Ottawa (Rural Roots Canada) – Two Albertans, an Ontarian, and a Quebecer have been selected as Nuffield Canada Scholars for 2026.
The four will each receive a $20,000 scholarship to be used for self-directed research programs involving international travel and experiential learning.
“The Nuffield journey is life-changing for scholars as it provides a dynamic platform for scholars to research, explore and collaborate on innovative ideas, policies, and practices that drive advancements in Canadian agriculture,” says Steve Larocque, Chair of Nuffield Canada and 2008 Scholar.
The 2026 Nuffield Scholars are:
Jolene Noble: Jolene is from Manning, Alberta. Her study topic will look at stacking enterprises to increase opportunities, resiliency and profitability on the family farm.
Ashley Nicholls: Ashley is from Dewinton, Alberta. He will study the impacts of human management systems on the longevity and well-being of agricultural employees.
Antonious Petro: Antonious is from Montreal, Quebec. Antonious will examine how financing tools, incentive programs, and economic planning models de-risk and support the long-term adoption of regenerative agriculture.
Kristen Kelderman: Kristen is from Carrying Place, Ontario. Her research will explore how farmers navigate grief to reveal the deep roots between identity, loss, and resilience – and how tending to emotional landscapes is vital to the success and future of the farm.
RELATED: The Nuffield Scholarship: An Opportunity of a Lifetime
Nuffield Canada is a registered charity that awards scholarships to people in agricultural production, food, and business. The scholarships enable recipients to expand their horizons through international connections, travel, and study.
“You are introduced to a process and an experience where you get to travel the world, you get to meet up with people who are like-minded in the sense that they’re passionate, they’re ambitious, they’re curious, they’re open-minded, and you bring them together,” says Larocque.
Recipients can come from all areas of primary production, industry, or agricultural governance. Scholars are required to do a minimum of 10 weeks of international travel study within 24 months to examine and research an agriculturally relevant issue of their choosing. Once the study is completed, they write their report and present their findings.
For more information, head to nuffield.ca.
