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COLUMBUS, Ohio (OFBF) - A new program created by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) will help farmers gain influence over public policy issues that impact their businesses.

The AgriPOWER Institute is an intensive, year-long leadership course designed to develop advocates for the farming industry. OFBF will enroll 20 individuals in the institute’s inaugural year.

Starting this summer, selected farmers will engage in seven two- to three-day training sessions. The program is designed to make efficient use of participant’s time, and dates have been selected with respect to a farm’s busy calendar.

Both OFBF staff and outside experts will provide extensive instruction on the policy issues that face local communities, Ohio, the nation and the world. Specific sessions will focus on important leadership skills such as public speaking and parliamentary procedure. The program will also offer external educational experiences, including a planned trip to Washington, D.C.

Tuition is $4,000 and includes lodging, meals, group travel, materials and all course contents. OFBF is offering 14 full scholarships in the program’s first year. Additional scholarships may be available through the support of other organizations.

“Farm Bureau has always been about leadership. This program is a concentrated effort to help our members become even more effective in the public policy arena,” said Keith Stimpert, OFBF senior vice president of public policy.

Those accepted are asked to commit to all of the sessions. Applications, as well as session dates, locations and descriptions are available at www.ofbf.org. Applications are due May 30.