International Federation of Agricultural Journalists
A non-profit organisation comprising the national agricultural journalist associations from 60 countries, IFAJ seeks to promote high standards in the profession and is firmly committed to the principle of press freedom. Journalists must be free to go about their work without fear of reprisal.
Journalists, broadcasters, communicators and photographers, IFAJ's 5,000 members work to ensure the quality and flow of information to farmers around the world.
International Federation of Agricultural Journalists
Adrian Bell, Agro Mavens’ founder, has worked with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) for many years. He has served as one of the four-member Presidium, the elected volunteer officers who lead the organisation, since 2015: first as Treasurer, becoming Secretary General in 2024.
He is a fervent advocate of its principles, work and goals, especially its commitment to press freedom.
Adrian has also led the project to create the Global Foundation for Agricultural Journalism. Registered as a UK charity in 2023, GFAJ builds on the success of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists to further grow capacity in agricultural journalism, and highlight its importance as an essential tool in agricultural development, production and sustainability.
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists provides the world’s agricultural communicators with a forum where they can network, exchange ideas and practise professional development. This fulfils a valuable and important role in global agriculture, because with good communication comes the prospect of better, stronger knowledge transfer. By helping farmers adopt new techniques and technologies, they can grow food, feed, fibre and fuel in more efficient ways.
The journalists and communicators who specialise in agriculture, despite undertaking vastly different professional roles, play a vital role in ensuring that farmers have easy access to quality, unbiased and valuable information that allows them to make informed agricultural decisions.
I’m very proud to be able to support this organisation. There are always opportunities for our clients to become involved in IFAJ’s mission: Caterpillar’s bursary and contest partnership is a recent example.
Innovations from a Small Island
Adrian began working with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists after joining the management council of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists in 2007. Elected BGAJ chairman from 2011-2013, he bid for Britain to host the IFAJ’s annual Congress in 2014 and became co-director of the event, “Innovations from a Small Island”. This saw more than 200 international journalists flock to the country for a ten-day tour and conference. They took home stories about British food and farming to audiences of millions across nearly 40 countries.
Adrian is a founder member of the ENAJ. This was established in 2011 to improve co-operation and collaboration between national agricultural journalists’ guilds and associations. There is special focus on knowledge sharing, the training of young entrants, and the creation of new national associations.
European Network of Agricultural Journalists
With 22 members, ENAJ organises regular press and study trips, contests for young journalists, and meetings with DG Agri in Brussels to communicate CAP developments and initiatives. In addition to member countries, ENAJ is supported by a number of associate members, predominantly industry representative groups.
Adrian served as the organisation’s communications officer, and international liaison officer, during his ten-year stint on ENAJ’s Management Committee.
Adrian’s knowledge of IFAJ and ENAJ, and his numerous contacts throughout the global membership, are invaluable for Agro Mavens clients who are seeking a global or multi-country marketing approach.
