The Global Foundation for Agricultural Journalism (GFAJ) has elected its first full board of trustees, a significant development for the fledgling charity as it begins its vital duty to develop and grow agricultural journalism and communication throughout the world.
Registered in the United Kingdom in October 2023, the charity’s establishment has been inspired by the work of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists. IFAJ itself has been successfully increasing the flow and quality of information to the world’s farmers for nearly 70 years. Its activities will continue, particularly its support for press freedom at a time when it continues to be impeded in many member countries.
Elections were held online during August, with IFAJ’s executive member representatives selecting from a field of 20 candidates, drawn from IFAJ’s 60 country associations. Three further ‘external’ trustees were elected, drawing in outside voices, expertise and added insight.
Trustees elected from member guilds were:
- Jane Craigie, an agricultural communicator from the United Kingdom
- Lena Johansson, a freelance agricultural journalist from Sweden, and former President, IFAJ
- Jefferson Massah, an agricultural radio journalist from Liberia
- Leigh Radford, OAM, an agricultural broadcaster with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
- Owen Roberts, a Canadian agricultural journalist and communication instructor at the University of Illinois, and former President, IFAJ
- İsmail Ugural, an agrifood writer and journalist from Türkiye
- Jacqueline Wijbenga, an agricultural communications adviser with the University of Wageningen, the Netherlands
The following external trustees were also appointed:
- Franz Fischler, agricultural business consultant and former Commissioner for Agriculture with the European Union, Austria
- Luke McKelvie, Global Farmer Program Manager, McDonalds, USA
- Ben Freeth, MBE, Zimbabwean farmer and human rights activist, Executive Director of the Mike Campbell Foundation
The ten elected trustees are joined by the IFAJ Treasurer, Magda du Toit, who was elected at the IFAJ Presidium elections also held in August. Magda is a self-employed agricultural journalist and communications specialist from South Africa.
“GFAJ is, effectively, IFAJ 2.0,” says Adrian Bell, IFAJ Secretary General. As Treasurer, Adrian was – with then-Vice President Steve Werblow, now IFAJ President – IFAJ’s lead on the long-running Foundation project, which started in 2015.
“It’s a bigger, better, brighter version of IFAJ. Official recognition, particularly under the well-respected charity governance of the UK, gives trustees the ability to create new dialogues with new partners, and will open the door to new sources of funding from sponsors and donors.”
GFAJ’s activities will support agricultural journalists throughout the world with education, assistance, training, support and practical advice.
“Agricultural journalists really do provide a lifeline to the world’s farmers, as well as conveying insight to consumers, policy makers, the business community, regulators and other stakeholders.
“GFAJ’s registration is explicit recognition that agricultural journalism has public benefit,” Adrian emphasises.
“As one of GFAJ’s founding trustees, I’m delighted to hand over to such a strong board. I know they will be committed to establishing GFAJ’s voice, defining its mission, and setting its direction. They’ll also manage its effectiveness in demonstrating the importance of agricultural journalism: a tool for improving agricultural development, everywhere.
“I’m looking forward to watching the charity as it develops. I have no doubt that with these trustees it will move from strength to strength, and quickly deliver results.”
