National Peanut Board (NPB) President & CEO Ryan Lepicier recently spoke during the opening session of the 2026–2027 Peanut Leadership Academy (PLA) Class XIV, held January 5–8, 2026, in Auburn, Alabama. The first session brought together 16 participants from across the country for an immersive introduction to leadership development, professional etiquette, and a comprehensive overview of the U.S. peanut industry, alongside participation in the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation annual meeting.
During his remarks, Lepicier emphasized the importance of strong, values-driven leadership in shaping the future of the peanut industry. “The strength of our industry has always come from people who are willing to lead, listen, and collaborate,” Lepicier said. “This class represents the future of peanuts, and investing in their growth is an investment in the long-term success of our growers and industry partners.”
The Peanut Leadership Academy is coordinated by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association. The program includes five sessions over approximately 20 days, focusing on government affairs, international markets, policy development, research, marketing, and professional development.
NPB is also proud to sponsor Breyon Pierce of Virginia as a grower participant in the 2026–2027 PLA Class XIV.
The next PLA session is scheduled for March 2026 in Tifton, Georgia, where participants will continue building the skills and relationships needed to lead the peanut industry forward.