Nuffield celebrates 70 years and applications are now open for 2022 scholarships
Applications are now open for scholarships that give Australian farmers and fishers a global perspective to learn, grow and remain competitive.
Nuffield Australia Scholarships let producers see leading and innovative businesses across the globe, to find ideas and forge connections that can improve value chains. Each scholarship is valued at $30,000 and Nuffield Australia will award up to 20 scholarship this year.
Nuffield Australia CEO and 2013 Nuffield Scholar Jodie Redcliffe says bringing home the new best practices, ideas and resources helps Australian agriculture navigate the turbulent global marketplace and seize opportunities.
“Building capacity in agriculture, horticulture and fishing is more important as ever, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and trade tensions,” Jodie says.
“There has never been a better time to research how the world has changed, and how agricultural sectors can adapt to complex food supply chains, trade restrictions and changing consumer behaviour going forward”
Nuffield Scholarships are open to farmers, fishers and those in associated industries aged between 28-45, and no tertiary education qualifications are required. Each scholar receives a $30,000 bursary to spend 14 weeks of travel over 18 months to study a topic important to the industry.
Jodie says this year’s program has been especially tailored to allow recipients to navigate the global uncertainty and make the most of being part of the world’s most influential agricultural network.
“We’re offering greater access to online learning than ever before, including virtual connections to the global alumni network – 485-strong in Australia and 1,850 worldwide – as well as other agribusiness leaders,” she says.
“If COVID-19 travel restrictions continue we will reschedule or roll over to extended timelines for the travel component. We are committed to delivering the same high-quality and valued program as we have for the past 70 years.”
WA pasture seed producer and beef farmer, Robert Bell, is a current 2021 scholar and says the virtual tours of farms and other agribusinesses have been “eye-opening”.
“Nuffield has a level of access that no other scholarship program has. It has a huge global network of like-minded farmers and agribusiness operators who have welcomed us into their businesses and been happy to answer our questions,” Rob says.
“And the virtual tours have been scheduled at the start or the end of the day, so it’s just been brilliant to fit it around existing commitments.”
Rob is looking forward to travelling when restrictions ease but says the period of virtual learning has helped him make the most of the experience so far.
2019 Scholar and Western Queensland beef producer Bec Burnham says her Nuffield Scholarship has been an incredible personal and professional development opportunity. Bec was able to travel to the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, New Zealand and Europe in 2019 and early-2020 before international travel was restricted.
“The Nuffield Scholarship's point of difference is that you learn not only from within your agricultural interest, but also the opportunity to learn across-industries and countries. To be able to connect to both the extensive Nuffield Australia and international alumni is priceless."
Applications close on Friday 6 August 2021. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed during September and October. Successful recipients of the 2022 Nuffield Scholarships will be awarded at the Nuffield Australia National Conference to in Tamworth NSW on 11 October 2021.