The opportunity to learn about leadership within the agricultural industry is available again as the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) is accepting applicants for Class 16, which will begin this September. It is an opportunity well worth considering for anyone who has a desire for leadership in Ontario agriculture. Being in this program connects you with others and builds relationships that may stay with you for many years.
I am almost through the program, with a two week international study tour and the final session yet to come to complete an incredible experience. Although tough and demanding at times, the whole experience trains and teaches the participants how to handle times when leadership and management are of utmost importance. Much of the training centres on building people relationships.
The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program is sponsored by many agriculture related businesses and organizations across Ontario, including the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO). Several of the CFFO staff and members have participated in this program and now are AALP graduates, making an impact on the industry. The program opens doors for those who have an ambition towards greater things.
The CFFO recognizes the need for good leadership in the industry and the benefits of working with other organizations to develop positive policy and long term sustainable initiatives. The agriculture and food processing industry remains one of the strongest industries in the Ontario economy, creating one job of every eight in Ontario. The Premier has giving the sector an ambitious challenge: the goal of 120,000 new jobs in the industry by the year 2020. As technology continues to influence the production of food it also allows new types of job opportunities within agriculture. Food processing continues to create possibilities as we meet the needs of a very diverse consumer base. But without good leadership, it will be difficult to meet the challenge.
The AALP program aims to include participants from the different aspects of the industry, from producers to business and organization personnel, in each class. To apply for the program, contact the Rural Ontario Institute Office in Guelph. This is an experience that many have enjoyed and benefitted from and is an opportunity waiting for others. It’s well worth the time. Being a leader is about being able to work with others and take their skills and ideas and turn them into results. The AALP program provides the resources to become such a leader.
Source: CFFO