The Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) Scholarship is now open for applications from ambitious individuals who are working in the red meat sector in Wales to gain a study trip of a lifetime.
Now in its 22nd year, the HCC Scholarship provides the opportunity to travel overseas and gain comprehensive knowledge and understanding in their chosen field and broaden business horizons.
The scholarship is worth £3,000 and applications are welcomed from individuals of any age to study a specific topic within the red meat sector.
Past scholars’ themes have included: Greenhouse gas emissions and production efficiency; genetic improvement in sheep; butchery and charcuterie practices; and sustainable intensification.
The scholarship has already taken successful applicants to far-flung destinations such as the USA, Australia, Norway and New Zealand.
Anyone who is involved in the red meat sector in Wales is welcome to apply – be that as a farmer, butcher, researcher, or within agri-food.
Applicants will need to have a research topic in mind along with a country (or countries) where they intend to visit.
Study areas should refer to how individual and industry practices could be improved, resulting in a more innovative and efficient Welsh red meat industry.
Upon their return from travels, scholars are expected to share their findings with the industry throughout Wales by speaking at meetings and conferences and by submitting a scholarship final report, outlining their trip and what has been learnt, which is in turn published on the HCC website.
Successful applicants also gain membership to the HCC Scholarship Association, a network of past scholars who are able to share advice and experiences and provide connections and opportunities.
Past scholars include Prof. Nigel Scollan, who is now director of The Global Institute for Food Security, both current presidents of Wales’ major farming unions, Glyn Roberts of the FUW and John Davies of NFU Cymru and award-winning beef farmer Richard Tudor, who also serves as the Scholarship Association chairman.
James Ruggeri, HCC’s industry development executive said: ‘This is a great opportunity for anyone involved in the red meat sector to broaden their horizons and gain a wider understanding of industry practices across the globe.
“With Brexit around the corner, it is important, now more than ever before, that those in our industry are armed with the knowledge they need to drive forward their own businesses and our industry as a whole.
“If you are considering innovating or diversifying your on-farm practices or if there’s an area of the industry you would like to learn about then this is the ideal chance to explore possibilities, gain insights and information and strengthen understanding.”
Applications from all ages are welcome.
The application form and details about former scholars can be found on the HCC website. For further information about the application process, please contact James Ruggeri on: 01970-625-050.
