Nuffield Farming Scholarship sponsored by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is very proud to continue supporting the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust, an organisation that awards individuals with life changing opportunities, with a view to developing agricultural sector leaders and innovators of the future.

All Nuffield Scholars work within the farming, food, horticulture or rural sectors and during their 18 month long studies will undertake their research project in their area of interest. They will receive a bursary to encourage them to travel for at least eight weeks, allowing them the opportunity to study practices used abroad and at home.

The society is delighted to sponsor the 2020 Royal Welsh Scholar, Dr Edward Jones from Anglesey, whose chosen topic is ‘Are we investing in the right agriculture technology and innovation?’.

As well as being a beef and sheep farmer, Edward is also a lecturer in economics at Bangor University and a graduate of the Farming Connect 2018 AgriAcademy Rural Leadership Programme.

“Combining both my background in finance with my passion for farming, I believe that the Nuffield Farming Scholarship will provide me with a unique opportunity to lead a positive change in agriculture” explains Edward.

“$17bn was invested worldwide in agriculture and food technology in 2018, up 44% on the previous year. Booming investors’ interest in AgriTech (i.e. the marriage of agriculture and new technology) should hardly come as a surprise; there is a need to increase food production and distribution quickly so as to feed a much larger population in a way that is sustainable for the planet. Global population is predicted to reach 9.8bn by 2050, an increase of 2bn from 2019.

“To succeed in addressing these challenges, there needs to be a shared vision and collaboration between investors, entrepreneurs, farmers, and policymakers.”

During his studies, Edward intends to travel across the globe exploring his projects objectives:

1. Identify if there is a shared and complimentary vision across investors, entrepreneurs, farmers, and policymakers for increasing food production and distribution while reducing the impact of agriculture on the planet,
2. Assess which technologies will allow us to address these challenges,
3. Highlight the financial investment required from the private and public sector to ensure we get where we need to be.

“It certainly is an exciting time for agriculture and I look forward to helping support the industry at this important juncture.” added Edward.

“The society is committed to encouraging and supporting education and research within the agriculture and land based industries in Wales. Our continued investment in young people is a key part of our future society.” says Steve Hughson, Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Chief Executive.

“Providing the bursary and opportunity for an individual to become a Nuffield Farming Scholar ensures that our rural industries and individuals continue to improve and benefit from their research and learning.”

“We wish Edward and all the other scholars the best of luck with their studies and look forward to receiving the reports when they are published.”