Chance of a lifetime

Don’t miss out on the chance of a lifetime to take part in the unique ‘Nuffield experience’ that can bring benefits to your business or career, as well as your own personal development.

The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust (NFST) is seeking applications from people, aged between 22 and 45 years old, who believe there is a bright, exciting future in farming, food and rural industries, and who hold a deep passion for their area of work.

The NFST awards around 20 scholarships each year, providing travel and subsistence costs for a period of eight weeks in return for a written paper and the presentation of study findings at its annual winter conference.

Recent notable reports have included ‘Tender, tasty beef - every time’, ‘The profitable use of anaerobic digestion on UK farms’, ‘Agriculture in the school curriculum’, ‘Facilitating rural development’, ‘Best practice in farm shop retailing’, ‘Energy crops and the market for biomass’, ‘The opportunities that GM and other biotechnologies offer to both consumers and farmers’ and ‘A farm labour force of the future’.

Making a difference

Agriculture is a worldwide business with lessons and opportunities that can be taken from all corners of the globe. Just as the first Nuffield Scholars came back with new ideas some 60 years ago, so today’s scholars return with new thinking, thought-provoking solutions and innovative practices in all areas of food and farming to the benefit of themselves, as well as their industry.

As a result, many past scholars have added considerable value to their own businesses or profession through simply changing the way they work, or radically changing their business structure and even starting up brand new businesses, thanks to Nuffield.

Successful scholars

At the time, I was one of the youngest applicants and ridiculously grateful to have been given this opportunity at such a young age. It was great news and an honour to hear that I had been granted a scholarship interview. But, as I sat waiting for my turn to be interviewed, doubts began to surface. Am I good enough? Will I fit in? Why the hell did I bother? I applied for a scholarship because someone I highly regarded suggested I should. So I did. Happily I was successful. But then the doubts started again. Could I be away for from my business and on my own for ten weeks?

Travelling to the USA, New Zealand, Australia and Gambia, I saw a glimpse of global agriculture - and it opened my mind! I have yet to appreciate everything I witnessed and learned.

My scholarship study report was on: Motivating factors in starting a business and creation of a rural entrepreneurial attitude in the under-30s which, five years on, is now a hot topic in the EU parliament.

The knowledge you gain during your study tour stays with you for ever and I know use it proactively.

I also now know I have joined a world-class Nuffield network, which provides help and ideas, if ever needed, as well as many dear friends whose company I will enjoy for the rest of my life.

Christine Hope

Former chairwoman of Herefordshire YFC
& NFYFC board of management safeguarding specialist

2012 scholarship applications

Applications for the 2012 awards are now being accepted. You can learn more about the scholarship programme on the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust (NFST).