AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

ALP is the signature training program of the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i (ALFH), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1982. ALP is a multi-disciplinary statewide educational program that brings together promising leaders from Hawai‘i’s diverse agriculture and natural resource sectors. ALP focuses on developing knowledgeable, multicultural leaders who will have the skills and commitment necessary to work collaboratively to find solutions to issues that challenge agriculture, natural resources and communities at local, state and national levels. Since its inception, ALP has graduated over 200 leaders that are positively impacting Hawai‘i agriculture and their communities.

ALP offers participants an in-depth look at Hawai'i's diverse agricultural system and aligned natural resources through in-person site visits and discussions with experienced professionals and innovators. ALP exposes participants to new information through leadership workshops that aim to broaden perspectives, develop skills, and encourage collaboration. Additionally, ALP provides network building opportunities and first-hand exposure to government processes at the state and national level. Collectively, these program components enable participants to engage in critical conversations that result in a deeper understanding of how systems operate, interact and influence one another. Through ALP, participants have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to take increased leadership roles in their workplace and communities with a goal of creating more sustainable, economically viable, community integrated agricultural and natural resource systems for Hawai‘i.

Note: ALP is not a training program in farm production. ALFH does not engage in lobbying activities as an organization or group.

There is growing awareness in Hawai‘i of the deep and vital connections between agriculture and natural resources, and their essential role in our economic resilience and community well-being. Our islands urgently need skilled leaders who can move beyond reactive problem-solving to fully realize the transformative potential of deeply integrating these sectors into our communities, economy, and landscapes. We require visionary leaders who proactively shape the future, identifying and creating innovative opportunities for growth and sustainability. ALP is crucial in preparing graduates to champion the complex issues confronting Hawai‘i’s agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities, fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future for our islands.

Network Building

Successfully building networks is a foundational component of the Agricultural Leadership Program. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from and network with ALP alumni and many others who contribute to the program. Through engagement with others in the cohort, site visit hosts and resource speakers, each participant will learn, practice and hone new approaches and networking skills to maximize future opportunities.   

Leadership Development and Skill-Building Workshops

ALP aims to offer a dynamic program designed to stretch participants’ knowledge and skills. Cohort members will participate in leadership development and skill-building workshops presented by professionals on topics ranging from facilitation to conflict communications. Workshop topics and content may vary due to current issues, cohort interest and availability of professionals. Cohort members will have opportunities to practice and develop personal and leadership skills throughout the program. 

Group Exploration in Hawai‘i

Site visits to farms, ranches, aquaculture and ag-forestry businesses, nurseries, watershed protection areas, cultural projects and other rural community endeavors are an essential component of the program. Seminars will focus on local and state issues such as water, land, labor, markets and sustainable practices.

Exploration in Government Processes

ALP aims to help participants understand the system and process to set or change policy, regulations and laws affecting agriculture. Through visits with administrators and the State Legislature and to Washington, D.C., participants will gain first-hand exposure to government policymaking and implementation at the state and national level. Participants will meet Hawai‘i’s Congressional delegation and administrators within the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. and will learn about national agricultural policies and issues.

Beyond Hawai‘i

The cohort will collaboratively select a state of the group’s choice to visit. The trip will occur in conjunction with the visit to Washington, D.C. The state trip allows participants an in-depth view of agriculture and affiliated sectors in another area which sparks tremendous energy, conversations and ideas to bring home.

Team Planning Requirements

An important aspect of ALP is the involvement of class participants in program planning. Participants will assist with planning seminars, working both individually and on small teams. The National Trip takes a significant amount of planning and every class participant will play a role on in the following: 

• Washington, D.C. planning
• State planning
• Congressional white paper development
• Makana coordination (messages and gifts of appreciation)

Assignments

Participants will be required to complete assignments and utilize a class message board throughout the program. Assignments may include but are not limited to: 

• Creating and delivering presentations
• Planning and facilitating seminar site visits and activities
• Reading and discussing books, news and journal articles
• Tracking and updating the cohort on select legislative bills relating to agriculture
• Developing communications to share outcomes of seminars, site visits and team projects 
• Development of a class white paper for use on Congressional visits

Over a period of 14 months, participants will attend a series of seven travel seminars including a two-week national trip. Cohort members will also participate in virtual program content which will include an initial program kickoff meeting, seminar prep meetings (held two weeks prior to each trip), as well as planning meetings scheduled by the Program Director and class. Additional virtual program content may also be offered. Cohort members are required to attend all travel seminars and scheduled virtual program elements. Failure to do so may result in non-completion of the program. Please mark your calendar to ensure your availability before applying. The seminars and virtual program elements will be held according to the following schedule:

*Virtual dates are subject to change

Participants are required to attend seven seminars including a national trip. Interisland seminars range from 3 to 5 days and the national trip is approximately two weeks long. Seminars include full days of scheduled activity and participation is mandatory. ALP assignments, to include pre- and post-seminar homework and other related projects, must be completed on time. Participants will work in teams and play an active (and at times a leadership) role in planning seminars. Participants must have computer access with a reliable internet connection to support email, video conferencing and streaming, Google applications and other online tools. Participants must check and respond to ALFH communications in a timely fashion. Directions and support will be provided as needed.

