Bailey Becomes First Oregonian To Graduate From PAL Program

Last month, Angi Bailey, a second-generation nursery tree farmer from Multnomah County, graduated from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) prestigious Partners in Ag Leadership (PAL) program.  Only ten farmers and ranchers are chosen nationally for this elite two-year program.

Bailey was the first Farm Bureau member from Oregon selected to participate, graduating from the ninth class of PAL March 17th in Milwaukee, WI.

The Farm Bureau says PAL provides advanced training for grassroots leaders, with the goal of developing powerful spokespeople for agriculture who can help farm and ranch families through advocacy in the public and political arenas.  The two years in PAL took Bailey from New York to Washington, D.C., London to St. Louis with lots of real-world homework along the way.

“We hear in Farm Bureau that most people are about four generations removed from the farm or ranch today. I learned through PAL that it’s important to think about what that really means, how so many people have absolutely no idea what we do on the farm and why we do it. The best thing farmers and ranchers can do to build greater trust and understanding is to be willing to have those conversations,” said Bailey.

Her assignments included giving media interviews, meeting with lawmakers, creating videos, talking with urban consumers about agriculture, and public speaking, such as presenting a workshop about effective grassroots engagement at the 2019 AFBF National Convention in New Orleans.

“Looking back over the past two years, I’ve learned so much. My confidence has grown significantly and so has my willingness to step out and engage in different ways for Oregonians who work in agriculture, forestry, and natural resources,” said Bailey.

There were four class modules over the two-year PAL program. The class first took place in New York City, where curriculum focused on farmer/consumer relations. The second module was based in Washington, D.C., and gave participants a deep look at U.S. farm policy and how to advocate on issues with lawmakers. The trip to the United Kingdom was the third module; it gave PAL participants a global perspective on agriculture issues, like trade and immigration, particularly in the context of Brexit. The last module took place in St. Louis last summer and focused on stakeholder engagement and how to develop collaborative solutions to complex problems facing farmers and ranchers.

“It was very inspiring to see the work and commitment Angi put into PAL over the past two years,” said Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman. “We’re very proud of her and look forward to her ongoing leadership within Farm Bureau and her effective advocacy for Oregon’s agricultural community.”

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