Anyone who specialises in agriculture, horticulture or other rural industries and are involved in journalism and publishing or press and public relations qualifies to become a Member of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Great Britain.
The Guild creates a community of professionals with regular networking and training opportunities both in Britain and overseas. It is a source of news about members' professional activities, and represents their interests through other organisations in the rural sector.
The following video, compiled at the 2011 annual Harvest Lunch held at Stationers' Hall in London, gives a flavour of what attracts people to the Guild.
"The Guild plays an important role in building a sense of community amongst those working in food and farming communications. We face big challenges, but the Guild can help us be more effective at getting our messages across. My colleagues appreciate that they have a representative body working on their behalf on themes that we all care about." - Jane King, Editor, Farmers Weekly
"In my previous role as a journalist and my current one as a supply chain consultant, the contacts, support, guidance and friendship that the Guild and its members have provided have always been invaluable." - Cedric Porter, director, Supply Intelligence Ltd
"I have always wanted our industry to be better understood through more effective communications. Through my membership of the Guild I have met and become friends with the like-minded people who can make that happen!" - Rosie Carne, Marketing Manager, Yara UK
All members of the Guild are affiliated to the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), a collective of similar Guilds, associations and press clubs around the world. The IFAJ provides networking and professional development opportunities, journalism and PR contacts worldwide, and a membership Press card (available from the Guild secretary) recognised at many overseas events. See the IFAJ page of this website for more details.
The benefits of being a Member of the Guild include:
Social and business events throughout the year, providing opportunities for networking with other members and GB agricultural industry representatives.
Associate membership of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), giving access to contacts all around the world, the opportunity to participate in the annual international congress, and an internationally-recognised IFAJ membership card.
Access to an accredited UK Press Card via the Newspaper Society for those that qualify.
A personal copy of the Guild Year Book – an invaluable reference of members and agricultural, horticultural and similar organisations; colleges, breed societies and international contacts.
A free listing on the Guild’s www.FarmingMediaCentre.co.uk website database of members’ freelance services and areas of expertise.
Monthly eAlerts and a regularly updated website carrying news and information about Guild events, awards, training initiatives and its members, and the publications, agencies and companies for which they work.
Notification of job vacancies, positions wanted and invitations to tender for work.
The chance to win one of several prestigious GB and International writing, broadcasting and photography awards with generous cash prizes.
Access to healthcare and professional indemnity insurance schemes.
Support from the Guild’s Charitable Trust in the event of financial difficulties through ill-health or loss of work.
There are three categories of membership: The Member category is for people who regularly engage in journalism or press and public relations in Great Britain, including those based overseas. They are likely to work for a publisher or an agency, as a freelance journalist or PR professional or operate in a marketing role within a manufacturing, service or supply company in the rural sector.
Those who do not qualify on this basis but who wish to support or maintain contacts with members can become a Friend of the Guild.
There is also a Retired category for past members who are no longer actively engaged in journalism or press and public relations but who wish to remain in touch with friends and colleagues. Existing members who successfully apply to the secretary for Retired status pay a reduced annual subscription but forfeit voting rights and do not qualify to enter Guild awards.
Clemmie Gleeson / General Secretary Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Great Britain 1 Rose Villa Anchor Road Spa Common North Walsham Norfolk NR28 9AJ
Guild members - send your news and pictures on new jobs, new or redesigned magazines, agency client or campaign wins, etc to Peter Hill, Guild Website Editor - peterhillguild@aol.com
Website developed in partnership with Perkins Engines Company Limited, leaders in providing dependable, productive and integrated power solutions for agricultural applications.
For more information visit www.perkins.com or email corporate and marketing communications manager Annette Ward.
"The Guild plays an important role in building a sense of community amongst those working in food and farming communications. We face big challenges, but the Guild can help us be more effective at getting our messages across. My colleagues appreciate that they have a representative body working on their behalf on themes that we all care about." - Jane King, Editor, Farmers Weekly
"In my previous role as a journalist and my current one as a supply chain consultant, the contacts, support, guidance and friendship that the Guild and its members have provided have always been invaluable." - Cedric Porter, director, Supply Intelligence Ltd
"I have always wanted our industry to be better understood through more effective communications. Through my membership of the Guild I have met and become friends with the like-minded people who can make that happen!" - Rosie Carne, Marketing Manager, Yara UK