Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy. Without free press, the holders of power cannot be scrutinised and democracy is threatened.
Free press is also important for agricultural journalism. But in several of IFAJ’s member countries freedom of the press and freedom of expression are still missing.
IFAJ supports and is actively working to improve the conditions for colleagues in countries where journalists are unable to do their work without restrictions. To become a member of the federation, the guild’s home country need not have freedom of the press, but the guild itself must support freedom of the press.
Free agricultural journalism is important, not only for the journalist, but even more so for farmers and others involved in agriculture and food production, and for all of us who need access to healthy and wholesome food. Regular access to enough high-quality food leads to active, healthy lives. Moreover, access to sufficient high-quality food has an important role in keeping stability and peace in the world.
To enjoy this, freedom of the press for agricultural journalists is essential.
Article 19 of United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights says:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
Keeping abreast of these issues is the responsibility of the IFAJ’s Freedom of the Press sub-committee, which is chaired by vice-president Lena Johansson.
The following organisations’ websites carry further detailed information about the importance of press freedom, and current concerns around the world:
