It’s hard to read the news lately. Food security is threatened in many countries, either because of conflict, poverty or changing climate. Trade relationships and international partnerships are completely up in the air. Trade routes are disrupted.
Meanwhile, journalists around the world face growing threats: political pressure, safety concerns, and declining credibility among skeptical audiences. Then there’s the growing uncertainty around artificial intelligence: is it a powerful tool for journalists and communicators, or a threat to our livelihoods?
With changes flying at us every day, there has never been a more important time to be a member of IFAJ. Now, more than ever, we need contacts around the world who can tell us what is happening in their markets. We need people we trust to give us a clear idea of what’s happening on the ground wherever they are. We need colleagues who understand agriculture, journalism, communications, and rural culture.
We need each other.
Fortunately, as we approach our 70th anniversary, IFAJ is better prepared than ever before to bring us together. We’ve got a truly global network. We have technology to connect us across time and distance. We have committed volunteers who create programs that help us prepare for the uncertain present and a mysterious future. And we have partners who understand the value of a well-informed, well-equipped agricultural journalism and communications community.
Take advantage of what IFAJ has to offer. Work past uncertainty. Learn what’s happening around the world in agriculture and in our industry. Got an idea? Share it. Together, we can provide each other—and our audiences—with insight that will help us navigate the current turbulence.
Steve Werblow
IFAJ President