Scholarship available for young farmers to travel abroad

YOUNG farmers who would like to travel the world and learn more about agriculture in other countries could win thousands of pounds to help them on their way.

The Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Scholarship, supported by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, is making up to £2,500 available to lucky youngsters to make their travel dreams come true.

The scholarship, which was renamed in 2008 thanks to an annual donation of £1,000 from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, is looking for applicants considering travelling in the UK, Europe or further afield.

In 2017 10 young people benefited from the award, and between them visited New Zealand, USA, Latvia, Australia and Argentina.

NFU Cymru county adviser, Peter Howells said: “The scholarship fund was launched in 1984 in memory of the late Gareth Raw Rees from Ceredigion, whose considerable energies had always been directed towards promoting the interests of young people in farming and in the countryside.

“He was a firm believer in the inestimable benefits of travelling towards the fulfilment of a broader and more rewarding education.”

The scholarship is managed by the Raw Rees family, NFU Cymru, NFU Mutual, Wales YFC, the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University and the Future Farmers of Wales.

“The Gareth Raw Rees Scholarship offers fantastic opportunities for young people to travel and learn from farming methods in other parts of the world,” said Dai Davies, chairman of NFU Mutual’s advisory board for Wales.

“In today’s fast changing agricultural industry, it’s vital that our young farmers gain a wider perspective to help them farm successfully, which is why NFU Mutual is a strong supporter of the scholarship scheme.”

He added: “Over the years we’ve received some exceptional applications from some very capable and enterprising young people and have been able to support their efforts in visiting and learning about a variety of agricultural techniques employed all across the globe.

“We very much look forward to receiving some equally impressive applications once again in 2018.”

If you are under 30 and would like some financial assistance with your travels you can contact NFU Cymru for an application form, even if you have already received support from another scholarship or fund.

The closing date for applications is May 4 and the winners will be announced at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.