Budding sustainable farmers get cash award to pursue studies
20 November 2019
Two Agriculture students from the University of Reading have won cash prizes from Jordans and The Prince’s Countryside Fund who have announced their Sustainable Agriculture Bursary.
At a launch event on Tuesday 5th November, held at the Jordans Mill in Biggleswade, one of the last working roller mills in the country, five students from the University of Reading and Royal Agricultural University were awarded the bursary which includes £3000.
Elliot Cole, one of the winning Agriculture students from the University of Reading said:
“The launch event was a really useful way to learn more about Jordans and The Prince’s Countryside Fund, and how they will help us over the next few years.”
The bursary supports the successful applicant’s academic studies at either the Royal Agricultural University or the University of Reading, and helps them pursue their interest in, and knowledge of, sustainable farming and agricultural practices.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said:
“In a world increasingly shaped by climate change and a growing population, the provision of sufficient, sustainable food while protecting and enhancing the environment is becoming ever more important.
“This generous bursary opportunity will help empower the next generation of farmers to adopt and develop more sustainable farming systems. We are pleased to be able to welcome the first student recipients to the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development and wish them well in their studies.”
Mia Hartwell, Sustainability Manager at Jordans Cereals said:
“We’re incredibly proud to work with The Prince’s Countryside Fund to help a new generation make agriculture more sustainable through the bursary.
“Protecting space for nature has always been at the heart of Jordans Cereals, particularly on the British farms where our oats are grown. We cannot wait to see how these students go on to use their bursaries and shape the future of sustainable agriculture.”
The second year of the bursary is now open for applications. Up to six successful applicants will each receive a £3000 cash award in their first year, and a further £1000 cash award (provided by their university) in both their second and third years of study.
Prospective undergraduate students who have confirmed the Royal Agricultural University or The University of Reading as their first-choice place of study on UCAS for September 2020 can apply.
To find out more about the application process, including eligibility criteria, visit www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/farm-businesses/jordans-bursary
Applications close on 29th May 2020.