Prospects

Apply Now – click here: https://agforestry.org/general-application-2/
(link also listed below)


Program and FAQ Page


Refer yourself or a prospect here

Applications for Class 47 are open now. Deadline to apply: May 15, 2026.

Class 47 time commitment: September 2026 – April 2027

Application Steps 

  1. Application https://agforestry.org/general-application-2/

  2. Essay Questions https://agforestry.org/prospects/application-essay/

  3. Complete: Self-Evaluation (click on link)

  4. Employer Release https://agforestry.org/prospects/employer-release/

  5. Reference Form https://agforestry.org/prospects/references/
    – Share this link with three references.
  6. Resume (click to upload file)
  7. Attend a Q&A session  –  Please contact carolyn@agforestry.org to arrange a 1:1 Q&A session
  8. In-person interviews will be held in early June 2026.
    1. Interviews are conducted by independent panels across the state, comprised of AgForestry Alumni & Industry Stakeholders. 
    2. Note: ESL applicants: While the AgForestry Leadership Program is an English based program, if English is not your first language and you would feel more comfortable receiving written application documents in a different language, contact Carolyn@agforestry.or

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • You must have lived or worked in Washington for at least one year, and be a minimum of 25 years of age when the program begins.
  • Your employer must approve the required time to attend all seminars (approx. 22 days) and are able to be away from communications (laptop, cell phone, pager) during seminar hours. Those who are self-employed must be able to be away from their businesses for that time as well. 
  • You must plan to remain employed in agriculture, forestry or related natural resource industry for the duration of the time you are in the program.
  • All application requirements must be met within provided application window.

Natural Resource Industry Definition

 

Agriculture, forestry and natural resources are broadly defined to include producers (farmer, forester and fisher), processor/shippers, and marketing/salespeople. It also includes professionals from education, law, finance, insurance, technology, energy, engineering, government and non-government agencies whose work is dedicated to serving the natural resources sector. Those from other fields relating to environment, media, research, labor, and public relations who demonstrate strong connections to the natural resource industries are also included. An important qualification is the applicant’s current and future commitment to Washington’s agriculture, forestry, fisheries, natural resources and rural communities.

The Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation, which oversees the AgForestry Leadership Program, strongly encourages producer candidates:  decision makers in their farming, forestry, fishing or natural resource entity.

Selection Process

 

Each class is built by the Selection Committee representing leaders in natural resources. Final selection is approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. All applicants have an interview with the Selection Committee in their area/region. The selection process is highly competitive. Applicants will be notified in early July.

Program Commitment

 

The AgForestry Leadership Class is nine months long, with approximately 22 days of required time and attendance. Your commitment to the program includes attendance at all seminars. There are three, 3-day seminars and four, 1.5-day regional seminars held throughout Washington State, plus one week in Washington, D.C., with an optional international seminar experience. For Class 47, the tuition fee is $7,500. There will be an additional cost for the international seminar for those who choose to participate (info coming soon).  There are scholarships and funding support available, please reach out to the Carolyn@agforestry.org for details. 

Each participant is expected to fulfill the following commitments:

  • attend all seminars and Washington, D.C. trip
  • engage authentically, communicate respectfully and be open to new ideas
  • be willing to embark on a leadership journey that will, at times, be personally challenging

If you have questions about the program or application process email: carolyn@agforestry.org or call: 253.720.2092

CLASS 47 SCHEDULE*

Note: Choose only one (A or B) for regional 1.5 day seminars

August 2026: onboarding (virtual)

September 23-25 full seminar

October

   20-21 regional A

   22-23 regional B

November

   17-18 regional A

   19-20 regional B

January 2027

  12-13 regional A

  14-15 regional B

February 10-12 full seminar (Olympia)

Late February/early March (International option)

March 21-27 Washington, D.C.

April

   12-13 regional A

   13-14 regional B

   21-23 full seminar: applied leadership, policy projects

   23 Graduation Class 46 & 47 and 50th Anniversary celebration

*locations announced late summer 2026


Refer yourself or a prospect here