The National Farmers’ Union of Wales (NFU Cymru) has opened the Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Scholarship for “youngsters wanting to travel the world”.
The scholarship allows people under the age of 30 to learn about agriculture abroad. Previous winners have travelled to New Zealand, Australia, America, the Orkeny Islands and other destinations.
Supported by NFU Mutual, the Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Scholarship has £3,000 available for applicants.
The closing date for applications is Friday, June, 14, 2024, and the winners will be announced on the Tuesday of this year’s Royal Welsh Show (July 23).
NFU Cymru policy adviser, Lowri Price said: “The scholarship fund was launched in 1984 in memory of the late Gareth Raw Rees MBE from Ceredigion, whose considerable energies had always been directed towards promoting the interests of young people in farming and in the countryside.
“He was a firm believer in the benefits of travelling towards the fulfilment of a broader and more rewarding education.
“We have awarded scholarships to some incredible young farmers and their experiences abroad have been extremely beneficial to their own farming practices back here in Wales.
“I urge anyone looking to travel abroad to submit an application this year as you could very well be successful.”
Foreign farming methods
Chair of NFU Mutual’s advisory board for Wales, Trevor Lloyd, said the Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Scholarship offers opportunities for young people to travel and learn about farming methods in other parts of the world.
“In today’s fast changing agricultural industry, it’s vital that our young farmers gain a wider perspective to help them farm successfully, which is why NFU Mutual is a strong supporter of the scholarship scheme,” he said.
“Over the years we’ve received some exceptional applications from some very capable and enterprising young people and have been able to support their efforts in visiting and learning about a variety of agricultural techniques employed across the globe.
“We very much look forward to receiving some equally impressive applications once again in 2024.”
The scholarship is managed by the Raw Rees family, NFU Cymru, NFU Mutual, Wales YFC, the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University and the Future Farmers of Wales.
