Washington Ag Semester

Leadership in Agriculture
Agriculture is the quintessential American success story. Nevertheless, in an increasingly interdependent global economy, the future leaders of American agriculture need to consider local, regional, national, and international perspectives in their decisions regarding agricultural policy. In this context, future leaders must understand that no one solution of single institution can address adequately the policy issues affecting agriculture.

The Leadership in Agriculture Semester offered by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences integrates academic theory, professional education and development, and an understanding of how public policy is formulated in the field of agriculture. The program includes full-time internships, academic courses, and activities highlighting both cultural and professional development opportunities.

Through this program, students are encouraged to become directly involved in addressing issues facing the agricultural community and to consider a variety of careers within the field. To maintain the competitive edge in global agriculture, leaders will need to understand issues as wide ranging as food safety and food security to environmental sustainability. In addressing these issues, leaders must possess the insight and creativity necessary to balance the conflicting interests of a broad array of organizational and societal agents. This insight is best developed through learning from the top advocates and policy makers representing this diverse set of viewpoints. It is also best understood through linking local, regional, national, and international perspectives about agriculture and facilitating the cooperation among the public, nonprofit, and private sectors involved in agriculture.