LEADelaware, the state’s agriculture and natural resources leadership program, is now accepting applications for its sixth fellowship class, which will run for two years beginning January 2020. Applications must be received by October 1, 2019; applicants will be notified of their selection in early December.
During the fellowship, LEADelaware participants develop leadership skills within the food, fiber, and natural resources industries. The program is designed for individuals who seek to resolve the economic, environmental, and policy challenges facing the world’s farming and food systems. LEAD programs across the United States challenge participants to engage and be a voice for the future of agriculture.
“I have worked with leadership programs in several states and can say that the completion of the fellowship makes a big difference in people’s lives; both personally as well as professionally,” said Delaware Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kenny Bounds. “I encourage prospective candidates to apply and become a part of a much larger leadership team. LEADelaware may be the best investment you make in personal development.”
Participants in the past have included growers and producers, agribusiness professionals, educators, marketers, consultants, agency employees, and service providers. The program consists of ten sessions throughout Delaware and Washington, D.C., where fellows actively learn about the current issues impacting agriculture and natural resources in Delaware and around the world. Learning and interactions occur through site visits, seminars, expert panels, team activities, and workshops.
The fellowship culminates with an international study trip during the second year of the program that is selected and planned by the cohort. Previous classes have explored agriculture in Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, and Peru. Class V will travel throughout Vietnam and Cambodia in February 2020.
Applications are available online at http://sites.udel.edu/leadelaware, by contacting Aubrey Jerman at the Delaware Department of Agriculture via email at aubrey.jerman@delaware.gov, or requesting an application by phone at 302-698-4500.
LEADelaware is a partnership between the Delaware Department of Agriculture and University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, in collaboration with agricultural businesses, organizations, and other industry partners. For more information on the program, visit http://sites.udel.edu/leadelaware.