A growing highlight: Belgium’s annual awards gain momentum

By Melanie Epp

What began three years ago as a simple initiative to boost member engagement has become a fixture of BVLJ-ABJA’s annual calendar.

Launched in 2023 and initially inspired by international models, the guild’s awards program was designed to encourage members to benchmark their work against recognised standards. In its first year, winning entries were professionally translated to facilitate submission to IFAJ’s prestigious awards program. Since then, the structure has evolved to reflect the guild’s needs and strengths.

Today, the awards ceremony is a centrepiece of the association’s New Year’s celebration, which brings together around 60 members and partners. Over time, both participation and attendance have increased. This year, just under 40 entries were submitted across five categories.

An external jury of four, including chair Greet Riebbels of ILVO, Jef Verhaeren, Josi Flaba and Caroline Willems, evaluated the submissions in Dutch, French and English. The jury noted the overall high quality of entries and the presence of several standout works. Winners received a framed certificate and a cash prize.

This year’s laureates

In news and current affairs, first prize went to Melanie Epp for Coal, Crops, and Compliance, published in GrainsWest. The jury commended the article’s thorough investigative reporting and its scientifically grounded examination of the environmental implications of renewed coal mining.

Second prize was awarded to Marie-France Vienne for La clause de sauvegarde, nouveau champ de bataille politique, published in Sillon Belge.

An honourable mention went to Justine Poppe for De groenste landbouwovereenkomst ooit in Denemarken, published in Veeteelt.

In feature and portrait reporting, first prize went to Marie-France Vienne for Le Pari Artisanal de la Filature du Hibou / Redonner sens à la laine, published in Sillon Belge. The jury highlighted its compelling storytelling and its exploration of craftsmanship and the valorisation of sheep wool.

Second prize went to Justine Poppe for her portrait of Anne-Catherine Dalcq, published in Veeteelt.

An honourable mention was awarded to Jérémy Vandegoor for La ferme Klein Rost, à Beho, published in Sillon Belge.

In specialised journalism, first prize was awarded to Jérémy Vandegoor for De multiples services, requérant suffisamment de matière organique, published in Sillon Belge. The jury praised the clear and accessible explanation of complex soil processes and ecosystem services.

Second prize went to Deborah Toussaint for Les chauves-souris, redoutables chasseuses et insecticide naturel, published in Sillon Belge.

An honourable mention was given to Melanie Epp for Smarter lighting, calmer flocks, published in Canadian Poultry Magazine.

In audio-visual journalism, first prize went to Natasha Foote for Uncorking the Toxic Trade in Banned Pesticides, published by ARC 2020. The jury noted the production’s multi-voiced structure and its capacity to provoke reflection on responsibility in international agricultural trade.

Second prize was awarded to Liesbeth Corthout for her video portrait of a diversified young farmer, published by Boer en Tuinder.

In the photography category, the winning image, published in Ontario Farmer, was taken by Melanie Epp and depicts Swiss cheesemaker Gérine Oeschger. Photography judge Christophe Gillot emphasised its focus on craftsmanship, technical precision and the human dimension of agricultural work.

With participation rising year after year and editorial teams increasingly encouraging submissions, BVLJ-ABJA’s awards program has become a much-anticipated ceremony. Each January, the room fills, the envelopes open and the guild’s collective body of work takes centre stage.