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The Alberta Farm Writers’ Association began with a simple idea: that the stories of Canadian agriculture deserved to be told well, shared widely, and supported by a community of people who understood their importance. Today, AFWA is one of six regional associations that make up the Canadian Farm Writers Federation (CFWF), a national network of more than 350 communicators who work every day to connect Canadians with the people and practices that shape our food system.
 

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The roots of AFWA stretch back to 1955, when five farm writers gathered during the Agricultural Institute of Canada’s annual meeting in Edmonton. Tom Leach, Dick Beamish, Jack Cram, Frank Jacobs and Don Baron believed that those who write and speak about agriculture needed a place to learn from one another and to strengthen their craft. Their vision gave rise to a national organization that would eventually grow into a network of regional groups, each with its own identity and strengths.

As time went on, farm writers across the western provinces formed their own associations, with Alberta joining a collective commitment to support agricultural journalism and communication. That spirit of collaboration and mentorship continues to guide AFWA today.