IFAJ Presidium 2024-2026
PRESIDENT
Steve Werblow
Steve Werblow is a freelance agricultural writer and photographer and was elected IFAJ President after serving as Vice-president and Secretary General. During that time, he expanded the Star Prize Award program, worked with Congress host countries to create a more festive awards ceremony, and spearheaded the development of the IFAJ webinar program. He also serves as a member of the freedom of the press committee.
Deeply dedicated to professional development and sharing ideas, Steve helped organize and teach the Young Leaders/Master Class Boot Camp program and presented professional development workshops in-person or via Skype/Zoom to member organizations and emerging guilds in Switzerland, Georgia, Botswana, the Caribbean and Northern Ireland. He also posted a webinar for IFAJ’s new, free online series.
Prior to volunteering on the Presidium, Steve served for three years as the U.S. guild’s representative to IFAJ’s Executive. During that time and in the years that followed, he solicited sponsorships from several key donors, led a member survey that continues to guide IFAJ’s professional development efforts, helped organize and secure sponsorship for several Exposure-4-Development tours, and assisted in developing the framework for the IFAJ Foundation and new Constitution.
VICE-PRESIDENT
Adalberto Rossi
Adalberto Rossi is a freelance agricultural journalist and was elected Vice President of the IFAJ after serving as Secretary General. During his tenure he oversaw the IFAJ Star Prize awards, adapting its format and allowing the incorporation of more professionals into it. He also established a new format to the IFAJ Bootcamp (Young Leaders Program and MasterClass) adapting the IFAJ training programs to the new global trends in communication. In addition, he promoted the creation and incorporation of new member countries to the IFAJ, such as Chile and Brazil; and the development of mid-term meetings in Mexico and Spain. He also promoted various joint ventures with agricultural organisations, such as the one with the International Dairy Federation (IDF).
Convinced of the importance of the professional development of agricultural journalists, Adalberto promoted the realization of various webinars and is a member of the IFAJ Professional Development Committee.
Before volunteering at the Presidium, Adalberto served as President of the Argentine guild for 10 consecutive years, which he represented at the IFAJ Executive. During that time, he created an online training program for the members of the Argentine guild, obtained the support of different companies and entities to support the professional development of the guild members, organized multiple training trips for its members, and different events, among which the IFAJ Annual Congress in Argentina stands out.
Professionally, Adalberto has hosted and produced a daily agricultural radio program and a weekly agricultural television program since 1990, edited an agricultural magazine, edited an agricultural portal in Argentina and another in Latin America, is present on social networks and organizes events among different protagonists of the Argentine agricultural sector.
Secretary General
Adrian Bell
Adrian Bell is an award-winning agricultural writer, a marketing and communications consultant to agriculture and agtech, and the founder of Agro Mavens & AgTech Compass.
As IFAJ’s Secretary General, Adrian takes responsibility for developing the IFAJ Star Prize awards, the Young Leaders and Master Class programs and professional development activities. Prior to his election as Secretary General, Adrian was IFAJ Treasurer for nine years. He was also the UK’s IFAJ Executive Committee representative from 2014-16, serving on the Host Liaison Committee and the Hiring Committee, and organizer of the IFAJ 2014 Congress.
As Treasurer, Adrian created the IFAJ Development Bursaries and AgTech Awards in partnership with Caterpillar, and secured Syngenta as IFAJ’s Global Network Partner in support of IFAJ Mobile and Outreach activities. He has been the lead in establishing the new Global Foundation for Agricultural Journalism, a UK-registered charity that will amplify and extend IFAJ’s mission. He is currently handling the legal/financial transition for IFAJ to register and formalise the organisation.
Deeply committed to advancing agricultural journalism and communication, Adrian has been involved with IFAJ since 2007. A former chairman of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists, he is the founder of the Joe Watson Legacy Fund, a British charity improving public understanding of agriculture through strong agricultural journalism.
Treasurer
Magda du Toit
Magda du Toit is the first African representative to be elected to the IFAJ Presidium. Magda is from South Africa and is a member of the Agricultural Writers SA, where she has been on the regional executive for 29 years and on the national executive for 25 years in various positions. She was also national chairperson for 9 years and is currently the South African representative to the IFAJ. She is also the chairperson of the IFAJ Host Country Liaison Committee.
Magda is an experienced communicator with a proven track record in the agricultural industry. She began her career as a journalist, but over the years has honed her skills in media relations, corporate communications and engagement, business planning, crisis communications, article writing and event management. For the past four years, she has worked as a freelance journalist and communications consultant in the agricultural industry.
Throughout her career, she has received recognition and awards not only from her employer but also from the industry for individual and team achievements and outstanding articles.
