Class 38 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) is currently traveling throughout the Balkan states, including Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. The 24 class members departed on Feb. 15 for a 15-day international seminar.

During this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, global issues and dynamics will be explored first hand and will include politics, economics, trade, commerce, education, religion and cultural issues. Among the many educational activities during the trip, class members will meet with religious leaders, farmers and bankers; visit a UNICEF-sponsored orphanage, a high school and small villages; tour food and agricultural operations; visit the Tunnel of Freedom and participate in a briefing at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo; and learn about the Croatian Extension Service and regional politics and history.

Since 1990, CALP classes have visited more than 50 countries in five continents.

Class 38 fellows include John Amarel, Yuba City; Scott Anderson, Kingsburg; Ladi Asgill, Delhi; Lino Bozzano, Arroyo Grande; Stephen Brown, Riverdale; Andrea Furber Card, Santa Rosa; Dr. Maria de la Paz Carpio-Obeso, Davis; Denise Carter, Colusa; Grant Chaffin, Blythe; Dr. Cecilia Chi-Ham, Woodland; Tyler Dawley, Red Bluff; Steve DeRose, Arroyo Grande; Donna France, Santa Maria; Christopher Giannini, Visalia; Nicole Hayden, Sonoma; Eric Horn, Shafter; Jeana Hultquist, Fair Oaks; Eric Jenks, Browns Valley; Bill Morris, Fillmore; Holly Myers, Redding; Jamie Nickel, Bakersfield; Garrett Patricio, Fresno; Garry Pearson, Davis; and Jon Reelhorn, Sanger.

To read daily updates and see photos from Class 38’s journey, visit www.agleaders.org and click on Class 38 International Journal.