We heard from a lot of politicians today but the one I think who had the clearest message was the EU Commissioner of Agriculture Mariann Fischer Boel. She’s a pretty straight talking lady and I recorded her whole press conference for you. Later in the afternoon I got to interview her personally too.
German Minister of Agriculture
The biggest press conference of the day is taking place right now in the ICC center next to the press rooms. Just finishing up is Germany’s Federal Minister of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture, Horst Seehofer. He’s seated second from the left.
I’m Thinking Japanese
The IFAJ Congress 2007 will be held in Japan this year. We have representatives here from that country. The man on the left is Yamada Masaru with the Japan Agricultural News and to the right is Tadashi MURATA. We ate supper together last night.
Getting Caught Up On The Latest Plans
Here’s a fine looking group listening to IFAJ President David Markey get our meeting started.
IFAJ Board Meeting
It’s a new day here in Berlin. Most of you reading are probably asleep still so at least you can wake up to some new content here on AgWired!
IFAJ Really Is International
I know you’ve heard me say before how beneficial involvement is in IFAJ. Getting outside our little comfort zones when you’re reporting on a global industry is something that all agricultural journalists should take time to do.
IFAJ Leaders Ready To Meet
International Green Week makes a very convenient spot for the IFAJ to hold its annual board meeting. Seen here are IFAJ President David Markey (l) and Senior Vice President Mike Wilson (r).
Messe Berlin Opening Reception
Welcoming agricultural journalists to Berlin this evening was the CEO of Messe Berlin, the company that organizes International Green Week. He’s Raimund Hosch and I interviewed him after the presentation.
Blogging From Berlin
I will find out the story behind Checkpoint Charlie Bear. He sits outside the Crowne Plaza Hotel here in Berlin city center. He certainly helps you know where you are.
I just got settled in to the hotel and thought I’d start off with a short video clip for you.
Message From Mari
I just heard from Mari Bjørke, head of the organizing committee for this summer’s International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress in Norway. She sent along a bunch of photos too like this one featuring a bunch of us Americans.
Mari sent along a holiday message to all the IFAJ Congress participants.
In Hamar, Norway we have not got our snow yet, but are anyway hoping for white Christmas this year, too. Most of the people here are celebrating Christmas, that means we are soon having a week off just caring for family and friends and a lot of traditional good meals! Merry Christams and happy new year to all of you, and thank you for being such good guests last august!