Applications Open for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program (CA Exchange). Applicants should be individuals who have an influence over policy issues impacting California agriculture, including California Assembly and Senate members or staff as well as employees of regulatory agencies and nonprofits. 

 The CA Exchange, organized by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is an experiential learning and leadership development opportunity that brings together participants and those who work in California’s $59 billion agriculture industry. This year’s program – to be held Sept. 9-12 – will visit numerous farms, ranches and agriculture-related operations in select Northern California counties. 

 During the program, fellows will develop a better understanding of how public policy affects complex and diverse agricultural systems. They will also gain tools for collaboration that may lead to more opportunities for multibenefit policy development and execution. California agriculture producers are provided an equally important opportunity to better understand the perspectives of regulatory agency representatives and the unique constraints, pressures and concerns influencing their decision-making processes.  

 “The California Exchange is an invaluable program that cultivates an awareness for the innovation and resilience of California’s agricultural industry,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (49). “By participating in this program, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry, providing them with knowledge from the field that will drive positive change and ensure the continued success of California agriculture.”   

 More information and the application are available at https://www.agleaders.org/programs/exchange-programs/. Applications are due July 11, 2025. Virtual interviews will be conducted July 29-30.  For additional questions, call the CALF office at 831-585-1030. 

The number in parentheses after a name indicates Ag Leadership Program class.

ABOUT CALF
CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families.

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