£5,000 sustainable farming bursary open to students

A £5,000 student bursary to promote sustainable farming has been re-opened for applications after a successful first year.

The bursary supports students who want to pursue their knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices through academic study at either the Royal Agricultural or Reading universities.

Up to six successful applicants will receive £3,000 cash in their first year, and a further £1,000 cash from their university in their second and third years.

See also: Defra to offer flood-hit farmers grants of up to £25,000

Of the £5,000 total, the initial £3,000 is sponsored by The Prince’s Countryside Fund and food processor Jordans Cereals.

Prospective undergraduate students who have confirmed the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) or the University of Reading as their first-choice on Ucas for September 2020 can apply.

The deadline for applications is 29 May 2020.

2019 winners

The launch of the scheme’s second year came after the winners of the 2019 Sustainable Agriculture Bursary were announced.

The five 2019 winners are Christabel Bishop (RAU), Elena Chapman (RAU), Elliot Cole (Reading), Ed Fearnall (Reading) and Trystan Williams (RAU).

Professor Joanna Price, vice-chancellor at RAU, said: “I congratulate these first recipients and look forward to following their progress in their studies and ensuing careers.

“I also encourage others with a passion for sustainable agriculture to apply for next year.”

 University of Reading vice-chancellor Robert Van de Noort, added: “This generous bursary opportunity will help empower the next generation of farmers to adopt and develop more sustainable farming systems.

“We are pleased to be able to welcome the first student recipients to the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development and wish them well in their studies.”

Further information

Visit The Prince’s Countryside Fund for details and application forms.

Application deadline 29 May 2020 for September 2020 university entrants.