Ten outstanding young agricultural journalists and communicators have been selected as 2023 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders, a prestigious award from the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) that recognizes the individuals’ professional skills and leadership potential. The Young Leaders award has been sponsored by Alltech since 2006 to recognize emerging leaders in agricultural journalism and communications from around the world.
The 2023 class of IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders includes:
- Eliza Berlage, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia
- Bianca Blasl, Bauer to the People, Austria
- Anna Falk, HIR Skåne, Sweden
- Betty Haynes, Prairie Farmer, USA
- Nina Jareño Herrero, Interempresas Media, Spain
- Tiisetso Manoko, Food for Mzanzi, South Africa
- Gifty Hodey Manye, Count on Crops Hub, Ghana
- Sofía Selasco, Bichos de Campo, Argentina
- Geralyn Wichers, Glacier Farmmedia, Canada
- Geraldine Zutter, Schweizer Agrarmedien, Switzerland
“The importance of strong journalism in communicating agriculture’s truth in today’s world cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech. “We are proud to support the next generation of journalists who are passionate about sharing the real stories of the farm and field, and the men and women who work tirelessly to feed our planet.”
The honorees were selected by an international jury from nominees representing many of IFAJ’s 60 member nations.
“We must focus on a new generation of leaders who have the ability to lead our guilds towards an ever higher degree of professionalism. That is the goal of the Young Leaders Program,” said Adalberto Rossi, IFAJ Secretary General. “It is an honor to be at the forefront of such an important challenge that has the unique privilege of bringing together young and talented professionals from all over the world, who will return to their countries with new tools and knowledge, after having participated in a renewed Bootcamp and the Congress Annual of the IFAJ, which this year will take place in Canada,” stated Rossi.
“I want to especially thank Alltech for joining us year after year with this innovative project, and for their commitment to training new leaders. The Young Leaders Program has long had a positive impact on our organization and I am sure it will continue to do so,” added Rossi.
The Young Leaders will be recognized at the 2023 IFAJ World Congress in Olds, Alberta, Canada, in June. They will also participate in a special Boot Camp prior to the congress, which will include leadership and skills training as well as farm visits in Alberta.
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The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists represents more than 5,000 agricultural journalists and communicators in 60 countries who are members of professional guilds that support freedom of the press. These communicators focus on sharing new technologies and information relevant to the agricultural industry. IFAJ members come from all disciplines of journalism and communication and IFAJ gives agricultural journalists and communicators a platform for professional development and international networking.
Alltech helps farmers feed the world, raise healthy plants and animals, and protect the environment through nutrition and scientific innovation. Alltech is an American company, headquartered in Nicholasville, Kentucky, with operations in animal feed, meat, brewing, and distilling. Alltech develops agricultural products for use in both livestock and crop farming, as well as products for the food industry.