For those farmers across the state interested in learning more about the trade and developing leadership skills, opportunity knocks. The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Agricultural Leadership Development Program is designed for up to 30 agriculturists who exhibit leadership potential. Recruitment for the 2017–2019 starts April 1, and those interested in the program can learn more and submit an application online.

Active farmers, agribusiness professionals and related agriculture professionals who are N.C. residents are eligible to apply — participants will be representative of the diverse agriculture and agribusiness of the state. The program consists of seven two-and-a-half day seminars, a legislative study tour to Washington, D.C., an international study tour to Brazil, and local and domestic study tours.

The program began in 1984, and is administered by The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.