The Belgian Association of Agricultural and Horticultural Journalists (BVLJ-ABJA) presented its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award to long-time member Jef Verhaeren. The award recognises his decades-long contribution to agricultural journalism in Belgium and across Europe.
The Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges an individual whose work extends beyond individual reporting to strengthen and enrich agricultural journalism as a profession. Verhaeren was selected as the association’s first recipient in recognition of his sustained leadership, organisational commitment and dedication to journalistic integrity.
Verhaeren has had a long and successful career in the agricultural sector. He worked for nine years as spokesperson for Belgium’s minister of agriculture, and has spent more than two decades working as a freelance agricultural journalist. In Belgium, he is widely known and respected for his many years of service on the board where he served as secretary, treasurer and chair. During his time on the board, he played a central role in organising events and press trips, and in strengthening relations between journalists and key players in the sector.
Verhaeren’s work at the national level naturally extended to the European level where he was the driving force behind the creation and development of the European Network of Agricultural Journalists. Working closely with the network’s founders, he helped develop the network’s legal and organisational foundations. ENAJ has since become a key platform for shared learning, professional exchange and more informed reporting on European agricultural policy.
“ENAJ is Jef’s true pride and joy – and it should be,” said Melanie Epp, BVLJ-ABJA treasurer and ENAJ secretary. “The network enables agricultural journalists to learn from one another across borders. Under its umbrella, they understand shared challenges and opportunities, and report with greater accuracy and context to their audiences at home. It is Jef who gave us this.”
The Belgian guild noted that Verhaeren’s contributions go far beyond simply filling a role. His is distinguished by his ability to turn ideas into durable structures, and by his commitment to high professional standards. His emphasis on trust, continuity and community within journalist networks that truly sets him apart.
Most importantly, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Verhaeren’s ongoing contribution to agricultural journalism in Belgium and Europe, and the lasting legacy he’s helped to build and sustain.
