ARLINGTON, VA – The application period for the 2027 Rice Leadership Development Class will end on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The Rice Leadership Development Program gives future leaders a comprehensive understanding of the rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication skills. The class attends four one-week sessions over a two-year period that encompasses studies of all aspects of the rice industry through firsthand observations. They also attend seminars and workshops designed to strengthen leadership skills.
To be eligible for the 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, suppliers, dryers, extension services, research facilities, and the like. Participants from the industry related category must serve the rice industry in their primary job responsibility. Applicants must be between the ages of 25 – 45 at the time of application.
Go to here to apply for the program. For additional information, please contact Program Director Dr. Steve Linscombe.
A special Rice Leadership Selection Committee of rice industry and agribusiness leaders evaluate applications and letters of recommendation to select finalists for the program.
All finalists must be available for in-person interviews conducted by the Selection Committee in conjunction with the USA Rice Outlook Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
Interviews will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, and the 2027 Rice Leadership Development Class will be announced at the USA Rice Outlook Conference Annual Awards Luncheon on December 14.
The Rice Leadership Development Program has been in existence for more than 37 years and has a very active alumni organization. The program is funded by grants to The Rice Foundation from American Commodity Company, John Deere Company, RiceTec, and Supreme Rice.
USA Rice develops and manages the program on behalf of The Rice Foundation.