The leadership program focuses on cultivating leaders who communicate, collaborate, inspire and serve. Seminars provide hands-on opportunities for skill building, and explore the economic, environmental and human impacts of public policy decisions in natural resources and society at large.

Benefits include becoming a more effective communicator and collaborator. The growth you experience will allow you to make a greater impact in the organizations, industries and communities you serve.

Applicants must:

• Have lived or worked in Washington state for at least one year.
• Obtain employer approval to invest the time required to attend all seminars. Self-employed persons must be able to be away from their business.
• Remain employed in agriculture, forestry, or any related natural resource service or industry for the duration of the class.

Leadership classes are diverse by industry, political beliefs, demographics and other factors. Ages range from 25 to 55+. Participants include farmers, livestock producers, foresters, agency personnel, tribal members and others who serve the natural resource sectors, such as persons employed in financial and insurance services, crop protection and NGOs.

Leadership classes vary between 15-18 people.

The program is 18 months, with a total of 58 days of required time and attendance. There are 11 seminars held throughout Washington State. There are two travel seminars: one week in Washington, D.C., and two weeks in a foreign country. Please see the sample Participant Handbook (left) for a sample schedule. 

Participation fees for Class 45 were $6,000 total ($3,000 per year). There are also out-of-pocket costs including travel to and from seminars, some meals, a passport and other expenses. 

The AgForestry Leadership Program costs vary depending on class size and location each year with the total cost ranging from $40,000 to $43,000 per participant. The cost to each participant is offset by the investment of our alumni, stakeholders and grants.