California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

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California Agricultural Leadership Foundation A non-profit leadership development organization for people in California agriculture with a mission:
We grow leaders who make a difference.

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation committed to leadership training and transformational learning experiences in partnership with four California universities: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; Cal Poly, Pomona; California State University, Fresno; and the University of California, Davis. The foundation supports the longest continuously-operating leadership training experience of its kind in the United States – the California Agricultural Leadership Program – which is widely considered to be the premier program, in its niche, in the world.

Class 55 recently spent a day in rural Morocco learning from the High Atlas Foundation and Project SOAR, organizations t...
10/27/2026

Class 55 recently spent a day in rural Morocco learning from the High Atlas Foundation and Project SOAR, organizations that create lasting change through community.

From planting native trees at the Akrich Nursery, to meeting women artisans whose weaving cooperative opened a path to independence, to joining the girls of Project SOAR in a chant of “I am a leader,” the fellows saw surroundership in action: people lifting each other up toward growth that isn’t possible in isolation.

Read their reflections on the blog.https://www.agleaders.org/news-resources/blog-articles/the-power-of-surroundership-lessons-in-community-and-leadership-from-rural-morocco/

Class 55: halfway through the international seminarFrom Istanbul to Cairo to the Sahara, Class 55 has visited the pyrami...
10/26/2026

Class 55: halfway through the international seminar

From Istanbul to Cairo to the Sahara, Class 55 has visited the pyramids, Cairo’s recycling communities, SEKEM’s farms and schools, and the Valley of the Whales. Along the way, the fellows have been slowing down, questioning assumptions, and learning from the people doing the work.

Read the full posts on the Ag Leadership blog: https://www.agleaders.org/news-resources/blog-articles/

Join us Wednesday, November 4, for the annual Jim Manassero Fellowship Luncheon, held this year at Reservoir Farms in Sa...
10/26/2026

Join us Wednesday, November 4, for the annual Jim Manassero Fellowship Luncheon, held this year at Reservoir Farms in Salinas. We’ll honor the legacy of Fred Ho**er (Class 16) and hear from Danny Bernstein, CEO of Reservoir Farms, on the future of technology in agriculture. Proceeds support the next generation of agricultural leaders through the Jim Manassero Fellowship.

Tickets available at https://www.agleaders.org/events/2026-jim-manassero-fellowship-luncheon/

10/23/2026

We’re still celebrating! Nearly three weeks ago, our Ag Leadership community came together to honor five outstanding alumni and welcome Class 56 at our Awards Ceremony and Inauguration. It was an inspiring night celebrating leadership, service and the journey ahead.

Watch the recap and relive the celebration!

10/23/2026

Doug Circle (Class 25), a 2026 Lifetime Leadership Award recipient, has built a legacy rooted in hard work, family and a commitment to making a difference. From selling strawberries at roadside stands to a career dedicated to agriculture and leadership, Doug’s journey reflects the power of perseverance, relationships and giving back. Watch Doug’s inspiring story and join us in celebrating his lasting contributions to California agriculture!

Meet CALF’s new board chair, Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (Class 37).Owner and principal agricultural scientist at Land IQ, Joel ...
10/21/2026

Meet CALF’s new board chair, Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (Class 37).

Owner and principal agricultural scientist at Land IQ, Joel helped shape CALF’s 2026–2031 strategic plan. Now, he’ll help turn that vision into action.

Joel brings excitement for the opportunities ahead and a commitment to working alongside alumni, fellows, staff and supporters to grow leaders who make a difference.

Joining him on the executive board are Fidela Irigoyen (21), vice chair, and Rob Goff (45), secretary-treasurer. Read the full news release here:https://www.agleaders.org/california-agricultural-leadership-foundation-announces-board-chair-transition/

10/20/2026

As Mike Young (Class 35) concludes his term as Chair of the CALF Board of Directors, we celebrate his service to Ag Leadership.

From his involvement with the Alumni Council to his leadership on the Foundation Board, Mike has been a steadfast advocate for our mission, helping strengthen the Foundation and shape its future.

Mike, thank you for your leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to growing leaders who make a difference. Your impact on Ag Leadership will be felt for generations to come!

Cheríe “Cher” Watte (Class 25) has joined the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Board of Directors!As execut...
10/19/2026

Cheríe “Cher” Watte (Class 25) has joined the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Board of Directors!

As executive director of California Grown and Imperial Valley Water, Cher brings decades of experience in agricultural marketing, public policy, international trade and water advocacy and firsthand knowledge of Ag Leadership’s impact.

We’re excited to have her perspective and commitment helping guide the next chapter of Ag Leadership.

Read the full news release here: https://www.agleaders.org/cherie-cher-watte-joins-california-agricultural-leadership-foundation-board-of-directors/

Address

80 Garden Court, Ste. 270
Monterey, CA
93940

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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