Young journalists

Delighted to reveal the launch of a competition for a place at this year's IFAJ Congress in Austria and Slovenia from September 10-14.
The competition is open to Guild members under 35 at April 25.
The place in Austria and Slovenia is organised through the IFAJ and funded by Alltech Biotechnology. Alltech's generous support will allow 10 young journalists to attend the annual congress.
Clemmie Gleeson, of Farmers Guardian, was the lucky recipient last year and travelled to Japan.
So what do you have to do to enter?
Simple. Write a letter to Guild secretary Don Gomery saying why you want to attend and what you hope to gain out of travelling to Austria and Slovenia.
Don and I are the only British guild members signed up so far so it would be wonderful to have another member join us.
I can assure you that IFAJ is the most magnificent fellowship of kindred spirits.

There are to IFAJ categories in the contest. These are:

• The IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award, which recognises the leadership potential of young members from countries belonging to International Federation of Agricultural Journalists. The award supports their participation at an IFAJ congress to the tune of 1000 euros (£800) to help offset travel and registration costs.

• The IFAJ Professional Development Award for Young Journalists gives young members of the federation the opportunity to participate in the IFAJ congress. This is worth up to 720 euros (£570).

You'll get more info on the congress at www.ifaj2008.com and the IFAJ on www.ifaj.org
Oh and Don's e-mail is don.gomery@btinternet.com
Best of luck, and let's hope Britain can secure one of the 10 places available to IFAJ member countries.