Washington D.C. Educational Fellowship

2010 Program Dates: July 31-August 7, 2010

Interviews for the 2010 Washington DC Program: March 15-17

Application Form

A California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Fellows Council endeavor since 1982.

In 1982 the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Fellows Council established an experiential learning opportunity that brings together representatives from federal policy-making and regulatory organizations. The goal of this endeavor is to educate decision makers on the issues facing California agriculture, as well as foster open communication between this industry and federal entities.

The Washington D.C. Educational Fellowship Program is a seven-day seminar designed to provide practical, hands-on agriculture experiences. Annually twenty participants travel to various regions throughout California and participate in a variety of issues-based activities. A combination of one-on-one talks, small group discussions, expert panels, and site visits enhance your learning of various subjects.

Topics regularly covered include:

  • Water
  • Labor/Housing/Healthcare
  • Crop Protection
  • Pest Exclusion
  • Trade
  • Bio-Technology
  • Transportation
  • Environment/Natural Resources
  • Immigration

The most significant educational opportunities occur with the host-farm family stays. Over the course of the week, participants experience production agriculture first hand with three different families. The time together promotes and creates personal relationships between federal staff and the industry.

Benefits:
This unique experience exposes participants to the realities of agriculture, but also nurtures intergovernmental networking.

As a participant you will receive:

  • Air travel, lodging and meals for the seven-day California visit
  • A first-hand look at life on a family farm
  • A greater understanding of California agriculture through personal experiences
  • An opportunity to build relationships with farmers and industry representatives
  • An expanded network of fellow federal staff

"We met a new generation of agricultural producers - men and women with a passion for growing the best products, caring for the land, and actively participating in continued efforts to improve the way they do business."
-Peyton Robertson, 2002 Participant; Coastal Programs, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Program Contact Information:
Washington D.C. Educational Fellowship Program
1300 National Drive, Suite 180
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: 916-928-2202
Fax: 916-928-2206
Email: nbell@agleaders.org
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