The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has announced 20 current and emerging leaders from across the province selected to be part of Class 20 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP). Participants will start in August 2023.

“AALP consistently develops leaders, making them better prepared to identify and overcome challenges and to capitalize on emerging opportunities across the agriculture, agri-food and rural sectors,” says Dan Borowec, ROI board chair. “Congratulations to the participants of Class 20 who have committed to this unique professional development opportunity. These leaders will shape the future of the agriculture and food industry as transitional change makes its way through rural communities across Ontario.”

Class members are livestock, horticulture, cannabis, grain, and oilseed producers and/or involved in agri-business and agri-food, financial sectors, non-government and commodity associations and small business. The class ranges in age from 25 to 48.

Each AALP class is chosen with attention to the diversity of participants so that peer-to-peer mentorship, interrelationships and a broad network are developed.

“It’s exciting and affirming to see the high caliber of talent and enthusiasm in Class 20,” says Gabrielle Ferguson, leadership programs director. “Class participants will learn from each other, offering unique viewpoints and enabling thought-provoking, balanced discussion of critical issues and new ideas about the future of the agri-food industry.”

During the experiential program, AALP participants will come together for in-person seminars, online webinars, study tours – North American and international – and small group issues analysis projects for agriculture, food, and rural community clients. The program’s focus is on building foundational skills and providing the context for practising them in a safe but challenging environment. Curriculum adapts with relevant topics for each class to promote new multi-stakeholder approaches while developing critical self-analysis.

AALP is delivered by the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI), a non-profit organization.  

Source:  Rural Ontario Institute July 12, 2023 news release