About CFWF

Founded in 1955, The Canadian Farm Writers' Federation (CFWF) serves the common interests of agricultural journalists, including reporters, editors and broadcasters as well as those in business and government whose primary responsibility is agricultural communications.

The CFWF represents more than 380 members who belong to regional and provincial organizations, including:

For more information about joining the Canadian Farm Writers' Federation, check out our contact page.

There are good reasons to belong to the CFWF. The federation provides an effective network for professionals with a strong, common interest in agricultural communications. The CFWF is a great forum for career opportunities, professional development and networking. Once a member of CFWF, you may participate in the email group CFWFNET and broadcasting competition, with categories named in honour of Canadian pioneers in agricultural journalism and communications. Cash prizes and certificates are awarded in the competition, which includes categories in television, radio, and daily, monthly and weekly press reporting; media release; press column; press editorial and press feature. The judges also provide written critiques of all entries submitted by CFWF members. Membership in the CFWF also automatically provides membership to the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), a global network of agricultural communicators.

 

The various regional associations offer professional development seminars, tours and meetings across the country throughout the year. The national federation meets annually at different locations hosted by regional associations.

The CFWF publishes an annual mailing list and a quarterly newsletter, The Farm Journalist. Some of the member associations publish regional newsletters as well. Other events and publications take place at the initiative of the regional associations, often in conjunction with major agricultural shows and conferences where farm writers gather.

History

On June 20, 1955 five well-connected farm writers came together at the Agricultural Institute of Canada annual meeting in Edmonton. Several meetings followed and Tom Leach, of CBC, Dick Beamish of the Western Producer, Jack Cram, Western editor of the Family Herald, Frank Jacobs of Canadian Cattlemen and Don Baron, of Country Guide became the founding fathers of the Canadian Farm Writers' Association.

The organization of regional associations, and a change in name to the Canadian Farm Writers Federation followed soon after. The original vision of the organization was to have western and eastern associations under the umbrella of the national organization.However, the desire of British Columbia to have its own organization resulted in the four western provinces forming their own groups, with the east maintaining one association. Quebec farm writers have always had their own organization separate from CFWF.

The basic structure of the organization continues today, with five regional associations under the national umbrella.

Sixty years of farm writing at its best!

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