Empowering Our Communities Through Leadership
Today's pressing issues demand strong, able, informed leaders who not only excel in their chosen professions, but also in the areas of communications, political savvy and issues management. The AgForestry Leadership program helps leaders face challenges with confidence. The AgForestry graduate network is an invaluable resource to address issues and solve problems.
Assuring Effective Leadership at Every Level
Our graduates provide leadership for the agriculture, forestry, natural resources and fishing industries at the local, regional, state and national levels. They serve in the state legislature, on county commissions, on economic development councils, school boards, and on advisory committees to colleges and universities.
AgForestry Graduates are Leaders Who...
- Educate, work on and advocate for water, environmental, social, economic development, international trade, and policy issues with organizations and communities
- Communicate skillfully, collaborate on tough issues and seek common sense solutions
- Understand policy development
- Work effectively with legislators and members of Congress
- Are highly skilled critical thinkers who constitute a dynamic network that is working daily to keep Washington State's natural resource industries vibrant and growing
- Provide leadership from the grassroots up, serve local, state and federal government, and NGO’s
- Take the lead as creative entrepreneurs, create new marketing and production systems, add economic value and develop new markets domestically and overseas
- Serve as a voice for our natural resources industries
Providing Excellence in Leadership Training
The AgForestry Leadership Program is recognized as the premier leadership development program in Washington State. The Washington Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation began its first class in 1978 to develop leaders. The program offers hands-on learning experiences to achieve our Mission: To cultivate leaders in agriculture, forestry and natural resources who communicate, collaborate, inspire and serve.
Over 18 months, 11 leadership seminars are presented throughout Washington on topics including: Communications, Group Dynamics & Public Speaking, Working with Media, Social Services, State Government, Forestry, Agriculture, the Columbia River System, Crime & Corrections, and Transportation. The Program also features 1-week in Washington DC learning about National Government and a 2-week seminar on International Trade, Culture and Government in a selected foreign country.
The Washington Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation was incorporated on December 16, 1977. Financial aid from the Kellogg Foundation assisted in the creation of the leadership program.
Over the last 35 years, this program has given board members, participants, and contributors opportunities to know and work with dedicated leaders across the state. As the first executive director, Art Peterson said, "Time will water the seeds we have planted and who can guess what the harvest will be."
The Foundation is currently supporting its 35th and 36th Leadership Classes. Throughout the years, institutions of higher learning and businesses in the agriculture and forestry industries have partnered with the Foundation to provide seminar coordinators, facilities, and speakers, resulting in a significant educational and financial contribution to the development of astute and well-trained leaders for the natural resource industries and rural communities of the state of Washington.
For a complete history on the Foundation, please click here.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
MISSION STATEMENT:
We are a leadership development organization dedicated to advancing the natural resource industries through enhanced understanding, education and empowerment of future leaders.
VISION STATEMENT:
To be Washington’s premier service provider of leadership training and networking to support healthy natural resource industries.
VALUES OF THE AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY EDUCATION FOUNDATION:
Integrity
Respect
Innovation
Stewardship
Accountability
Education
