Leadership Institute

2026 Agenda

Feb. 18 - Travel to Florida

Feb. 19 - Kickoff of training and traveling through Wisconsin production areas

Feb. 20 - Tours of agricultural production and potato processing facilities

Feb. 21 - Travel to Washington, D.C. - monument tour

Feb. 22 - Leadership and communication training

Feb. 23 - George Washington Leadership Experience at Mt. Vernon

Feb. 24 - Communication and media training

Feb. 25 - Issue training

Feb. 26 - Congressional visits with state organizations, program celebration

Feb. 27 - Travel home

June - Virtual Capstone session

Aug. - Virtual presentations of Capstone projects

Overview

The potato industry's Leadership Institute brings together outstanding potato growers and industry representatives for eight days of training and professional development. The annual program is held in February with activities in a potato-growing region and Washington, D.C.

Participants will receive an overview of the local and national potato industry, including some of the challenges and issues beyond the production sector and tours of local agricultural businesses.

Attendees will then travel to Washington, D.C, and hear from public policy and communication experts and practice how to effectively deliver key messages. Participants join other growers from their state to educate members of Congress on the U.S. potato industry and policies impacting it.

The 2026 Leadership Institute will be held February 18-27, 2025, beginning in the state of Florida and ending in Washington, D.C.

Beyond the 10-day program in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. the Leadership Institute has been expanded to include a Capstone project. The Capstone will require participants to participate in a virtual session (June 2026) and complete a team project to be presented virtually to the Potato LEAF Board of Directors (August 2026). The top project team(s) will be invited to present their project(s) during the Potato Expo 2027 at the Gaylord Rockies in January 2027.

Interested participants can apply for a scholarship to cover the registration fee. Preference will be given to applicants who lack a state or local organization. Scholarships will be given based on your application form during the review by the selection committee. Local or state organizations are encouraged to find sponsors for funding attendees of the Leadership Institute. To apply for a scholarship, simply answer a few additional questions during the application process.

For questions about the program, email us at info@pleaf.org.

The application period for the 2025 class is now closed. Applications for the 2026 class will be accepted beginning in August 2025.

What people are saying about the Potato Industry Leadership Institute

“It’s a great investment in you. It’s a great investment in your community that you’re going to take these skills back to and it’s a great opportunity to meet some other wonderful people in the potato industry.” Laurie Widdowson, CSS Farms, LLC, Kearney, NE

“This program has opened so many doors for me. It has helped me understand that we are a part of something so much bigger.”

Cliff Shaw, RPE, Monte Vista, CO

“It’s easy to get laser focused on your local industry and company. PILI allowed me to see the bigger picture and meet some amazing current and future potato industry leaders. Networking during our travels from coast to coast, touring multiple operations , professional business training, and educating Capitol Hill on the industry, sums up the experience of a lifetime!”

Mike Phillips, Walther Farms, Three Rivers, MI

"This program showed me my strengths as a leader and how to best utilize them on my farm and for the potato industry."

Brent Harrison, Harrison Farms, Center, CO

"The Leadership Institute is a great aid in helping all generations in the potato industry, young and old, to obtain some of the tools needed to become strong advocates for the industry. Everyone within our industry would benefit from the program no matter their status within the industry."

Tyler Maughan, Hardy Farms, Oakley, ID

2026 Leadership Institute

2026 Agenda

2026 Grower Leader

Michael Rainis

Overview

What people are saying about the Potato Industry Leadership Institute

Program Eligibility