NEXT CALL: Friday, 15 May, 2pm. Check your e-newsletter for the link and password.
A fortnightly Agri-comms Zoom call is being started by Jane Craigie to give an informal social opportunity for journalists and agri-comms people isolated in their homes due to Coronavirus restrictions.
Zoom is a web-based video conferencing tool with a local, desktop client and a mobile app that allows users to meet online – with or without video.
The trigger for setting up the agri-commms zoom call was threefold: first, to overcome social and professional disconnection, secondly the interest in what’s happening overseas and thirdly, the cancellation of the 2020 IFAJ Congress.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity for us all to get together, and also to hear from some of our peers from other countries,” says Jane.
“I’ve had a number of journalists asking me for contacts within the IFAJ network to interview about what’s going on beyond our borders. My plan is to invite contacts from our IFAJ network to join us and fill us in on what’s happening with Covid-19 in their countries, their food supply chains and on farm.
“The IFAJ represents an incredible network for us, and this online gathering will introduce you some of these amazing contacts.
“It’s also an opportunity for these journalists to hear about what’s happening here in the UK and for us as professionals in the same sector to share views, information and just to connect.”
The fortnightly Agri-comms Zoom call will run from 5.30pm from this Thursday (26 March). If there is an appetite for a weekly session, Jane will increase the frequency.
“I suggest that we join the call with a beer, gin or cup to tea in hand.
“Let’s take this opportunity to support one another, talk about the sector and what’s happening and also discuss how we can keep farming on the front foot in our sector comms.”
Joining us on Thursday will be IFAJ president Owen Roberts and two journalists from other European countries.
Jane will ask a volunteer from the UK to update the international journalists on what’s happening here – volunteers are welcome.
If anyone would like anything more added to the agenda, please let Jane know.