It is the first time that the program in its ten-year history has met outside of New Brunswick for one of its regular seminars.

The Charlottetown Seminar will feature field trips to leading farm operations in eastern Prince Edward Island, a roundtable discussion on leadership with Premier Pat Binns, a discussion with Dean Ogilvie of the Atlantic Veterinary College, a two-hour town hall with Canada’s leading food safety expert Dr. Doug Powell of the University of Guelph, and a 4-hour workshop on conflict resolution led by UPEI’s Centre for Conflict Resolution Studies.

“The program attracts individuals working in the agriculture and agri-food sectors who want to help shape the future of their industry rather than just react to it,” says Judy Luton, executive director of the non-profit organization based in Fredericton. “Participants develop solid leadership skills and enhance their knowledge of the agri-food sector from one another, guest speakers and study tours, “she says.

This year’s class will be traveling to Brazil in early February as part of its international exposure.

Strategic partners of the New Brunswick Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program include the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture; Potatoes NB; and the New Brunswick Dairy Industry. The Prince Edward Island Adapt Council is sponsoring the Island participants, and Syngenta Crop Protection Canada Ltd. recently became a Silver Corporate Sponsor of the program.