USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Future Leaders in Agriculture Program
in partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore

The Future Leaders in Agriculture Program is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students from Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture who are majoring in agriculture-related fields.

Selected students participate in a five-day trip to the nation’s capital, where selected students will gain insights into how agricultural policies are developed and programs are executed. Participants will engage with leaders from USDA and Capitol Hill as they share their experiences in supporting the agricultural sector. Additionally, students will hear about career opportunities at USDA and the essential skills needed to excel in public service. They will also attend USDA’s premier event, the 101st Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, where they will learn about the latest trends in agriculture from leading experts and have the opportunity to network with industry leaders.

Students will travel to Washington, DC on Monday, February 24. On Tuesday, February 25, USDA will host a briefing and discussion of career opportunities. On Wednesday, February 26, students will tour the Nation’s capital On Thursday and Friday, February 27-28, students attend the Forum. The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Future Leaders in Agriculture Program is designed to expose students to contemporary agribusiness, future trends, scientific research, and agricultural policy in today’s real-world environment.

The 2025 Agricultural Outlook Forum will be held February 27-28 in Arlington, Virginia, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel. Students will travel to Washington, DC on Monday, February 24. On Tuesday, February 25, USDA will host a briefing and discussion of career opportunities. On Wednesday, February 26, students will tour the Nation’s capital. On Thursday and Friday, February 27-28, students attend the Forum. The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Future Leaders in Agriculture Program is designed to expose students to contemporary agribusiness, future trends, scientific research, and agricultural policy in today’s real-world environment.

TARGET: The program targets 20 agriculture, agricultural business, agricultural economics, communications, nutrition and food science or pre-veterinary students, who are junior, senior or graduate and who demonstrate leadership at their university and/or in their community. Students (15 undergraduate and 5 graduate) will be selected from Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture.

UNDERGRADUATE SELECTION CRITERIA: Students submit an application, college transcript, and one-page essay titled “Agriculture as a Career” to their respective institution representative (i.e., academic dean or department chair). Each institution performs a pre-selection process by choosing the final best two essays among the applicants.

GRADUATE SELECTION CRITERIA: Students submit an application, college transcript, and essay (two-page maximum) titled “The Greatest Challenge Facing Agriculture Over the Next 5 Years” to their respective institution representative (i.e., academic dean or department chair). Each institution performs a pre-selection process by choosing the final best two essays among the applicants.

ESSAY SUBMISSIONS: The institution's Academic Chair/Dean will submit applications, transcripts, and essays (for both graduate and undergraduate students) to futureleaders@usda.gov along with individual letters of recommendation, which discuss the student's leadership ability by Monday, December 2. (One undergraduate and one graduate position are reserved for University of Maryland Eastern Shore students.) Essays must include student’s name, major, and year in school. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in an academic institution as described in the Target section at the time of application and the Forum.

TRAVEL ITINERARY: Registration, transportation, and lodging are provided. Students are asked to bring resources to pay for their baggage fees (if applicable) and meals on Monday, February 24. All other meals are provided. Students will arrive in Washington, D.C. on Monday, February 24 and return home Friday, February 28. The winners will be announced in January via the Forum website, press release, and blog.