Four postgrad students awarded NFU Mutual bursaries

Four postgraduate agricultural students from across the UK have been awarded the Centenary Award bursary from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust to support their studies in 2024.

The Centenary Award, established in 2010 to mark NFU Mutual’s 100th anniversary, aims to foster the next generation of agricultural leaders by funding research and innovation.

This year, the award provides bursaries covering 75% of course fees for selected students. To date, 56 individuals have benefited from the initiative.

See also: Tips for agriculture students on securing financial help

The 2024 recipients are:

• Esther Rowntree, Cumbria: MPhil Crop Sciences, University of Cambridge
• Jemima Brown, Derbyshire: MSc International Agri-Business and Food Chain Management, Harper Adams University
• Alexander Cumming, Suffolk: MPhil Crop Sciences, University of Cambridge
• Eleanor Cameron, Wiltshire: MSc Food Security, University of Warwick

Jim McLaren MBE, chairman of NFU Mutual, said: “Our Centenary Award bursary scheme supports NFU Mutual’s responsible business ambition to protect rural lives and livelihoods while championing research and innovation in the agricultural sector.”

Ms Rowntree, pursuing her MPhil in Crop Sciences at Cambridge University, aims to integrate sustainable practices with precision technology to address climate change.

“Growing up between the Pennines and Lake District, I have a love of the outdoors, and I think that this is a big reason why I am so passionate about protecting the natural world.

“My intended research has the potential to revolutionise the agricultural industry in the UK,” she said.

Ms Brown’s MSc in International Agri-Business and Food Chain Management at Harper Adams will focus on enhancing transparency in agricultural supply chains.

“I want farmers to be treated fairly in all walks of life and to be paid fairly for their produce and services. 

“My goal is to use my knowledge to advise farmers on how to maximise their business, ensure they are getting the best from what they have, and guide them throughout their careers to ensure they have the best all-round support they can,” she said.

Mr Cumming’s studies are centered on sustainability in food production, while Ms Cameron seeks to tackle global food insecurity through her research.

Bursaries for the Centenary Award will again be available in 2025, with applications opening in January.

More information can be found on the NFU Mutual website, where prospective students can learn about the application process.