International agri-food journalists congress launched at Berlin Green Week by Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP

Guests attending the launch were told that the Congress theme is Innovations from a Small Island and that delegates coming to Britain for the event will see firsthand the British tradition of inventiveness and innovation in science, food production and manufacturing.

Friday evening's event coincided with International Green Week, the world's biggest food, agriculture and gardening fair. Held at Messe Berlin the event runs on a 4.7 acre site, attracts over 400k visitors over 10 days and hosts over 1500 international trade stands.

For Scotland, the 2014 IFAJ Congress is being seen as a flagship event in a very important year for Scotland.

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said: “Agriculture is part of the fabric of Scotland, and 2014 – when the eyes of the world are on our nation – is the perfect time to showcase our agricultural successes and fantastic range of food and drink. This is our second Year of Homecoming, when we host the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and The Ryder Cup, and the year in which Scotland will decide her future in our historic independence referendum. I am very much looking forward to welcoming journalists from across the globe in September for the 2014 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress.”

Linda McPherson, Senior Director Food and Drink at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Scotland's food and drink industry is a fantastic success story, achieving record turnover in excess of £13bn last year thanks to our iconic high quality products and the dedication and innovation of those working in the sector."

"We have worked hard to support our industry, connect with existing and emerging markets, and grow interest in our fantastic natural larder far and wide. I look forward to welcoming members of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists here to experience firsthand all that we have to offer. 2014 will certainly be an extremely exciting time to be in Scotland as we welcome visitors from all over the world to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles, and our Homecoming celebrations."

In addition to the main congress, delegates will be invited to attend a pre-Congress tour in London from 31 August to 3 September 2014 and a post-congress tour in Wales and the Midlands from 8-11 September 2014.

Commenting on the event, the BGAJ Chairman, Jane Craigie said: "Hosting the congress for the second time in Scotland is a great honour and we are humbled by the support from our principal sponsors Massey Ferguson, Perkins and Waitrose and also for the support of the farmers, food companies and the agricultural trade - all of whom will help to make this a great story-telling opportunity to the world about our outstanding food and farming sector."

The organising committee for the 2014 congress is voluntary and made up predominantly of BGAJ members and alumni members from the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme. Go Rural Scotland has been appointed as the congress Event Manager and there is a paid-for congress secretary.

Jane Craigie added: "Scottish Enterprise deserves a special personal mention from me, for the rural team has been incredibly supportive in giving their time, support and a small financial contribution to help us."