Guild members were among delegates from the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) who re-elected all four members of the organisation’s board, the Presidium, at this year’s IFAJ Congress in the Netherlands.
The election, which was uncontested, was seen an indication of full support for the Presidium’s current focus on growth and modernisation, including the proposed establishment of an IFAJ Foundation as a charitable organisation.
Each serving two-year terms, three members of the Presidium – President Owen Roberts (Canada), Vice President Lena Johansson (Sweden) and Secretary General Steve Werblow (USA) – were first elected to their roles at the 2016 Congress in Germany.
Great Britain’s Adrian Bell, who as Treasurer is the Presidium’s fourth member, was first elected in New Zealand during the 2015 Congress, following nomination by BGAJ Council.
“IFAJ is focused on professional development, youth development and global outreach, and the current Presidium has been working collaboratively to achieve these goals for the benefit of agricultural journalists around the world,” says Owen Roberts, IFAJ President.
“I look forward to continuing to work as a team for two more years as we modernise and grow the organisation.”
The IFAJ Presidium works closely with the Executive Committee – where Britain is currently represented by Jane Craigie – and the Global Office, based in Canada, to develop the organisation, provide member services and new initiatives, and act as its front-line ambassadors.
It meets every month by teleconference and oversees programmes such as the IFAJ Awards, Alltech Young Leaders, Corteva Master Class, Exposure 4 Development and press trips organised by member guilds.
One of the oldest guilds within IFAJ, the British Guild is the second-largest member after the German association VDAJ.
Besides long-standing membership, BGAJ has enjoyed an active and enthusiastic participation in IFAJ activities over the years, proposing past presidents such as John Hayhurst and David Steers and hosting the IFAJ Congress a record six times, most recently in Scotland in 2014.
Photo (l-r): Adrian Bell, Treasurer (Great Britain); Steve Werblow, Secretary General (United States); Lena Johansson, Vice-president (Sweden); and Owen Roberts, President (Canada).
