A Virginia Tech program is helping Virginia Farm Bureau members improve their leadership and communications skills to support the state’s largest industry.

The Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results Program, or VALOR, has helped 15 Farm Bureau producer members on their farms and in their careers.

“The VALOR Program strives to sustain the future of Virginia’s robust and diverse agricultural community by maximizing the fellows’ potential for growth and success,” said Dr. Megan Seibel, inaugural program director and assistant secretary of agriculture and forestry. “Participants network and work collaboratively, acting as strong industry leaders.”

The program was established at Virginia Tech to develop leaders who can effectively engage all segments of the Virginia agricultural community to create collaborative solutions and promote agriculture both inside and outside the industry.

Participants apply for VALOR fellowships and undergo an interview process. The program is a two-year commitment; fellows travel to farms and other operations across the state, and they travel nationally and internationally.

What makes the program unique, she added, is the diversity of its classes, from dairy and beef farmers to people in supporting agricultural roles, landscapers, educators and even those in politics.

An application for the VALOR Class IV will be available online in early 2018. For more information, visit valor.alce.vt.edu.