AALP Class 13 North American Study Tour

The North American Study Tour component of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) is an integral part of the program curriculum. This and the International Study Tour provide opportunities for AALP class members to meet and dialogue with community, organization and business leaders while experiencing the agriculture, rural and cultural aspects of another country or area of Canada.

I am often asked why we don’t just go on the same trips for each class thereby making it easier to coordinate and organize these study tours on a class by class basis. My response every time is that ultimately we want a group of AALP graduates (now numbering 353 from 12 previous classes) who have had travel experiences, intentional learning and a better and broader understanding of agriculture, rural and leadership across a broad spectrum and from around the world.

Previous AALP classes have experienced travel opportunities on many continents around the world. The current class leaves on their North American Study Tour on July 5^th and will travel from Guelph, through Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland to Washington DC and then return via New York State. During the time they are away over the coming weeks they will have countless opportunities to meet other leaders and to learn and grow from their interactions with them as they travel through a number of US states. I encourage you to follow their travels via this blog and continue to encourage them as they move forward on their leadership journey through the AALP program.

Rob Black
Chief Executive Officer
Rural Ontario Institute