Ashley Nicholls Named First Recipient of AFWA-IFAJ International Bursary

(Edmonton, AB - June 18, 2026) - The Alberta Farm Writers’ Association (AFWA) has named agricultural communicator Ashley Nicholls as the inaugural recipient of the 2026 AFWA-IFAJ International Bursary.

The award provides $1,500 to support attendance at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) annual congress, taking place in Croatia this fall. The bursary supports professional development for Alberta-based agricultural communicators who are active AFWA members.

Ashley is the founder of REACH Agriculture Strategies, a business dedicated to strengthening communication, leadership and people systems across Canada’s agricultural industry. REACH helps managers and owners build strong, sustainable teams by improving alignment between people, processes and performance.

As a 2026 Nuffield Canada Contemporary Scholar, Ashley is exploring the impact of human systems on employers, employees and communities. His research focuses on how businesses attract, retain and support employees while improving workplace effectiveness and long-term organizational success. With a background in experiential education and a lifelong involvement in rugby, Ashley believes in the power of community and takes a hands-on approach to leadership development. 

Nicholls was selected for his commitment to agricultural communication, leadership development and his focus on strengthening people and workplace systems within the agriculture sector. 

“This bursary reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of agricultural communicators in Alberta and connecting them to the global conversation,” said Michelle Chunyua, President of AFWA. “We are pleased to see Ashley named as our first recipient and look forward to the perspective he will bring back to the province.”

The AFWA-IFAJ International Bursary recognizes the importance of helping Alberta agricultural communicators gain international experience and expand their professional networks within the global agricultural journalism community.

The 2026 IFAJ Congress will be held Sept. 16–20 in Croatia. More information is available at ifaj2026.danh.hr. 

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For more information:

Michelle Chunyua, President, AFWAabfarmwriters@gmail.com