Allison Finnamore was honoured with the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation (CFWF) Lifetime Achievement Award on July 2, 2023, during the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) banquet event, held in Olds, Alberta.
The CFWF periodically honours long-serving members of the association who have made outstanding contributions to the federation and the media and agricultural communications industries.
In her career, Finnamore is the consummate professional, from her agriculture writing and communications business, to her volunteer service on various farm writers boards and committees. She remains highly aware of the importance of agricultural communications across Canada and the world.
Currently holding the position of president of the CFWF, Finnamore has also served as the CFWF representative on the IFAJ executive committee for eight years, bringing the CFWF into clearer focus for IFAJ colleagues. Indeed, Finnamore’s outstanding leadership roles are partly responsible for bringing the CFWF and the IFAJ into the 21st century, to making them both viable groups of professionals who are admired around the world.
Today, Finnamore continues to keep the Atlantic Canada Farm Writers’ Association (ACFWA) afloat – an association she took the lead role in creating – and she continues with her business, Cultivating Communications, a full-service communications company committed to helping the agricultural sector reach the people it needs to reach. She also remains very active at CFWF and IFAJ levels.
A member of the CFWF since 2001, Finnamore was co-chair of the CFWF 2014 PEI conference, and a member of the CFWF (2001) 2002 NB conference. Her obvious passion for agriculture has benefitted her personally and professionally, and, in turn, benefitted all Canadian farm writers in the process.
Finnamore says she is honoured by the award, and the support by her nominator and supporters. She adds that the strength of the three levels of farm writer organizations is what called her to be involved and maintains her active commitment to the organizations.
“The strength of ACFWA, CFWF and IFAJ comes from within us,” Finnamore says. “We discuss, support, encourage and brainstorm, raising each other up. In addition to learning about agriculture and refining the various angles of our craft, you’ve taught me patience, grace, professionalism and so much more. I hope you’ve learned from me too.”