They’ll be the ones keeping information flowing to the world’s farmers well into the second half of the 21st century: the future of agricultural journalism is safe in the hands of this year’s IFAJ Young Leaders.
Ten up-and-coming agricultural journalists, drawn from ten countries across four continents, have been selected by an international jury to participate in the 21st edition of the select programme.
Sponsored by Alltech, a global leader in the agriculture industry and long-term supporter of IFAJ’s work and mission, the Young Leaders initiative seeks to identify and support the most promising new and recent entrants to the profession, to hone and encourage their potential.
“The IFAJ Alltech Young Leaders programme is not just about recognising and nurturing individual talent, important though that is, but also to bring together those with the ability to apply that talent to lead and develop the wider profession,” says IFAJ Secretary General, Adrian Bell.
“Since its inception, the dozens of Young Leader alumni have consistently shown what can only be described as a robust return on investment,” enthuses Adrian. “Through leadership, influence, insight, inspiration and innovation, they are the ones who will carry forward the flame for IFAJ and agricultural journalism.”
Indeed, in June, YL 2014 alumna Amy Roady was named as inaugural director of the James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications, a new undertaking by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA. From IFAJ Young Leader to the first director of a global centre dedicated to food and agricultural communications, Amy’s trajectory perfectly reflects the purpose and value underlying IFAJ’s professional development programmes.
Open to those under 35 across all 61 IFAJ-affiliated national agricultural journalist associations, the ten Young Leaders will participate in a unique ‘Boot Camp’, held prior to the annual IFAJ Congress – the organisation’s flagship event.
Hosted this year by Croatia, the Young Leaders will not only benefit from the immersive workshop, led by IFAJ’s Presidium and featuring seminars, discussions, challenges, skill-building, career guidance and motivational speakers, but also meet around 200 agricultural journalists from around the world, securing new contacts, fresh skills and renewed enthusiasm for their work.
“‘Mind-bending’ was how one of last year’s Young Leaders described his experience, only half-way through the first morning,” recalls Adrian. “And that’s just it: it’s a remarkable experience for someone in their 20s or 30s, who’s just beginning to find their career path.
“This is a scheme that’s only possible because of Alltech’s unwavering support, both for IFAJ and for agricultural journalism and communication itself. It continues to be an amazing partnership – thank you.”
The ten 2026 IFAJ Alltech Young Leaders are:
Juan Ignacio Alaise, Argentina
Kaitlin Berger, Canada
Katrin Bremer-John, Germany
Andrew Castillo, United States of America
Job Hiddink, The Netherlands
Milliam Murigi, Kenya
Breifne O’Brien, Ireland
Josiah Pailay, Liberia
Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe, Ghana
Emelie Werme, Sweden
IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Award
The IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Award was established in 2006 by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists and Alltech to recognize emerging leaders in agricultural journalism and communications from around the world. In addition to global recognition, Young Leaders participate in professional development and networking programmes held concurrently with IFAJ’s annual Congress. The IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders programme is a key force in developing the next generation of volunteers for IFAJ and its member guilds. For more information, visit https://www.ifaj.org/our-programmes/young-leaders/
About IFAJ
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists exists to support agricultural journalism throughout the world, representing more than 5,000 agricultural journalists and communicators in 60 countries, and providing a platform for professional development and international networking.
IFAJ believes that every country should benefit from a vibrant, professional and well-skilled agricultural journalism sector. It’s another tool in agricultural development, given its potential to deliver improvements in agricultural productivity and wider understanding of agriculture in society. Thus we work to support agricultural journalism in countries already IFAJ members, and to build agricultural journalism networks where they don’t yet exist.
IFAJ members all belong to professional guilds that support freedom of the press and come from all disciplines of journalism and communication.
For more information on IFAJ and the Young Leaders programme, visit www.ifaj.org .
About Alltech
Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact.
Alltech is a global leader in the agriculture industry and produces specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed and biologicals, backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services.
Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens. As a private, family-owned company, we adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and focus on advanced innovation.
Alltech believes that agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. At Alltech more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share their purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. Together, Alltech teams can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources.
