Martin Rickatson shares his experience after attending the recent IFAJ trip to Brazil
While I’ve been a BGAJ member for over 25 years, until reading a Guild update earlier this year I hadn’t previously considered attending an International Federation of Agricultural Journalists event. The IFAJ represents the common interests of 60 national agricultural journalism and communication associations, and each year holds an annual congress in a different country to bring together participating members and visit farming businesses, while also organising other interim study tours.
Having been lucky enough via host companies to visit farms across Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, it was the opportunity to take my first trip to South America that encouraged me to apply for a place on an IFAJ mid-March study tour to Brazil. One of the many benefits of IFAJ events is that they are often subsidised via constituent association contributions and sponsorship, so the only major expenditure required on this occasion was on flights and a small organisation fee. With an itinerary covering everything from arable and dairy farms to fruit and flower growers, for a freelancer it was a great opportunity to cover an array of articles for different outlets.
The trip certainly didn’t disappoint in that respect, taking in some fantastic farming operations across São Paulo state, and the opportunity to see the production of crops from sugar cane to soya and even coffee. But what was just as enjoyable was the chance to meet and make friends with fellow farming journalists from around the world, learn new things from them too, and have some fun along the way, from farm lunches and city dinners to bus sing-songs when the roads and traffic went against us. Based on my experiences, I’d urge any BGAJ member, employed or freelance, to take the opportunity to see the world and make new friends through the IFAJ and its excellent travel opportunities. When you return, there will be plenty to write, post and broadcast about.
For more info on the IFAJ, contact Olivia Cooper: international@gaj.org.uk.
Members of the Guild automatically become members of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists and the European Network of Agricultural Journalists, giving them unique access to a global network of agricultural communicators.
Harvest Lunch 2026
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