Calgary (Rural Roots Canada) – The Nuffield Canada Scholarship Program is accepting new applications for those looking to broaden their horizons and deepen their impact within the agricultural community.
Nuffield Canada aims to empower mid-career professionals, typically between the ages of 25 and 50, with a genuine passion for agriculture. With a focus on self-directed international travel and study, the program offers between four and six, $20,000 scholarships annually.
In a release, Steve Larocque, Nuffield Canada Chair and 2008 Scholar expressed his gratitude for the experience which changed his life.
“The greatest gift that Nuffield gave me was the opportunity to step outside my business and connect with some of the world’s most intelligent and passionate people in agriculture,” says Larocque. “The Nuffield experience taught me to think differently and lift the ceiling on what I thought could be achieved. It changed the trajectory of my family, and my business, and made a positive impact on the way we treat our soils in Canada.”
Unlike conventional academic scholarships, Nuffield Scholarships cater to those already entrenched within the industry, looking for personal and professional development opportunities while contributing meaningfully to Canadian agriculture.
Craig Lester, founder of Rural Roots Canada and 2023 Scholar, says being named a scholar has been an empowering experience.
“It has challenged and stretched what I thought was possible,” says Lester. “It has invigorated my passion for agriculture and learning that will last my lifetime.”
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Scholarship hopefuls can come from all primary production areas, including food, fibre, health care, biofuels, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries. Candidates representing various stages of the value chain, such as primary production, processing, governance, communications, and safety, are also encouraged to apply. Furthermore, with its emphasis on inclusivity, Nuffield Canada welcomes applicants from various production philosophies, ranging from commercial and organic to cottage, medicinal, Indigenous, Kosher, Halal, and beyond.
The application period for the 2025 scholar cohort is now open and runs from April 1 to June 30. Candidates can apply through a comprehensive application process, including written submissions and one-way video presentations.
If selected, scholars will be required to complete a minimum of 10 weeks of travel study within 24 months to examine and research a topic or issue of their choice that is relevant to modern production. Each scholar then prepares a written report of their research findings, conclusions, and recommendations and presents a summary to the Nuffield board, with peers, sponsors, and industry leaders in attendance.
For more information and to start the application process, visit the official website, www.nuffield.ca.
