The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is delighted to announce a new award for this year, kindly sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and, aimed specifically at the horticultural sector.
The unique award aims to promote education within horticulture by giving an enthusiastic and experienced individual the opportunity to research a key issue and make long term change within the industry.
Bruce Harnett, who studied intensive horticulture for his 2014 Nuffield Scholarship is thrilled that this new award represents the horticultural industry.
“We work in a fast changing global sector, and this opportunity offers a suitable candidate, the chance to broaden their horizons, appreciate the complexity of the industry, witness new and alternative ways in which to succeed, and gain confidence in the way they work in the sector,” explains Bruce.
“I would highly recommend individuals to apply. I visited over 90 organisations throughout the world, within Europe, Japan, Israel and the USA, and gained invaluable knowledge of many different products and production systems,” he adds.
“I was able to assess the diverse array of production systems and ultimately reflect on the viability of my own business, which now produces 13 million protected ornamentals per year.”
Mike Vacher, Nuffield Farming director is equally excited about the new award and explains that the opportunity offers a carefully selected, well-respected individual the chance to make a valuable contribution to a subject of key importance to the UK horticultural industry and society at large.
“This is an exciting and positive development for the Nuffield Farming Trust and promises to give the industry valuable insights into global trends and opportunities for UK farmers.”
Anyone aged between 25 and 45 is encouraged to apply, with a pre-requisite that you must work within the United Kingdom horticulture or related industry. Nuffield are looking for applicants who have an established career and demonstrate a passion for the industry they work in. They will be offered up to £12,000 to complete the study, and attend conferences and training, which includes no less than eight weeks of travel, and report back within 18 months with the findings. The deadline is 31 July 2016.
