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After nine years as Treasurer of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), members this week elected Agro Mavens’ founder Adrian Bell as the organisation’s Secretary General.

The new role sees Adrian work with IFAJ Presidium members Steve Werblow, President (USA); Addy Rossi, Vice-President (Argentina); and Magda du Toit, Treasurer (South Africa). Together they guide and develop IFAJ’s overall direction and activities in support of agricultural journalists around the world.

As Secretary General, Adrian takes responsibility for IFAJ’s professional development, including the long-running Alltech Young Leaders programme. He’ll also handle the newly minted Syngenta Global Network Partnership. This is aimed at making IFAJ more capable of reaching its 5,000 members across 60 countries. Further, he will begin the search for a new partner for IFAJ’s MasterClass programme. This is a vital IFAJ capacity-building initiative supporting new agricultural journalist networks in the world’s emerging economies.

New charity

Adrian enters the role after establishing and setting-up the Global Foundation for Agricultural Journalism. The UK-based charity champions the importance and value of agricultural journalism as a vital tool in agricultural development, productivity and sustainability.

“A foundation was an initiative I proposed on my election to Presidium in 2015,” Adrian explains. “It appeared the most appropriate way to move IFAJ’s activities and objectives to the next level. Registration with the Charities Commission secured official recognition of the public benefit derived from agricultural journalism. GFAJ’s clear governance and identity will open up new funding sources and working partners, delivering support, growth and skill-building within our profession.”

Adrian has successfully combined the running of Agro Mavens with his voluntary role in IFAJ. “It’s important that we have these global associations to represent our profession,” he says. “Throughout my career, I’ve regularly benefited from the experience and knowledge of my peers and industry leaders.

“That’s why it’s so important to have IFAJ bringing people together in pursuit of knowledge, understanding and skill-building. It’s satisfying to watch new generations benefit in the same way that I and others have.

“My involvement in IFAJ is a valuable counterpart to my role in Agro Mavens. It’s tremendously beneficial for my work with clients to have constant exposure to new trends and developments. It also grows my network, and gives me first-hand knowledge of the diverse nature of global agriculture.

“I’m looking forward to overseeing IFAJ’s professional development programme and working with my fellow Presidium members to deliver more results for IFAJ.”

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