Rural Ontario Institute | Media Centre | Recruitment is now open for Class 22 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program

Recruitment is now open for Class 22 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program

Date: September 1, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GUELPH, ON, September 1, 2026 – The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) is now accepting applications for Class 22. During the executive leadership program, up to 30 individuals will embark on a personal journey to realize their potential, while exploring agriculture, food and rural economic development from the local to the international level through a leadership lens. Participants will begin their AALP leadership journey in September 2027.

AALP was established in 1984, through the work of four partners – Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the University of Guelph, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and the Foundation for Rural Living. The program was created for those who want to broaden their horizons, expand their networks and help shape the future of the agriculture and food sectors in Ontario. The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has delivered AALP since 2010.

“AALP challenges you to think bigger, lead with confidence, and connect with people who are driving change across the agri-food sector,” said Peggy Brekveld, Leadership Programs Director at ROI and AALP Class 12 alumna. “Through hands-on learning, transformative study tours, and access to an influential network of over 540 leaders, AALP equips you with the skills and relationships you need to make a lasting impact in your industry and community. In a recent survey of AALP alumni, 50% of respondents stated that they had moved to a higher level of responsibility in their job after graduating.”