Farmers and those working in the agricultural industry are being encouraged to apply for a Nuffield Farming Scholarship.
Approximately 20 scholarships are awarded each year and recipients are given a bursary towards the cost of travel and research into a topic of interest in farming, food, horticulture or rural industries.
Previous scholars include Tarland farmer’s daughter and agricultural researcher, Dr Jenna Ross, who looked into global slug control methods.
Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust director, Mike Vacher, said the scholarships were not only beneficial to indivdiual scholars, but to the wider UK food and farming industry.
“Food and farming industries in the UK are looking at major changes in the coming years,” he said.
“Nuffield Farming Scholars are ideally suited to contribute their leadership skills and specialist knowledge as our nation looks to improve its food supply and agricultural practice.”
He encouraged anyone interested in applying for a scholarship to start the application process now, ahead of the July 31 deadline.
“Every year, applicants impress us with their innovative ideas and passion for their proposed topics of inquiry,” added Mr Vacher.
“We welcome all driven individuals from across the food, agriculture, horticulture and rural industries to apply and encourage those interested to reach out to our main office for support.”
To qualify for an award, applicants must work within the farming, food, horticulture, rural and associated industries, or be in a position to influence these industries.
They must be aged between 22 and 45, and be resident in the UK or be working directly for UK agriculture.
There is no requirement for academic qualifications, but applicants must be already well-established in their career and be three years out of education.
More information is available online at www.nuffieldscholar.org