'The Export of Great British Hops and Niche Apple Varieties'
'Innovative Women in Today's Agriculture'
'The True Cost of Cheap Food'
Three examples of projects carried out by successful applicants to the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust. Has Tom and his organic baby food idea got what it takes to join this bunch?
Each year the Trust awards around 20 individuals, aged between 22 and 45 years old, with the opportunity to research and study a topic of interest over an 18-month period. To be eligible for a Scholarship, candidates must have been involved in farming, food, horticulture or rural sectors for at least two years.
Successful Nuffield Scholars are granted the opportunity of a minimum of eight weeks travel across the world, in order to further their knowledge and understanding, with a view to advancing their respective industries.
In 2009, Oliver Surman undertook a similar study to Tom into adding value to food. He researched innovations by wine, cheese and vegetable producers, taking him to Australia, New Zealand and the USA, as well as learning about Kobe beef production in Japan.
Oliver said: "Visiting so many other businesses on my Nuffield, of various sizes and success, illustrated to me the need for focus.
"I didn’t want to spread myself too thin and I wanted to continue to enjoy the work, which I get from doing a job to the best of my ability.”
Sage advice for Tom who at the moment is working all hours to keep Bridge Farm going.
Each Scholar is supported by a sponsor who awards a bursary of up to £12,000 in order to complete their study and travels. The sponsors are made up of a variety of individuals, companies, industry organisations and charitable trusts. In his efforts to support his nephew's entrepreneurial spirit, Brian has approached Justin about becoming a sponsor.
At the annual Winter Conference in November, Scholars are expected to write a report and present their findings, conclusions and industry recommendations, and it's also at this event that the new intake of Scholars are formally introduced.
Now Tom’s application is in (just in time before the deadline), he has to wait until the end of August to hear if he has made the short-list.
