Nuffield Farming Scholarships today announced the establishment of a new arable award. Backed by the HGCA, it will be open to candidates in the arable sector or related industries.

“A Nuffield offers the opportunity for strategic thinking. It’s a real positive for the arable industry and we are keen to encourage more applications from our sector,” comments HGCA sector Director, Rebecca Geraghty.

“Scholarships are highly regarded and help shape the future of the agricultural industry,” she adds. “By sponsoring an award, HGCA is complimenting the strong level of skills support that is already offered to PhD students. The Nuffield award broadens that offer to candidates involved in the arable sector aged between 22 and 45. No academic qualifications are necessary.”

Through the scholarship programme, Nuffield provide opportunities for individuals in the agricultural industry to travel and study topics of interest. Scholarships nurture the leaders and innovators of the future, and have made invaluable contributions to both personal and professional development, and have helped advance careers, business and industry.

With the help of HGCA, the new Nuffield award will provide a bursary to a Scholar which will enable them to travel anywhere in the world to further their knowledge, explore new ideas and meet influential business contacts within arable and wider sectors.

The objective of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships is to lead positive change in agriculture by inspiring passion and potential in people.

Speaking as Chairman of the Trust, Stephen Watkins said; “Nuffield are delighted to announce the HGCA Award.

“HGCA are leaders within the field of research and practical advice, so it is fitting for them to be sponsoring a Scholar, and by doing so they are giving an individual the chance to go to the corners of the globe and bring home research and knowledge which would not have been possible without their backing.”

The new application deadline this year is 31 July 2012. Awards are open to people working in farming and ancillary industries or are in a position of influence.

Applicants must be UK residents, have spent at least two years working in the industry in the UK, and be between 22 and 45 years of aged at the application date.

For more information and to apply, visit the Nuffield website www.nuffieldscholar.org.