ARLINGTON, VA -- The Rice Leadership Development Program gives future leaders a comprehensive understanding of the rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication skills. The class attends four one-week sessions over a two-year period that encompasses studies of all aspects of the rice industry through firsthand observations. They also attend seminars and workshops designed to strengthen leadership skills. The Rice Foundation will be accepting applications for the Rice Leadership Development Program, July 1 – September 10, 2021.
To be eligible to participate in the Rice Leadership Development Program applicants must, derive their primary livelihood as rice producers or from a rice industry-related profession or firm, including rice mills, rice product marketers, sales officials, dryers, extension services, research facilities, etc. Participants from the industry-related category must serve the rice industry in their primary job responsibility. Applicants must be between the ages of 25 to 46 at time of application.
To apply for the program and for additional information please visit http://www.usarice.com/foundation/leadership-program. For additional information please contact Steve Linscombe (Program Director) slinscombe@usarice.com.
All applicants will receive notification on whether they are selected as a finalist. All applicants chosen as finalists must be available for personal interviews. Interviews will be conducted by the Rice Leadership Selection Committee in conjunction with the USA Rice Outlook Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, in December 2021. The 2022-2024 Rice Leadership Development Class will be announced at the Annual Awards Luncheon at the USA Rice Outlook Conference. A special committee of rice industry and agribusiness leaders evaluate applications, letters of recommendation, as well as conduct personal interviews to determine the 4-5 rice producers and 2-3 individuals from rice-industry related professions who will make up the Rice Leadership Development Class.
The program has been in existence for over 30 years and most of the current leaders of the rice industry are alumni of the program. The Rice Leadership Development Program is funded by grants from John Deere Company, RiceTec and American Commodity Company to The Rice Foundation. The USA Rice Federation develops and manages the program on behalf of The Rice Foundation.