Scheme promotes innovative thinking in finding real-world solutions to farming problems
The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust has announced the appointment of 24 new scholars for 2025, three of whom are from the horticulture sector.
Sussex-based Sam Brook manages the agronomy team at Vitacress Herbs, and has stated that he is committed to transforming the industry by integrating natural processes and regenerative practices into crop production.
To achieve this, Brook would like to expand his knowledge of substrates and the microbiome. Through his scholarship, he aspires to lead a movement towards sustainable horticulture, enhancing both environmental health and food quality for future generations.
His study is titled “Biology-based agronomy: how can Horticulture grow in a more nature friendly way?” It is supported jointly by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and East Sussex NFU.
Tom McVeigh manages his Suffolk farm alongside his father and sister and has an interest in growing and modernising the business. He would like to diversify the business and integrate nut production into the farming system to help improve sustainability and profitability.
Through his scholarship study, McVeigh aims to explore viable methods for nut cultivation in the UK, while also addressing climate challenges and aligning with new agricultural policies to ensure long-term success.
His study title is ”A study of nut production, propagation, processing and marketing in the UK”, and is supported by the Beckett Award.
And Ali Warren-Walker is a farmer, horticulturist and researcher based in Wales, with experience in human nutrition and health. As part of her scholarship, she will explore valorising waste streams or surplus from fruit and vegetable growing through encapsulation and spray drying methods, to preserve and enhance bioactives.
She aims to support other growers in maximising the potential of their harvests, promoting a more sustainable and profitable agricultural ecosystem.
Her study is titled “Valorising waste/surplus streams from fruit and vegetable growing through encapsulation”, and is supported by The Alastair and Margaret Miller Charitable Trust.
Over the course of their scholarships, the scholars will travel internationally to gain an in-depth understanding of their study topic from global experts and leaders.
“Applications this year were incredibly strong, which made the job of our selection committee particularly challenging,” said Rupert Alers-Hankey, director of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.
“This is my first year as director and I have been so impressed by the cohort of 2025 scholars, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and sectors. The list of topics the scholars have chosen to explore is inspiring and reflects some of our industry’s most pressing challenges.
”Nuffield Farming Scholarships help develop future leaders in the UK’s agriculture and rural sectors. There is no doubt in my mind that the 2025 Nuffield Farming scholars will lead positive change in agriculture.”
The trust will officially introduce their latest cohort at the Nuffield Farming Conference, to be held in Belfast in November.
