Mike Vacher, Nuffield Farming director-web-min

There is still time to embark on the Nuffield journey

With the application deadline of 31 July just around the corner, the Nuffield Farming Trust is reminding prospective Scholars that there is still time to embark on a life-changing Scholarship.

Nuffield director, Mike Vacher explains that the application process is online, straight-forward to complete and the ‘Nuffield family’ are on hand to provide support and guidance if required.

“Although the deadline date is less than a month away we want to reassure prospective Scholars that there’s plenty of time to apply,” says Mike.

“The online application process enables candidates to save their submissions and make changes as they go along. It’s really accessible and intuitive to use so if it’s time that is stopping you from applying then worry not,” he adds.

“What’s more, there is always plenty of people on hand to answer any queries and speaking to Scholars to get advice, as well as getting a good understanding of what the Scholarship entails is a really good starting point and will provide a good grounding for applications.”

Mike adds that 2017 Scholars will be provided with an increased amount of bursary for travel and subsistence expenses.

“Not only does the Scholarship provide generous financial support, it also offers training, worldwide contacts, briefing at a national level, attendance at an international conference in Brazil and other priceless lifetime experiences,” he says.

“Anyone aged between 22 and 45 is encouraged to apply, with a pre-requisite that you must work within the United Kingdom farming, food, horticulture, rural and associated industries or are in a position to influence those industries.”

Nuffield are looking for applicants who have an established career and demonstrate a passion for the industry they work in. This can be anyone ranging from the managing director of an animal feed business, an agronomist or a progressive farmer to professionals or those involved in the food chain. They will be offered £12,000 to complete the study, and attend conferences and training including no less than eight weeks of travel, and report back within 18 months with the findings.

The deadline is 31 July, with shortlisting taking place in October. Selected candidates will attend the 2016 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Annual Conference, which will be held in Newcastle in November.