The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) is now accepting applications for Class 22. During the executive leadership program, up to 30 individuals will embark on a personal journey to realize their potential, while exploring agriculture, food and rural economic development from the local to the international level through a leadership lens. Participants will begin their AALP leadership journey in September 2027.

“AALP challenges you to think bigger, lead with confidence, and connect with people who are driving change across the agri‑food sector,” said Peggy Brekveld, Leadership Programs Director at ROI and AALP Class 12 alumna. “Through hands‑on learning, transformative study tours, and access to an influential network of more than 540 leaders, AALP equips you with the skills and relationships you need to make a lasting impact in your industry and community. In a recent survey of AALP alumni, 50 per cent of respondents stated that they had moved to a higher level of responsibility in their job after graduating.”

Successful applicants will come together for approximately 45 days of in-session training including: in-person seminars, online webinars, small group issues analysis projects and two study tours, north American and international. While meeting with industry, government and organization influencers, Class participants will learn about government and political systems, national and international trade, leadership styles, communication, team dynamics, problem-solving, agriculture issues and innovation.

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend AALP’s information sessions held throughout the upcoming months to learn more about the program and have their questions answered. Attendees can register for an upcoming session here: https://www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/events

For more information about the program and on how to apply, please visit https://www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/aalp/. The deadline for applications is December 31st, 2026.

Source: Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program September 1, 2026 news release