John Lestina of Dove Creek is among 30 participants that have been chosen for the 2012-2014 Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) to comprise class 11, according to a written release from the program.

The 18-month program, led by CALP, is an intensive study of agriculture worldwide that equips people in the agriculture industry to become leaders in their fields. “Participants will collaborate with others, and establish mentoring relationships with professionals serving agriculture and rural communities,” said Angie Cue, Executive Director of CALP.

“Given the critical issues facing agriculture today, there is a need to provide an intensive leadership program to develop a new generation of leaders,” said State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg, Board President of CALP.

The course focuses on communications, government, policy, economics, social and cultural issues and change management. Through the program, leaders will have the opportunity to travel internationally, nationally and statewide to extend their knowledge on the global agriculture industry.

For more information about CALP, see http://coloagleaders.org.