Yara’s Lopez accepted into ag leadership program

MONTEREY — The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) announced Monday that Victor Lopez, of El Centro, is among the 24 individuals selected for Class 51 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program.

The California Agricultural Leadership Program is an advanced leadership development experience for emerging agricultural leaders. The new fellows were inaugurated into the program on Oct. 14 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District, according to a CALF news release.

Lopez is a senior sales agronomist for Yara North America, a subsidiary of Yara, which is a leading global fertilizer manufacturer founded in 1905. His job involves assisting growers and retailers in developing comprehensive crop nutrition solutions, with a focus on promoting responsible sustainable agriculture in the coastal, inland and desert valleys of Southern California, the release said.

During the intensive 17-month program, fellows will study leadership theory, effective communication, motivation, critical and strategic thinking, change management, emotional intelligence and complex social and cultural issues.

Seminars are delivered by four partner universities: Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State and UC Davis.

Fellows will participate in approximately 55 seminar days, including a 10-day national travel seminar and a 14-day international travel seminar.

CALF invests more than $50,000 per fellow to participate in the program, which is underwritten by individual and industry donations.

Ag Leadership is considered to be one of the premier leadership programs in the United States, the release said. Since 1970, more than 1,300 men and women have participated in the program and have become influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture and other areas.