The application process is now open for the 2019 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Award – with a €1000 stipend for the winner to attend this year’s IFAJ Congress in the USA.
Sponsored by Alltech, the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) award recognises young journalists with potential to become leaders in the agricultural journalism industry.
Each of IFAJ’s 50 member guilds may submit one nominee for the award.
Ten journalists – age 35 or younger by 31 December 2018 – are selected by an international jury for the prize, which includes a €1000 stipend to attend the 2019 IFAJ Congress in Minnesota, USA, in July.
The Young Leaders also participate in a Boot Camp in the days prior to Congress, which includes farm visits in Minnesota as well as professional development and networking workshops.
“The importance of strong journalism in communicating agriculture’s truth in today’s world cannot be overstated,” said Alltech president and chief executive Mark Lyons.
“We are proud to support the next generation of journalists who are passionate about sharing the real stories of the farm and field, and the men and women who work tirelessly to feed our planet.”
The IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Award was established in 2006 by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists and Alltech to recognise emerging leaders in agricultural journalism and communications from around the world.
IFAJ secretary general Steve Werblow said the award was a key force in developing the next generation of volunteers for the IFAJ and its member guilds.
“Over the past 13 years, the IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders program has helped build the careers of many outstanding journalists and communicators, and has also helped build IFAJ.
“Throughout the world, alumni of the Young Leaders program have become deeply involved in their guilds, and several now serve on IFAJ’s Executive committee or play other essential roles in the organization through their enthusiastic involvement.”
Individual applications must be completed by 8 February 2019 by journalists in good standing in IFAJ member guilds.
BGAJ members are advised to complete an online application by clicking here.
Applications will be forwarded by the IFAJ to the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists, which will select its nominee and submit his or her application by 22 February, 2018.
Applications must include three samples of work. Nominees must be willing to attend Congress and Boot Camp. Boot Camp will be conducted in English. For complete rules, visit the IFAJ website at ifaj.org.
[Photo: Oonagh O’Mahony of the 2018 Young Leader class interviews a Dutch farmer as part of last year’s Young Leaders/Master Class Boot Camp. Picture credit: IFAJ]
