IFAJ Congress 2023: New Frontiers in the West

Oct 1, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jun 7

In 2023, Canada proudly hosted the IFAJ 2023 Congress from June 27 to July 3, 2023. The international event welcomed agricultural journalists, communicators, and industry leaders from around the world to Alberta for a week of professional development, networking, agricultural tours, and cultural experiences.

Centered in Calgary and Olds, Alberta, the congress showcased the innovation, diversity, and global importance of Canadian agriculture under the theme New Frontiers in the West. Delegates explored key sectors of Alberta and Canadian agriculture through immersive tours and presentations focused on canola, beef production, irrigation, ag technology, barley, livestock care, sustainability, and prairie life.

Tours and experiences highlighted Alberta’s leadership in agriculture and innovation, including visits to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and its Smart Farm, southern Alberta irrigation districts, ranching operations, breweries, research organizations, and agri-food businesses across the province.

Featured Speakers

The congress featured an extensive lineup of speakers and presenters from agriculture, media, Indigenous leadership, law, science, sustainability, and communications, including:

Timothy Caulfield, professor, bestselling author, and host of A User’s Guide to Cheating Death
Michael Geist, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law
Jody Wilson-Raybould, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Billy Morin, Indigenous leader and advocate for economic development and reconciliation
Jennifer Laewetz and Anthony Blair Dreaver Johnston, speaking on Indigenous governance and community leadership
Beverley Theresa, social media marketing consultant and speaker
Agricultural and sustainability leaders including Ken Coles, Dave Sauchyn, Anne Wasko, and Paul Thiel

Pre- and post-congress tours also showcased the Alberta Badlands, the Cowboy Trail, Banff, southern British Columbia, and the Canadian Rockies, offering delegates a broader look at Western Canadian agriculture, landscapes, and rural culture.

AFWA is proud to have hosted this international gathering and to have shared Alberta agriculture, rural communities, and Western Canadian hospitality with delegates from around the world.

Explore stories, photos, and coverage from the IFAJ 2023 Congress below.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

The IFAJ 2023 Congress - New Frontiers in the West is made possible in part by funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the AgriCommunication Program.

Le Congrès du FIJA 2023 - Nouvelles frontières de l'Ouest est rendu possible en partie grâce financement d'Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada dans le cadre du programme AgriCommunication.