Dear members,
I am writing to inform you of a small increase in the cost of BGAJ membership in 2025.
A decision on whether to raise subscriptions or to maintain them at their current level is always discussed by your elected Council at its December meeting.
Directors take into account internal factors such as the current state of the BGAJ’s finances and projected expenditure for year ahead, as well as the wider conditions in the agricultural industry and the cost of living.
These points were discussed at our last meeting on 5 December 2024 and a decision taken to increase the cost of full membership by £3 to £88/year. Retired members will be asked to pay £44.
There was no subscription increase in 2024 meaning that the cost of being a member has risen by just 3.5% in two years at a time when inflation has been well over 10%.
I believe that Guild membership continues to represent extremely good value for money, especially if members take advantage of all we have to offer.
Over the past year, joining just one discounted training course and attending the Harvest Lunch at a special members-only price would justify the investment, let alone taking advantage of all the networking and travel opportunities exclusively available to you.
At the same time, we realise that the agricultural communications sector is – like farming – going through a period of great change. We know that members are having to look very closely at their expenditure.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please reach out to the Guild’s Charitable Trust.
The Trust is completely confidential.
The aims of the Trust are simple; the relief of poverty of members and former members of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists, their partners, families, dependants, and other applicants from the agricultural and horticultural media.
Assistance may take the form of:
- Cash payment contributions towards essentials such as food, electricity and gas bills.
- Financial help for retraining or other educational purposes.
- Funds to help with the purchase of essential equipment, eg camera, computer, etc.
On behalf of the Guild, I thank you for your continued membership and wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas.
Ben Pike
Guild Chair
