Peanut Leadership Academy
The Peanut Leadership Academy is a cooperative effort between grower organizations and agricultural extension. The academy is sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association. Participants are nominated by agricultural leaders in their counties and then selected by a committee of state leaders.
The program began in 1998 with the first class of 14 peanut growers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Today, the program has evolved to include growers from Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia as well as sheller representatives.
“The entire program helps prepare everyone involved in peanut production to meet the future and help create a better industry,” says Lyle Stewart, district sales manager of Syngenta Crop Protection. “The long term benefits will be evident as we see these young growers step into leadership positions.”
Program Overview
Download application for Class XIII. [pdf file]
For more information on the Peanut Leadership Academy, contact:
Program Coordinator: Jessie Bland at 229-386-3472 or jessie@gapeanuts.com
Objective
To provide intensive training opportunities, develop and improve leadership skills and industry understanding for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia peanut growers, as well as sheller representatives.
Sponsorship
The Peanut Leadership Academy is an education project coordinated by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association.
Curriculum
Activities are structured to give participants a thorough understanding of the U.S. peanut industry. Participants spend approximately 20 days participating in field trips, meetings with industry leadership and professional development training concentrated in the following program areas: government affairs, peanuts & international markets, policy development, professional development, research & marketing, and U.S. peanut industry.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must:
1) Derive their primary livelihood from farming and currently producing peanuts.
2) Preferably be between the ages of 22 and 45 on or before July 1, 2023.
3) Make a commitment to the Peanut Leadership Academy and agree to attend all sessions (approximately 20 days of travel), except in time of illness or family emergency.
4) Provide a completed application.
Download application for Class XII. [pdf file]
Cost:
Candidates cover local transportation to and from meeting. (i.e. transportation to airport and to local events), as well as occasional meals.