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Foundation Prepares Georgia For Leadership in Agriculture

Foundation Prepares Leaders For Ga's Agriculture Industry

Today’s agricultural industry faces a myriad of challenges . . . environmental responsibility, food safety, international competition, taxation, weather- related crop and animal stress, and even its own identity.  Facing these challenges and many others, the industry recognized the importance of developing the full potential of its leadership base.  After several months of research, planning and networking a statewide agricultural leadership program was developed.  A consortium of state organizations involved with the agricultural economy supported the effort along with many key agricultural leaders in the private, academic, agribusiness and forestry sector.

The Georgia Agri-Leaders Forum Foundation Inc., formed in 1990, continues to play a pivotal role in preparing current and emerging agricultural leaders for even greater leadership roles.  The Foundation is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation and is managed by a Board of Directors composed of key leaders from Georgia agriculture, agribusiness and forestry.

The mission of the Foundation is: “To build leadership capacity for agriculture, agribusiness, forestry and rural communities in Georgia.”

The Foundation selects up to twenty-five men and women each year for participation in its leadership institutes.  Individuals may be nominated or may apply directly to the Foundation.  Six institutes are held each year and each one focuses on different aspects of leadership.  Four of the institutes are held in Georgia and two are held in other locations.  Four of the Institutes are conducted from Thursday noon to Saturday noon with the other two being held generally Monday through Saturday. 

The institutes focus on key issues such as: what makes a leader; exploring the policy and politics of agricultural and agribusiness; developing successful communication skills; investigating the challenge of change and what technologies and new practices are on the horizon; traveling to another agricultural intensive state to see what challenges and opportunities they face; and how to put leadership skills and training to use for the benefit of Georgia agriculture and rural Georgia.

Over three hundred men and women have graduated from the program since its inception.  Currently sixteen are enrolled in the 2007 class.  These individuals have come from all over the state of Georgia.  Graduates of the Forum have various backgrounds including farming, banking, academia, agribusiness, teaching, forestry, accounting, and various other occupations related to or associated with agriculture and agribusiness.

The Foundation is currently recruiting for the Class of 2008, which begins in January 2008.  If you are involved or associated with Georgia agriculture, agribusiness or forestry, you could qualify to be a participant.  If you or someone you know would be interested in applying for the 2008 class or future classes contact Jimmy Hill by phone at 1-800-473-6786 or by mail at 1217 Eagle Ridge Road, Dawsonville, Georgia, 30534.