Applications Available for California Ag Leadership Program Class 56

Applications are now open for Class 56 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), a transformative leadership experience for individuals shaping the future of California agriculture. The program invites mid-career individuals from across the agricultural industry to apply.

Led by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), the Ag Leadership Program has spent more than five decades developing leaders who drive positive change. With more than 1,500 alumni, program graduates serve as trusted leaders and engaged citizens across agriculture, business, government, and communities throughout California and across the globe.

“Ag Leadership pushed me to look inward and grow not just as a better farmer, but as a more intentional leader grounded in purpose,” said Jake Barcellos (Class 54), a fourth-generation farmer with A-Bar Ag Enterprises. “It shaped how I show up for my community and my family, reinforcing that leadership is lived every day through the example we set. If you’re ready to grow personally and professionally, Ag Leadership is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.”

The immersive program is designed to stretch perspectives, strengthen leadership capacity, and deepen understanding of the complex systems that influence agriculture. Fellows engage in a dynamic curriculum focused on leadership development, effective communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and navigating change. Through individualized coaching, experiential learning, and facilitated dialogue, participants gain the confidence and clarity needed to lead with purpose in an evolving global landscape. Each class is limited to 24 fellows, creating a highly selective and personalized leadership experience.

“For more than 56 years, the Ag Leadership Program has focused on developing leaders who are prepared to make a meaningful impact across California agriculture and their communities,” said Lesa Eidman (Class 49), president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. “We are seeking individuals who are curious, committed, and ready to invest in their own growth while helping shape the future of our industry.”

The program includes approximately 55 days of formal programming delivered over 17-months through an integrated curriculum supported by CALF’s five partner universities: Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Chico State, and UC Davis. Fellows learn from distinguished educators and thought leaders and participate in national and international travel seminars that broaden global awareness, explore public policy, and examine the cultural and economic forces shaping agriculture.

CALF invests more than $70,000 per fellow to deliver this life-changing experience, made possible through the generosity of alumni, individual donors, and industry partners. Prospective applicants are encouraged to connect with program alumni and attend a prospective applicant event to learn more about the Ag Leadership journey.

More information and the application forms are available at https://www.agleaders.org/class56apply/ Phase One of the three-phase application process must be completed by March 27, 2026. Early applications are encouraged.

About California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to cultivating leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,500 fellows of the California Agricultural Leadership Program have become lifelong leaders, serving as catalysts for a vibrant agricultural industry and making lasting contributions to their businesses, communities, and families. CALF delivers a comprehensive and diverse leadership curriculum in collaboration with its five partner universities: UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Chico State.

Media Contact:
Jessica Lara
CALF Marketing and Communications Manager
jlara@agleaders.org