Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to participate in the Rice Leadership Development Program, applicants must: 

  • Derive their primary livelihood as rice producers or from a rice industry-related profession or firm, including rice mills, rice product marketers, sales officials, dryers, extension services, research facilities, etc.  Participants from the industry-related category must serve the rice industry in their primary job responsibility.
  • Demonstrate leadership potential.
  • Be 25 to 45 years of age at time of application.
  • Obtain employer approval prior to applying; if self-employed, must agree to devote time away from their business as required.
  • Agree to attend all scheduled sessions, with exception of illness of participant or immediate family.
  • Agree to complete all reports and evaluations as required.

All Finalists Must be Available for Personal Interviews

Interviews will be conducted by the Rice Leadership Selection Committee in conjunction with the USA Rice Outlook Conference in Nashville, Tennessee in December of 2026.