Berlin -- a wonderful experience

I was in Berlin last week as a guest of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists.
It was, as usual, making use of the Berlin Green Week to hold an executive meeting. For those that don't know anything about Green Week all I will say is that it is feast of fun, food and entertainment. The event, which was heaving with visitors last Friday, has its roots in showcasing all that was best about Western Europe when Berlin was a divided city. Today, the event is a major celebration of food, farming and leisure with hall after hall devoted to giving visitors a wonderful culinary and visual experience.
The real purpose for my visit was to take part in a professional development seminar organised by IFAJ president David Markey on the meat industry and the threat that Brazilian beef presented the world. Sadly the keynote speaker, Paddy Moore, of the International Meat Secretariat, got stuck at Heathrow after a Boeing 777 decided to glide on to grass ahead of the runway rather than land on the tarmac.









That left yours truly, Owen Roberts of Canada and Hans Siemes, of The Netherlands, in a somewhat interesting position. It also meant IFAJ president David Markey had to read out the main elements of Paddy's speech. The three of us were left to talk in greater detail about the beef industries in our own countries. I spoke about Scotland and its desire to capture an increasing premium by differentiating production and aiming at the quality end of the market. Hans provided a fascinating insight into beef production in the Netherlands and how animal welfare is taking ever more prominence since two members of the Animal Party were elected to the Dutch Parliament. Owen came at it from an entirely different perspective, focusing on the consumer and their needs from journalists. It was a wonderful afternoon and thanks to British Guild secretary Don Gomery for capturing us digitally. I can do many things, but have yet to perfect the art of talking from a stage and taking pictures at the same time.




I had never been in Berlin before and as you can see from the page I've captured some of the city's better known landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate and the German Parliament building, complete with the wonderful tourist dome on the top of it. It was great to go to the top of it and see such wonderful views over the city at night. I would, however, warn that the experience is not for the faint hearted as you look directly down from the top to the seats of the Parliament some distance below. I felt uncomfortable, but I hope you enjoy the pictures.
One other benefit from going to Berlin was meeting Mariann Fischer Boel, the European Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner. She has very firm views on the future of European farming, but delivers them with a degree of charm.

One of the main discussions at the IFAJ executive meeting was over the adoption of a new 10-point plan to drive the organisation forward so it can deliver a better service to all member Guilds and Journalist Associations.
I have to say for a start that I do truly believe that IFAJ is undervalued by everyone who has not taken any part in its activities. It is considered an unnecessary expense by too many who use their ignorance to question the need for its existence.
In the short time that I have been involved with the Guild nationally I would have to say that the IFAJ is probably among the most important member benefits that we deliver. For just seven euros (£5.22 in proper money) per member in each affiliated organisation it delivers many things for which we should all be grateful. The biggest benefit by far is, however, contacts, an absolute necessity for any journalist who takes the profession seriously. Through IFAJ you have the world of agriculture at your finger tips via more than 3,000 members in various countries around the world. To have that facility available 24/7 is worth considerably more than seven euros. Many businesses would pay thousands for a similar facility.
There was a discussion at the executive meeting about IFAJ proposals to possibly increase the membership fee over time by the princely sum of one euro. That it drew so many concerns took me aback, as I would gladly pay double for the access it gives me to information.
The 10-point plan has been some time in coming, but basically takes the organisation to a new level if it is adopted at the annual congress in Austria later this year.
I wasn't there for Saturday's executive vote. I was, however, delighted to hear that Don Gomery, our secretary and IFAJ executive member, formally proposed the strategy which will see the organisation:
Employ its own part-time executive secretary;
Revamp its website (much needed it has to be said as for an organisation that supposedly specialises in communications it is rather woeful currently);
Restructure its structure and add responsibility for securing member benefits to the membership committee (wouldn't it be wonderful if they could negotiate a global discount from the likes of Apple Mac on all its products in much the same way as the National Union of Journalists here in the UK, now there is an immediate deliverable scheme that would bring untold benefits for everyone);
A revised award scheme, including one for broadcast journalists and a new Alltech animal agriculture journalist contest;
IFAJ also wants to do more to encourage professional development and is considering special missions to the likes of Brazil so that members can get a better insight in developments in the agricultural industry globally;
Improve communications with members globally;
As far as I am concerned this is music to my ears and it help member organisations like the Guild here in the UK to better sell ourselves to our membership and prospective members and show them real tangible benefits of joining.




I'm encouraged by the strategic plan and would hope that the new presidium that takes over in September drives it forward. It will also be incumbent on future IFAJ leaders to take the blueprint and develop in future.
I hope that British Guild members see real benefits of IFAJ membership and that they will make better use of its services when the new website is launched later in the year.


My only disappointment with Berlin was thanks to those incompetent twats at British Airways who managed to lose my luggage for the second time this year. I hope you enjoy my letter to BA chief executive Willie Walsh. I'd be delighted to hear from anyone who has any other suggestions as to what BA might mean in the context of the world's worst airline delivering the worst possible passenger service. I guess I should be glad my BA plane at least landed on the tarmac.