£6,000 travel scholarship for young Lancs farmers

Young farmers aged over 18 and living within Lancashire can apply for a travel scholarship worth up to £6,000.

The scholarship, launched in 2009 by the Lancaster and Morecambe Agriculture and Horticultural Society Trustees in conjunction with Norbreck Genetics Ltd, aims to inspire young people to develop their rural business ideas abroad.

To date over £23,500 has been provided to rural youngsters to expand their horizons. They have travelled to France, USA, Australia and New Zealand, looking at a varied range of issues from walling techniques to beef rearing, sheep marketing, equine development and wholesale flower businesses.

In 2013, winners of the scholarship included Ian Atkinson who received £3,500 and is still in New Zealand studying different strategies for selling stock.

The other recipient was 24-year-old Coralie Martlew who received £2,500 towards her visit to Canada last summer where she researched the Canadian equestrian industry.

Applicants must be over 18, live within the Lancashire boundaries and want to study horticulture or agriculture in some way.

They must submit a proposal outlining how they would use the fund and why they would benefit. Interviews will take place on 26 February.

Entries for the 2014 scholarship close Friday 14 February 2014, enabling travel this summer.

Anyone interested in applying for the scholarship can attend the launch event at Myerscough College on 29 January, visit www.norbreckgenetics.com or call Philip Halhead from Norbreck Genetics on 07949 733 747.

( Read NFU Mutual offer postgraduate degree bursaries and more stories on opportunities for young farmers )

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