Georgia Agri-Leaders Forum Foundation

THE HISTORY OF THE

GEORGIA AGRI-LEADERS FORUM FOUNDATION, INC.

Never before has the agricultural industry faced such a myriad of challenges  environmental responsibility, food quality, international competition, taxation, even its very own identity. Facing these challenges, the industry recognized the importance of developing the full potential of its leadership base.

Several months of research, planning and networking provided the foundation for developing a statewide agricultural leadership program. A consortium of state organizations involved with the agricultural economy supported the effort. Individuals representing these organizations ranged from educators to corporate agribusiness to farmer organizations to individual farm/forestry producers.

More than 300 agricultural leaders in Georgia were surveyed to assess their interest in developing a broad-based and formalized approach to leadership development. Representatives from this group held a two-day retreat in Macon in March, 1990 to debate, conceptualize and draft a plan for initiating the leadership program. The group addressed a diverse agenda of topics concerning the future of agricultural development and leadership in Georgia. Participants in the Macon retreat formally endorsed the incorporation of the “Georgia Agri-Leaders Forum Foundation, Inc.”

The mission of the Georgia Agri-Leaders Forum Foundation, Inc. is:

“To provide a forum for developing individual leaders skilled in communications, educated in local, national and world affairs, familiar with the changing needs of our society, and prepared to meet the present and future challenges.”

It has been said that today’s answer to tomorrow’s problem is three-fold: leadership, leadership, leadership. The qualities of leadership springing up from within men and women can navigate the worst of storms and chart the most successful of voyages upon life’s seas.