News & Resources News Releases California Ag Leadership Welcomes Chico State as New University Partner June 24, 2025 Read More California Ag Leadership Foundation Hires New Marketing and Communications Manager June 20, 2025 Read More Applications Open for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program June 02, 2025 Read More California Ag Leadership Welcomes Chico State as New University Partner June 24, 2025 MONTEREY, June 24, 2025 – The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce that California State University, Chico has been formally added as a partner university for the California Ag Leadership Program (CALP). This strategic collaboration marks a significant expansion of CALP’s reach, strengthening its statewide network dedicated to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. The California Ag Leadership Program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States, designed to equip fellows with the advanced skills necessary to amplify their impact across various sectors. With over 1,400 distinguished alumni, the program consistently produces influential leaders and active contributors in agriculture, community development, government, business, and other vital areas. Chico State joins an esteemed group of existing university partners, including California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; California State University, Fresno; and the University of California, Davis. The sustained engagement of these universities with CALF is critical to ensuring a continuous pipeline of highly skilled graduates, essential for meeting the evolving demands of enlightened leadership within agriculture. “The addition of Chico State significantly strengthens our collaborative network with agricultural institutions across the state,” stated Lesa Eidman, CALF President and CEO. “By extending our presence into Northern California, we gain a unique opportunity to share invaluable leadership insights and collectively foster the continued growth and impact of our program.” For nearly seven decades, the College of Agriculture at California State University, Chico has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life throughout California and across the nation by educating and empowering agricultural leaders. This new partnership with the California Ag Leadership Program will further amplify this shared objective of developing leaders who are poised to make a profound difference. “Chico State is honored to join the California Ag Leadership Program as a partner university,” said Chico State President Steve Perez. “Our College of Agriculture and University Farm are cornerstones of our academic excellence and community impact. For decades, they’ve shaped future leaders across sectors like crop science, horticulture, animal science, ag education, business, land management, and more. This partnership will allow us to deepen that legacy and expand our reach, preparing the next generation to lead with purpose across the agricultural landscape.” 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. — California Ag Leadership Foundation Hires New Marketing and Communications Manager June 20, 2025 MONTEREY, June 19, 2025, – The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) has hired Jessica Lara as its new Marketing and Communications manager, effective June 16. In her role, Lara will be responsible for planning, developing, and executing comprehensive marketing and communication strategies that align with CALF's mission. She will engage with both internal and external stakeholders to support the foundation's initiatives. CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman said, "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jessica to CALF. Her energy, creativity and proven track record in strategic communications make her an incredible addition to our team. I’m confident she will play a key role in amplifying our message and connecting even more people to the mission and impact of Ag Leadership.” Lara brings over nine years of experience in marketing and communications, including her most recent role as a marketing communications specialist at the California Strawberry Commission, where she contributed to successful marketing campaigns. Her expertise encompasses content creation, social media management, video production, and community engagement. Skills valuable in supporting CALF’s marketing plan. "I'm excited to start this position with CALF," Lara shared. "My deep appreciation for California agriculture drives me, and I'm truly looking forward to using my skills to advance CALF's mission." 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. — Applications Open for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program June 02, 2025 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. — View All PUBLICATIONS Horizons / Impact Report Horizons magazine is published three times per year by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation for alumni, donors, supporters and friends. The foundation also publishes an annual Impact Report and monthly e-newsletter. View All TESTIMONIALS Videos Many of our alumni have shared positive and inspirational stories about their participation in the Ag Leadership Program. View All Upcoming Events Jul 17 Region 4 Summer Social Join us for a fun summer evening at the fair! Learn More Aug 02 NorCal Ag Leadership Clay Shoot & BBQ Join us for the 10th annual fundraising event in Region 1! BBQ lunch-only option available. Learn More Aug 20 Region 4 Social with Class 54 Join Class 54 fellows at a reception in Santa Nella the evening before they depart for their water tour. Learn More More Ag Leadership Events