At the October elections in Italy, ENAJ elected a new board that included agricultural journalists from eight European countries. Five of them are reelected senators, but three are brand-new ENAJ management committee members. So let’s meet them.
Rachel Martin, Ireland
Rachel Martin is an award-winning journalist and editor of the Irish Examiner’s farming supplement, where she specialises in writing about agtech and agricultural sustainability.
From a beef and dairy farming background in Northern Ireland, she is a former chairman of the region’s Guild of Agricultural Journalists and in 2017 was one of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism.
She is passionate about creating continuous professional development opportunities and pathways for young journalists, reflecting her belief in the power of mentorship and lifelong learning.
Melanie Epp, Belgium
Melanie Epp is an award-winning freelance agricultural journalist from Winnipeg, Canada. She writes about everything from poultry to potatoes, dairy farming to grain production. Her articles appear in publications in Canada, the U.S. and across Europe. She’s also the news desk editor of five livestock sites. Currently, Melanie serves as secretary of the Belgian Guild of Agricultural Journalists (BVLJ-ABJA), and sits on the executive committee of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ). She remains an active member of the Canadian Farm Writers Federation (CFWF).
In her volunteer roles, she is dedicated to supporting journalists and journalism as a profession. In her role as ENAJ secretary, she hopes to strengthen communication between member countries, and to create further networking and professional development opportunities for network members. Melanie is truly happiest when exploring a country through its traditional food and drink, and when meeting the people who produce that food. She has been living in Ghent, Belgium since 2014.
Klaus Hartikainen, Finland
Klaus is the Head of Member Communications at the Finnish Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK). He is also the Editor-in-Chief of Mainio member magazine, where he writes. He also produces and develops the recently launched MTK mobile news app, online member news, and various newsletters. Klaus is serving as vice-chairman of the Finnish Association of Agricultural Journalists.