ALP seeks applicants who have demonstrated a serious commitment to lead in their line of work and in their agricultural, natural resource, or community activities. Priority is given to applicants who work directly in agriculture (e.g., production of crops, livestock, forestry, ornamental and/or turf crops) or agriculture industry support endeavors (e.g., processing, handling, shipping, delivering products to the consumer, financing, government services and management). Natural resource management professionals who work closely with agricultural communities, as well as those involved in rural community development, are also given due consideration and are invited to apply. Applicants must have a commitment to strengthen agriculture in Hawai‘i. 

All applicants must be U.S. citizens or green card holders that have resided in Hawai‘i for at least two years. Applicants must show a commitment to remain in Hawai‘i and have approval from their employer to invest the required time to participate in ALP. Self-employed individuals must demonstrate their ability to be away from their enterprises for the necessary amount of time.

Participants must make a serious commitment to ALP and should assess how it will affect their time and income. The time commitment is often the most significant challenge. Applicants must be able to complete coursework and travel while still meeting their job, personal and family commitments. Applicants should also be aware of the financial commitment of the program which is explained in detail below. ALP alumni are available to provide insight into how time challenges can be managed and also to provide first hand experience on the benefits of participating in ALP. 

The tuition for Class XIX Agricultural Leadership Program is $8,400 per participant. The value of ALP is estimated to be over $25,000 per participant. Much of this cost is subsidized by the fundraising efforts of ALFH. 

ALP tuition covers the following expenses:

• Six inter-island trips (20 days) (see schedule for dates and location information)
• One 12-day mainland trip to Washington D.C. and the state of the class' choice
• Leadership development workshops and supplies
• Facilitation workshop and supplies
• Virtual planning meetings
• Airfare
• Interisland baggage fees
• Group ground transportation (To reduce program costs, ALP cohort members are asked to assist with ground transportation on their home islands when possible.)
• Shared lodging (Private lodging may be available for an additional cost)
• ALFH planning and coordination support

ALP tuition does not include:

• Meals during trips
• Transportation to/from home to airport
• National Trip baggage fees
• National Trip public transportation (Metro passes, etc)
• Incidental expenses

ALP tuition may be paid in full at the onset or in three installments. Payments can be made by check or credit card. Credit card payments will incur an additional fee.

Applicants are encouraged to obtain all or part of the tuition from the businesses or organizations to which they belong or the communities they support.

All meals, transportation to/from airport to home, National Trip baggage fees, National Trip public transportation and incidental expenses are the responsibility of each participant, and may average $50 - $100 per day. Private lodging may be available for an added cost that is payable in advance of the related seminar. Changes made to lodging after the cancellation period may result in additional fees. Changes to ALFH provided airfare arrangements and costs associated with those changes are the responsibility of the participant. Payment of tuition, lodging, or other expenses can be made by check or credit card. Credit card payments will incur an additional fee.

ALFH offers a limited number of partial scholarships to exemplary candidates who demonstrate a clear financial need. To apply for a scholarship, participants need to complete the ALP Scholarship Application which is available within the application package.

An ideal ALP cohort will include 12 participants from large, medium and small for-profit agriculture-related companies, as well as representation from non-profit groups and government agencies that connect directly to agriculture and natural resources. A diverse cohort is central to developing effective resources and relationships that will last long beyond the program’s conclusion. Additionally, the diversity of the group leads to a more thorough understanding of agriculture and the challenges and opportunities that exist.

Applicants are required to submit an ALP Application, an Employer’s Commitment Form (if applicable), and three ALP Recommendations Forms. To begin the application process, visit agleaderhi.org/apply.  All application materials must be received by June 2, 2025.

The Selection Committee, composed of ALFH program staff, ALFH board members, and ALP alumni, will review applications and select those who will be interviewed. Applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee's decision and then must decide to commit to the program. Those selected will be required to submit additional registration information.

A strong application will clearly indicate how the applicant meets the criteria below. Applicants selected to be interviewed will also effectively communicate their strengths during the interview process.

• Interest and desire to participate in ALP
• Demonstrated leadership qualities as evidenced by community, industry or government organizational activities and positions of responsibility
• Demonstrated abilities to work as part of team or in a team framework
• Commitment to strengthening agriculture in Hawai‘i and creating sustainable communities
• Commitment to learning and personal growth
• Ability to maintain a civil and cooperative approach to learning and engaging with others who hold divergent opinions, approaches, backgrounds, etc. 
• Written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills
• Ability to utilize technology to collaborate and achieve program objectives
• Ability to commit the time and resources necessary to complete the program, including travel 

Each class will reflect a diverse representation of geographical locations and agriculture industries. All applicants will be considered without discrimination. The Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

Yes. Any applicant who is not selected is encouraged to reapply. At this time, ALFH plans to begin a new cohort approximately every two years.

• Email Director@agleaderhi.org
• Call 808.947.2914