Programs
Young Agri-Food Leaders
Where Rising Leaders Connect, Learn, and Lead
The next generation of leaders in agriculture are already shaping the food system every day—and they need the tools, perspective, and connections to succeed and grow.
The Young Agri-Food Leaders Program brings together emerging professionals from across the value chain for a year of leadership development, mentorship, and meaningful connections that prepare them to lead across sectors.
A fully funded, yearlong leadership experience for emerging agri-food professionals ages 25–40.
Our Supporters
Program Overview
Leadership Grows Through Relationships and Perspective
Today’s agricultural challenges are too complex for any one organization, sector, or discipline to solve alone. Tomorrow’s leaders must understand how the entire food system works—and how to collaborate across it.
The Young Agri-Food Leaders Program brings together rising professionals from every corner of agriculture and food production, including farming, agribusiness, research, food processing, technology, supply chain, logistics, and more.
Over the course of a year, participants engage in virtual learning, in-person leadership experiences, mentorship, and Farm Foundation programming that broadens their understanding of the food system while helping them build lasting professional relationships.
Participants don’t just expand their own leadership skills—they become part of a national network committed to shaping the future of agriculture together.
-
Expand Your Perspective
Develop a deeper understanding of the people, industries, and systems that make up the modern food and agriculture value chain.
-
Learn Alongside Emerging and Established Leaders
Connect with peers from across agriculture while learning from experienced executives, innovators, and thought leaders.
-
Build Relationships That Last
Develop a professional network and mentoring relationships that continue long after the program ends.
Why It Matters
Agriculture Needs Leaders Who Can See the Bigger Picture
The future of agriculture will depend on leaders who understand more than their own organizations or areas of expertise.
As food systems become increasingly interconnected, solving complex challenges requires people who can build relationships across sectors, appreciate diverse perspectives, and work collaboratively toward shared solutions.
The Young Agri-Food Leaders Program was created to develop exactly those leaders.
By bringing together emerging professionals from across the agriculture and food value chain, the program helps participants broaden their perspectives, strengthen their leadership skills, and build trusted relationships that will shape the future of the industry.
-
Leadership Starts With Understanding
When leaders understand the full food system—and the people who make it work—they're better equipped to solve problems, build partnerships, and lead meaningful change.
-
Mission Connection
The Young Agri-Food Leaders Program advances Farm Foundation's mission by developing future leaders, strengthening relationships across agriculture, and creating opportunities for collaboration that turn ideas into action.
Who It's For
Is Young Agri-Food Leaders Right for You?
The program is designed for emerging professionals who are ready to grow as leaders while building a broader understanding of agriculture and the food system.
-
Audience Profile
- Professionals ages 25–40
- Currently employed in the agri-food industry
- Emerging leaders from across the food and agriculture value chain
- Individuals seeking leadership growth and expanded professional networks
-
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen
- Must have a valid U.S. Passport or the proper Canadian entry visa for travel to Canada in summer 2027
- Between the ages of 25 and 40
- Currently employed in the agri-food industry
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential
-
Ideal Participants
- Curious about the broader food system
- Interested in learning from leaders across agriculture
- Motivated to build lasting professional relationships
- Committed to personal and professional growth
- Excited to collaborate across sectors
Program Impact
Building Leaders Who Build Agriculture's Future
Young Agri-Food Leaders helps participants develop the relationships, perspective, and leadership skills needed to guide agriculture through its next generation of challenges and opportunities.
The Leadership Journey
What to Expect
Young Agri-Food Leaders combines leadership development, mentorship, networking, and immersive learning experiences that help participants grow both personally and professionally.
The Leadership Journey
-
1
Connect
Meet your cohort, begin working with your mentor, and build relationships with emerging professionals representing every part of the food and agriculture system.
-
2
Experience
Participate in monthly virtual learning sessions, Farm Foundation Forums, , and attend two Farm Foundation Round Table meetings where you'll engage directly with senior leaders from across agriculture.
-
3
Lead
Apply what you've learned within your own organization while continuing to strengthen the relationships and leadership skills that will shape your future career.
Learning Experiences
-
Monthly virtual Agri-Food Leader Labs
-
Executive mentorship
-
Cross-sector networking
-
Farm Foundation Forums
-
Farm Foundation Round Tables
-
Leadership and career development
Participants Leave With
- A broader understanding of the agriculture and food value chain
- Strong relationships with peers across agriculture
- Ongoing mentorship from an experienced agri-food leader
- Greater confidence leading across organizations and sectors
- A lifelong professional network through Farm Foundation
Testimonials
Leadership That Changes Lives
Every Farm Foundation leadership program is built around people—their experiences, their growth, and the impact they create long after the program ends.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who can apply?
Professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are currently employed in the agri-food industry and demonstrate leadership potential.
-
Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Self-nominations are accepted, as well as nominations. Letters of recommendation are only required for self-nominated applicants.
-
What experiences are included?
Participants engage in monthly virtual meetings where they each lead an Agri-Food Leader Lab, executive mentorship, Farm Foundation Forums, and two Farm Foundation Round Table meetings.
-
What makes this different?
Young Agri-Food Leaders intentionally brings together professionals from across the entire agriculture and food value chain, creating opportunities to build relationships and perspectives that extend beyond participants’ own sectors.
-
Is there a cost to participate?
No. The program is fully funded for selected participants.
Contact
Get In Touch
Grow as a Leader. Strengthen Agriculture.
Whether you’re ready to apply or want to nominate an emerging leader, we’d love to help you learn more about the Young Agri-Food Leaders Program.
"*" indicates required fields
