MEDIA RELEASE
The Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii has posted on its website recruitment and application information about the next Class of its Agriculture Leadership Training Program (ALP): www.agleaderhi.org
The application deadline is Nov. 16, 2012.
“I have both a broader and deeper understanding of current agriculture and the people farming, ranching, and improving their communities because of this program. The value of this program to my job is worth many times the time and dollars it costs to be a participant.” Kevin Kinvig, USDA-NRCS, Class X
The Foundation will conduct a 16-month multi-disciplinary statewide program of excellence for at least 12 promising leaders from Hawaii’s agriculture, natural resources management and rural community sectors.
The program, lasting from January 2013 to May 2014, includes seven three to four day seminars across the state and a two-week trip to Washington DC and another state of the groups choice.
By combining strong leadership content with exposure to organizations, agricultural operations and community networks, participants develop their path toward becoming the innovative problem-solvers and leaders that are so needed in Hawaii.
Through the ALP, participants will develop the knowledge, relationships, tools and skills that will enable them to be more successful in their work and other community endeavors.
“This program has clarified and defined my vision of what can be with regards to initiating collaboration on many different levels to help Hawaii agriculture grow on solid ground.” Lani Weigert, Alii Kula Lavender & Hawaii AgTourism Association, Class XI
The Foundation has completed the training of over 150 alumni from 13 classes since 1982. Pauline Sato, the Program Director, will lead the program with Peter Adler, PhD. who will provide his innovative and dynamic style of leadership training based on real-world experiences.
Sato and Adler have worked for decades in Hawaii on community-based issues involving complex resource management issues.
“. . . more effort is needed to promote interaction between different agricultural groups to improve relationships and minimize misunderstanding or misinformation. We have to approach different opinions with an open heart and respect for one another.” Thong Teng Neo, Green Point Nurseries, Class XII
ALP trains individuals who have already demonstrated a commitment to lead in their line of work or community activities. An ideal cohort for Class XIV includes participants from large, medium and small for profit agricultural production and resource management endeavors.
A representation from the nonprofit and government support groups and agencies also is key to developing resources and relationship.
Educational field trips to farms, ranches, aquaculture and ag-forestry businesses, nurseries, watershed protection areas, cultural projects and other rural community endeavors are essential to the program.
Through visits to the State Legislature and Washington, D.C., participants also gain first-hand exposure to government policy-making.
“. . . the Agricultural Leadership Program is an outstanding, rewarding program that I am extremely proud to be a part of. It will open your eyes and broaden your knowledge of agricultural issues across the state. You will make life long friends and gain an invaluable resources of support!” Kylie Matsuda, Kahuku Farms, Class XII
All applications and letters of support must be received or postmarked no later than Nov. 16, 2012. Contact Kim Coffee-Isaak at (808) 947-2914, kim@agleaderhi.org or Pauline Sato at Pauline.Sato@gmail.com for more information.
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