Just like farmers have farm groups, agricultural journalists also have their own organizations. And we’re proud to have one of our contributors and a good friend here at Real Agriculture take the helm of the international association representing ag journalists from around the world.
Owen Roberts, who writes a regular column on this site, was elected president of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) at the group’s 60th annual delegate assembly in Bonn, Germany this week. He’s the first Canadian to be IFAJ president.
Owen is also the research communications director and an adjunct professor in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph. In addition to Real Ag, his work appears in Ontario newspapers, including the Toronto Star, FCC publications, and on his blog — urbancowboy.ca.
IFAJ is a non-political, professional association for agricultural journalists in 46 countries. It aims to support and encourage the practice of agricultural journalism through member associations, such as the Canadian Farm Writers Federation, in countries that embrace freedom of the press.
“Professional and leadership development of journalists and communicators specializing in agriculture is an essential component in ensuring the communication of information to contribute to an increase in sustainable food production,” said Owen in the IFAJ press release.
“I look forward to continuing the work to make IFAJ a truly global organization that will support agricultural journalists and communicators, and their country associations, in their efforts to defend freedom of the press and ensure a level of professional development equal to the task of providing sufficient food to a very hungry world.”
Congrats Owen!
Read some of Owen’s latest work here.
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