Ten participants have been selected for this year’s IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism award.
The award supports the winners’ participation in an IFAJ congress and in an intensive journalistic boot camp-style workshop. This year’s boot camp takes place August 30-31, prior to the IFAJ congress in Argentina.
1. Jennifer Latzke, journalist, High Plains Journal (USA)
2. Frida Jonson, web editor, ATL (Sweden)
3. Carla Wiese-Smith, livestock editor, The Land (Australia)
4. Kim Waalderbos, freelance farm writer and farmer (Canada)
5. Darren Carty, livestock specialist, Irish Farmers Journal (Ireland)
6. Rouven Zietz, editor of JOULE, renewable energy magazine (Germany)
7. Tienke Wouda, editor of Nieuwe Oogst, Dutch Farmers’ Union magazine (Netherlands)
8. Jyotika Sood, journalist in magazine Down to Earth www.downtoearth.org.in (India)
9. Alita van der Walt, editor, Farmer’s Weekly (South Africa)
10. Alona Novichkova, broadcast journalist (Ukraine)
Candidates were nominated by their respective agricultural journalism guilds.
The selection process consisted of points for a written submission, judges’ impression of the candidates’ leadership potential, their proven leadership abilities and a narrative explaining their interest in the young leaders’ program.
The judges for the 2013 competition were IFAJ executive members Marianne Mork of Norway, Jacques van Outryve of Belgium and Antonio Brunori of Italy. Competition coordinator is Riitta Mustonen, IFAJ Secretary General.
Almost 70 young journalists have strengthened their skills and expanded their global network through this program, now in its eighth year. IFAJ appreciates greatly of the vision of Alltech founder and president Dr. Pearse Lyons in supporting up-and-coming leaders in agricultural journalism this way.
“This award exists thanks to the vision, generosity and constant support of Alltech, particularly its emphasis on youth development,” says Mustonen. “IFAJ greatly appreciates Alltech’s commitment to the future of agricultural journalism and to our federation.”
“Stories are important. They help people to connect and to remember, which is why it is essential that we encourage young writers, broadcasters and photographers in the field of agriculture,” said Lyons. “In an age of disconnect from the farm, we need creative and strong storytellers who can communicate our story to the next generation.”
About Alltech:
Alltech improves the health and performance of animals, plants and people through natural nutrition and scientific innovation. With more than 3000 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. For further information, visit www.alltech.com. Alltech is the proud title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. For more information about these prestigious global championships, visit www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com.
