TIFTON, Georgia– The Peanut Leadership program, sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection, calls for nominations for Class IV. The Peanut Leadership Program is a cooperative effort between Syngenta Crop Protection, grower organizations and agricultural extension. Participants are nominated by agricultural leaders in their counties and then selected by a committee of state leaders.

The program began in 1998 with the first class of 14 peanut growers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. In its fourth class the program is expanding to also include peanut growers from Texas.

The main objective of the Leadership Program is to provide intensive training opportunities, develop and improve leadership skills and industry understanding for Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Texas peanut growers.

“ The entire program helps prepare everyone involved in peanut production to meet the future and help create a better industry,” says Lyle Stewart, district sales manager of Syngenta Crop Protection. “ The long term benefits will be evident as we see these young growers step into leadership positions.”

Peanut growers interested in participating in the next leadership class should contact their state grower association, Alabama Peanut Producers Association (334) 792-6482, Florida Peanut Producers Association (850) 526-2590, Georgia Peanut Commission (229) 386-3470, Texas Peanut Producers Board (806) 687-6363. Information on the Leadership Program and an application is available on-line at www.gapeanuts.com/leadership.

The Peanut Leadership Program Class IV will begin in the fall of 2004 and continue for two years. Applications are due to the state grower organization by July 1, 2004.