Here’s the press release-
Press release-
Alberta journalist wins 2017 CFWF International Bursary
(Ormstown, Quebec) Agricultural reporter Alexis Kienlen has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation (CFWF) International Bursary, sponsored by Monsanto.
Kienlen, based in Edmonton, AB, has worked extensively in agriculture, primarily as a staff reporter for the Alberta Farmer newspaper. Her work has appeared in more than 10 publications including the Manitoba Co-operator and GrainsWest magazine.
The bursary will cover up to $2,500 of registration and travel expenses to attend the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) annual congress in South Africa. As the successful applicant, Kienlen will be sharing information gathered at the Congress with her fellow farm writers at the 2017 CFWF annual conference in Quebec City, as well as a variety of additional audiences throughout the year following the IFAJ congress.
“I am really thrilled to be able to make my first visit to Africa to represent Canada at the IFAJ congress in South Africa. It is an extreme honour to be chosen for this opportunity”, says Kienlen.
The 2017 judges noted Kienlen’s interest in and knowledge about food security would make this congress a natural fit with her writing focus. In addition, her strong social media following positions her well to engage with a broad audience.
Kienlen has been involved with CFWF since 2008. She served as a board member from 2009-2011. Her writing has won her a gold (2015) and silver award (2014) through the CFWF awards program.
Kienlen has completed her education in journalism, international studies, and food security from various Canadian institutions. In addition to her agricultural writing, Kienlen is a published author, with two poetry books, She dreams in red (2007) and 13 (2011), and a biographical novel, Truth, love and non-violence: The life of Gurcharan Singh Bhatia (2014), to her credit.
“I’ve found that one of the best ways to learn about agriculture is to get out on the ground and see it firsthand, and learn from farmers on their operations. I really look forward to learning more about farming in Africa and sharing my newfound knowledge with my Canadian peers.”
“Monsanto is pleased to support the efforts of journalists interested in learning about agriculture around the globe,” said Trish Jordan, Director, Public & Industry Affairs with Monsanto Canada. “Journalists play a critical role in sharing the Canadian agriculture story with others and it is through sharing and dialogue that we all gain a better appreciation of food, farmers, and agriculture regardless of where or how we farm.”
CFWF would like to thank Monsanto for continuing to support this bursary. We would also like to thank the 2017 judging panel: Tamara Leigh, Owen Roberts, and Clare Stanfield.
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