A trip to Brazil you say?
I could hardly say no to the opportunity when it arrived in my inbox.
Brazil is a global agricultural powerhouse and over the last 50 years has gone from being a net importer of food to a net exporter.
A chance to go and see it for myself didn’t really need much persuasion.
It’s just one of the many trips the International Guild of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) offer yearly to its wider membership, organisations like the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists.
These international opportunities connect the IFAJ’s more than 5 thousand members by providing interesting stories and insights from the countries they visit.
I’m a relatively new member to the BGAJ but, I can say for certain that they provide lots of content for journalists, are a great way to network and also help broaden your horizons.
So, what do you need to know before you go?
Firstly, very busy days.
Our trip to Brazil in March was only 5 days but we averaged around 4 different visits every day from small organic farms to large scientific organisations, orange groves, and dairy farms to name but a few! Host countries, from what I’ve seen in Brazil, are very excited to host so many different journalists and are keen to show you as much as they possibly can.
Secondly, it pays to be prepared.
Because the days are so packed doing your homework before you go is essential and allows you to get the most from the different visits. On a more practical note, good shoes are a must alongside a good bag full of what you may or may not need for the day, because once you’re out of the hotel, you’re out!
Thirdly, to make lots of new friends!
It was an absolute delight to meet other like-minded journalists from across the world. It’s easy to operate within our own bubbles, but it’s such an encouragement to hear about their work across the globe and the challenges and opportunities faced by their agricultural communities.
So, if you see an opportunity, go for it!
Remember there’s always a group who’ve gone on IFAJ trips before who will be more than happy to answer your questions and help you prepare for what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
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
Our annual harvest celebration is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, colleagues and network with other agricultural communicators.
