Sharon Grose, photographer and agricultural journalist, is the recipient of the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation (CFWF) international bursary, sponsored by Monsanto. Her involvement with Eastern Canadian Farm Writers Association and her essay on how she would represent Canadian agriculture to other international members were key factors in the judges’ decision to select her application.
The bursary will allow Grose to attend the 2015 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Congress in Hamilton, New Zealand next fall. As the successful applicant, she will be sharing information gathered at the congress with her fellow farm writers as well as a broader audience.
“Attending IFAJ 2015 provides an opportunity to explore New Zealand and connect with writers and photographers from around the world to learn about agriculture and food production ‘down under,’” said Grose.
“IFAJ provides an opportunity to network globally and connect with people who are passionate about sharing and telling agriculture’s story.
“You cannot put a value on networking opportunities with colleagues; it is just something that you need to do for professional development. I enjoy meeting new people, building connections and fostering good relationships with other people” she added. “Too often we get busy with day-to-day commitments and do not take time to recharge and to connect with others in the industry.”
Grose is a graduate from the University of Guelph and the advanced agricultural leadership program. She resides in Alma on a family farm with husband Walter and four children. She says she has been blessed with the opportunity to travel across Canada and the U.S., camera in hand, photographing and writing about agriculture in North America.
“We have appreciated the opportunity to be involved with Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation over the years, ” said Trish Jordan, public and industry affairs director with Monsanto Canada. “Our support for the IFAJ bursary is an extension of the collaborative work we do together and I think it is great that Canadian farm journalists want to explore and learn about agriculture in different parts of the world.”
