricultural Leadership Program.

The Agricultural Leadership Program (ALP) to be held May 6-June 3 in Yakima, Washington, is a comprehensive bilingual training program designed to enhance leadership skills of farm supervisors and managers, by providing them with the knowledge and tools to effectively administer their tasks related to labor, new technology, safety, economics, regulations, and others.

This three-month long program starts with 40 hours of pre-determined base courses (1 day a week for 5 weeks) taught by highly qualified and experienced trainers, followed by a mentorship plan. We will coordinate with farm employers and course participants to implement the knowledge gained in this course on day-to-day operations.

Participants will graduate after they complete their program and give a final presentation, and will receive an ALP Certificate from the Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA), Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and Washington State University (WSU) .

When: Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 and June 3

Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

June 3 – Networking reception from 5:30pm – 7 p.m.

Mentorship plan continues after week 5.

Graduation will be on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022.

Where: Holiday Inn Yakima, 802 East Yakima Avenue, Yakima, WA 98901

Note: May 20th- will be a field day at WSU-Roza experimental farm (Prosser, Washington)

Register at: https://wstfa.org/events-calendar/…

Participants must have at least 2 years of experience in a supervisory position to participate in ALP and must complete the entire 3-month training program to receive their ALP Certificate. We recommend participants to identify a mentor they can work with during the course; however, we can also provide one if needed. Upper management commitment is encouraged for the successful completion of this program.

Space is limited to 15 people per class to facilitate interaction. Registration will be limited to one (1) person per company, and will close on Monday, April 25th, 2022. Please indicate the language of preference (English or Spanish) at the time of registration.

This course is subsidized by WSDA support through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, award #K3651. Full payment of $350 course fee must be made at the time of registration. The registration fee is non-refundable. Lunch, course materials and refreshments will be provided each training day.