Bangkok, Thailand – [27 September 2024] – East-West Seed (EWS) together with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists facilitated a gathering of agricultural journalists from over a dozen countries in collaboration with the Agricultural Mass Media Association of Thailand (AMMAT). Thanks to the financial support from Syngenta to IFAJ, this event was able to take place on 27 September, offering a rare opportunity for international journalists to discuss global trends in agricultural media, success stories, challenges in communicating with farming communities, and potential avenues for collaboration across borders.
Welcome remarks were delivered by the President of AMMAT, Pinyo Paengtafsong, who emphasized the significance of cross-border collaboration in advancing agricultural journalism.
Opening remarks from IFAJ President Steve Werblow underscored the importance of building relationships with guilds in countries that are new to IFAJ, such as Thailand.
The presentation on global agricultural media trends by IFAJ outlined current challenges facing the sector, including the shift toward digital platforms and the impact of social media on traditional agricultural reporting.
Thai journalists presented on local challenges and opportunities, focusing on how agricultural journalism can better serve the needs of smallholder farmers in Thailand.
A roundtable discussion provided an open forum for journalists to share insights on three key topics: new trends in media consumption, success stories of media engaging farmers, and potential opportunities for collaboration between Thai and international journalists.
Participants agreed that digital platforms and social media continue to play an increasingly central role in reaching younger farmers, though traditional media remains crucial in certain regions. Case studies highlighted successful approaches to media that have resonated with farmers, including video content, mobile apps, and community radio.
Furthermore, the event opened the door for potential partnerships between agricultural journalists in Thailand and other countries, with shared interest in exchanging knowledge and reporting on agricultural innovations.
Steve Werblow, President of IFAJ: “This has been a phenomenal opportunity to share perspectives from different parts of the world as well as different types of media. Of course, IFAJ is always excited when we get to meet members of guilds in countries that are new to us, and we value the opportunity to extend our global network.”
Pinyo Paengtafsong, President of AMMAT: “This gathering was a significant opportunity for agricultural journalism in Thailand. The opportunity to connect with our international colleagues has given us new insights into how we can better serve Thai farmers through media.”
May Chodchoey, Head of Public and Regulatory Affairs from East-West Seed: East-West Seed Thailand is proud to co-host this important seminar. We believe that agricultural media plays a crucial role for farmers worldwide, including in Thailand. Media serves as a vital channel for sharing valuable information with farmers, such as agricultural innovations and new knowledge. Today, we will learn about the successes and challenges faced by the media globally and how we can apply this to our company’s business. Our goal is to ensure that farmers receive accurate, up-to-date agricultural news that is accessible and timely.
East-West Seed’s role as facilitator of this event reinforced its commitment to empowering farmers through knowledge and innovation. The company’s efforts to bring together agricultural journalists from different countries align with its broader mission to support the exchange of expertise and the dissemination of useful information to farming communities. This event was also made possible through the financial support of Syngenta to the IFAJ, helping to facilitate this valuable exchange of knowledge and collaboration.
Contact Information:
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Sariyaporn Srisuksawad, Corporate Communications Manager
sariyaporn.srisuksawad@eastwestseed.com
www.eastwestseed.com
About East-West Seed:
Founded in 1982, East-West Seed is a leading tropical vegetable seed company dedicated to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Headquartered in Thailand and family-owned by Dutch founder and World Food Prize winner Simon Groot, the company’s mission is to empower farmers through the provision of high-quality seeds, comprehensive training, and technical support. Through its Knowledge Transfer Foundation, East-West Seed delivers hands-on guidance to help farmers adopt sustainable practices and improve crop productivity.
About AMMAT:
The Agricultural Mass Media Association of Thailand (AMMAT) supports agricultural journalists in Thailand by promoting the dissemination of reliable and timely agricultural information to stakeholders across the country.
About IFAJ:
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) is a global non-profit organization representing agricultural journalists and communicators worldwide, providing support, networking opportunities, and fostering cross-border collaboration in agricultural media.
