Together with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), Alltech is proud to announce a new award that recognizes excellence and leadership by young journalists. The IFAJ-Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism will be presented during ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE19), held May 19–21, in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
The award marks a long tradition of celebrating journalistic achievements that began with late Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons. A storyteller himself, Dr. Lyons appreciated the ability to share the stories of agriculture.
“Pearse had a passion for sharing stories about our industry and his personal experiences,” said Mrs. Deirdre Lyons, co-founder and director of corporate image and design at Alltech. “We are pleased to honor his legacy and continue Alltech’s support of agricultural journalism.”
Dr. Lyons also understood the importance of mentorship and education, and in 2005, Alltech co-founded a young leader program with the IFAJ.
“It is more important than ever to give agriculture a voice and communicate our stories to the world,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Through our continued partnership with the IFAJ, we are able to support future leaders in agricultural journalism who are passionate about connecting our industry to a global audience.”
IFAJ president Owen Roberts of Canada says this new award underlines Alltech’s understanding of agricultural journalists’ role in knowledge mobilization.
“Producers look to agricultural journalists for balanced, evidence-based information that can help them be profitable, knowledgeable and sustainable,” said Roberts. “Alltech works hard to develop relationships with journalists who believe sound research knowledge is imperative to best management practices on the farm.”
Young journalists, aged 40 years or younger by Dec. 31, can be nominated through their IFAJ guilds via the online application form. A global winner will be selected by an international committee based on their journalistic achievements and the leadership they demonstrate within their guild. The global winner receives complimentary registration and a travel stipend to attend ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, where they will be recognized on stage in front of a global audience of nearly 4,000 attendees and press.
“ONE19 features leading industry experts in an exploration of the challenges and solutions facing agriculture,” said Roberts. “It is an excellent resource for journalists to acquire new insights that producers want and need.”
The deadline for nominations is March 15.