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Alltech Young Leaders in Rural Journalism Award
This competition closed on Monday, 31st March 2008.
In 2008, one young Australian rural journalist will win a trip to Europe and the opportunity to meet their peers from around the world. The national winner will be announced shortly.

This award aims to identify and support young journalists with leadership potential and a genuine commitment to rural/agricultural journalism.

Who qualifies?
To qualify, entrants must be members of a rural media association affiliated to the IFAJ through the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ). In NSW and ACT, that association is Farm Writers.

Entrants must be 32 years of age or younger as of December 31, 2007 and actively working in the media in Australia covering rural or agricultural issues.

Journalists who have already attended an IFAJ congress do not qualify.

How to enter:
Entrants must send:

• Their name, current position and contact details (phone, email and postal address);
• A 500 word essay on why they deserve the opportunity;
• A current CV;
• Two written references; and
• Samples of their work (clippings or recordings of three stories) by close of business Monday 31st March 2008 to opportunity@nswfarmwriters.org.

Or mail to
Opportunity
Farm Writers' Association
GPO Box 1108
Sydney, NSW 2001

to reach us no later than close of business Monday 31st March 2008.

For more information
About the scholarship Download the brochure or email eray@ghd.com.au

About the sponsor:
Alltech is a multinational biotechnology company providing natural animal health solutions through nutrition. The company employs more than 1,700 people in 85 countries and operates 14 production facilities, including two in the Asia-Pacific region. Alltech is recognised as one of the leading research-based animal health companies in the world. By focusing on providing natural solutions to real problems, it works to respond to the industry needs and enhance customers' profitability. Alltech is committed to its pioneering ACE program, ensuring its products are safe for the animal, the consumer and the environment.

About Farm Writers' Association of NSW Inc
Farm Writers holds regular forums in Sydney, and is a unique platform for the exchange of ideas pertaining to agriculture in NSW and the world. Farm Writers' members come from a wide range of backgrounds but share a common dedication to promoting quality rural communication and a deeper understanding of rural issues amongst the urban community. Members include Australia's leading agri-business companies, rural industry organizations, banks, communication consultancies, advertising agencies as well as the state's regional print and electronic media organisations. This unique mix maintains the association's core commitment to rural journalism. The Association was established in 1966 as the Farm Writers' and Broadcasters' Society of NSW. Farm Writers' is affiliated to the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) through our founding membership of the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ).

About the ACAJ and the IFAJ
The ACAJ is Australia's national umbrella organization for media, government, business and advisers interested in rural and regional Australia. It draws together state-based rural media associations and offers members unique access to networks, insights and information from key agricultural nations, through its affiliation with the IFAJ. The IFAJ is a federation of national associations of agricultural journalists and communication specialists from around the world. The non-political, not-for-profit professional association has membership covering some 30 countries embracing freedom of the press, including Australia and New Zealand. IFAJ members include writers, broadcasters, photographers and designers, public relations professionals, marketers and communicators working in all agricultural communications media. Members report on all aspects of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries and food production industries.

Activities include:

• An annual Congress hosted in a different country each year. This year’s Congress is in Austria and Slovenia from September 10 to 14. The conferences feature:
  • conference sessions with international leaders in areas such as agricultural policy, global trade reforms, research, production and marketing;
  • tours to farms, manufacturing and research facilities;
  • networking opportunities;
  • professional development sessions and debates on issues effecting rural media; and
  • the presentation of international awards for writing and photography.
• A bi-monthly e-newsletter and active website accessed by thousands of members around the world;
• Access to networks in member countries to help source information, set up high-level briefings, arrange visits and interviews;
• An internationally recognized accreditation card which gives members access to the upper echelons of agriculture and food industries and government representatives overseas, particularly in Europe;
• A series of awards recognizing achievement by individual members, including the Star Prizes for journalism and photography.

Download IFAJ's brochure.