The agribusiness workforce is rapidly evolving, and the need for strong, emerging leaders in our companies has reached a critical level. In 2014, the Agribusiness Council of Indiana (ACI) recognized this challenge and offered its members a robust leadership development program – the Emerging Professionals Leadership Program – to help continue to grow a leadership pipeline and ensure a strong future for Indiana's agribusinesses.
ACI is seeking 25 aspiring leaders from across our membership to participate in the 2025 Emerging Professionals Leadership Program class! The program will provide participants with an in-depth view of Indiana’s agribusiness community, an opportunity to hear from and meet key leaders across the sector, and a year-long focus on leadership development. We are looking for applicants who are interested in:
Increasing your understanding and knowledge of Indiana agribusiness and the programs and opportunities offered by ACI
Increasing your understanding of the state and federal legislative process
Increasing your understanding and awareness of the various state and federal agencies that provide oversight of the agribusiness industry in Indiana
Increasing your leadership and communication skills through professional leadership development
Becoming a voice for agriculture through involvement in ACI, boards of directors, political campaigns or holding of public office
Here is what you will get to experience:
A Statehouse Day, where you'll interact with your state and local legislators.
Visits to Indiana agribusinesses representing the feed, seed, grain, plant food and agricultural chemical industries.
A Washington, D.C., fly-in to meet the Indiana delegation and leaders from national agribusiness membership organizations.
And so much more!
2026 Commitments Emerging Leaders will be required to make an ACI pledge for the year following their participation. Participants can choose one from the following list and will be asked to pledge once they have been accepted to the program.
Volunteer at or attend at least one ACI event
Provide two connections for potential ACI membership
Secure two applicants for 2026 EPLP class
Application Requirements Registration for this program does require the completion of a modest application process. Applications for the 2025 class close on November 4.
Applicants must work for a member organization/company of ACI.
Emerging leaders will need to talk with their supervisor and/or company leadership to determine if the interested individual has approval to commit to the program.
Individuals must fully complete an official application, which includes one letter of recommendation.
Applicants and their supervisors and/or company leadership must sign a letter of commitment to the scheduled sessions and program fees ($3950).
2025 Session Dates
Date
Location
January 14, 2025
State Policy Track, Indianapolis
February 5, 2025
ACI Statehouse Day, Indianapolis
March 12, 2025
Plant Food Track - AgPlus
May 13-14, 2025
Grain Track - Huber Winery and CGB, Jeffersonville