CAPs get a virtual ‘D.C. Experience’

NGFA’s current Committee Apprentice Program (CAP) class participated in two days of virtual meetings with NGFA staff, government agencies and lawmakers this week.

April 20-21 marked the annual “CAP D.C. Experience,” during which CAPs advocate for NGFA priority issues with lawmakers and their staff and visit with staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Commodity Futures Trading Commission and other relevant agencies.

Keynote speakers kicked off each day of meetings by addressing the full group of CAPs. Speakers included Eyang Garrison, chief of staff in the Office of the Deputy Secretary at USDA, and Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa.

Priority issues that the CAPs covered in their meetings with lawmakers included: promoting working lands conservation over land-idling programs, approving critical infrastructure funding, and pursuing additional trade agreements.

Due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19, NGFA extended the term of the 2020-2021 CAPs to include program year 2021-2022. NGFA will accept new CAP applications in December 2021 for the 2022-2023 CAP year.

The CAP year typically runs between NGFA’s annual conventions. A limited number of apprentice positions are available – generally, one to three per committee, based on committee size. Those interested must apply for selection, including completing an application form and sending in a resume and letter of recommendation from the applicant’s current supervisor.

Read more about the CAP experience in Grain Journal: “NGFA Committee Apprentice Program Allows Participants To Develop Skills, Career.”