The IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award has been able to reach young journalists across the globe, and this international impact will be extended in 2016, thanks to changes in the federation’s constitution and renewed support from key sponsor Alltech.

The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) accepted eight new guilds for membership at its annual congress in New Zealand, opening the young leaders’ competition to journalists in 40 countries, and Alltech announced today that it will be supporting the program again for its 11th year of sponsorship for the program.

“It is truly an honor to once again support 10 young journalists from around the world as they visit farms to fine-tune reporting skills, polish photography techniques and further develop their personal leadership in agribusiness,” said Ann Hess, On-Farm Communications Manager for Alltech. “As livestock and crop production continues to grow through innovation and technology, we need strong communicators to tell the story to an ever-increasing consumer-driven industry.”

The award, a travel scholarship that recognizes the leadership potential of 10 young members each year from guilds belonging to IFAJ, supports their participation at the annual IFAJ Congress. This year’s program will run in conjunction with the 2016 annual IFAJ Congress in Bonn, Germany 13-17 July. Award winners will also take part in a boot camp with professional journalists, and will have the opportunity to visit farms where they discuss how to apply their skills.

“We have seen first-hand the benefits of this program,” says Owen Roberts, Vice President of IFAJ. “With Alltech’s support and participation, we have been able to offer a program that has benefitted members and guilds. Many of the winners of the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award have gone on to leadership roles in their guilds.”

The IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Award has contributed to the professional and personal development of nearly 100 budding journalists from around the world, and involving new guilds will likewise help them to pursue leadership and succession within their own organizations.