Emerging agri-journalists gather in Croatia for global event

Young agricultural journalists from around the world have convened in Zagreb, Croatia for a unique event focused on the Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award training. Organized by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and supported by Alltech, this program assembles ten emerging agri-journalists from diverse backgrounds, including Argentina, Canada, Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, Kenya, Ireland, Liberia, Sweden, and Ghana.

The event commenced with a presentation from Alltech’s vice president of Europe, Patrick Charlton, who discussed Alltech's growth and its commitment to staying relevant in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape. Charlton highlighted the importance of humility and adaptability in business, emphasizing that size alone does not guarantee success.

He also provided a compelling overview of the current challenges and opportunities within global agriculture, underscoring the crucial role played by agri-journalists in disseminating these stories and highlighting key industry stakeholders. Country manager for Croatia at Alltech, Ivica Matanic, shared insightful statistics about the agricultural sector in Croatia, revealing that there are roughly 134,000 farms, with an average size of 11 hectares.

Additionally, Matanic provided a glimpse into the nation's dairy industry, noting that there are approximately 2,800 dairy farms, each housing around 24 cows. The Alltech Croatia representative also shed light on the country's evolving agricultural landscape since 2013, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers.

IFAJ President Steve Werblow then addressed the gathering, offering a comprehensive insight into the responsibilities, opportunities, and roles associated with agricultural journalism. He explored the significance of agri-journalists in bridging the gap between farming practices and wider societal understanding, as well as the critical nature of their work in shaping informed public discourse.

The young leaders will further immerse themselves in the event by visiting various farms across Croatia and attending the upcoming IFAJ 2026 World Congress, set to convene in Osijek from September 16-20.