The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Centenary Award 2024

Four High Performing Postgrad Students receive NFU Mutual’s National Agricultural Award

Four promising postgraduate agricultural students from across the UK have been selected to receive a ‘Centenary Award’ bursary from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.

The Centenary Award was launched by rural insurer NFU Mutual to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010; to support agricultural leaders of the future, and champion research and innovation within the industry. It provides annual bursaries to pay up to 75% of course fees for selected postgraduate students in agriculture. To date, 56 young people have received help through the award to further their education. 

The four selected students for 2024 (pictured below) are:

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

Esther is undertaking her Master’s course to leverage cutting-edge crop science research that will enable the practical implementation of sustainable and equitable agriculture. Esther explained more: “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. I will study combining lower-input crops with precision technology to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss.” 

Jemima is undertaking her Master’s in Agri-Business on a full-time basis over one year to study national and international agricultural markets determine how UK supply chains could be more effective and transparent, from farm to fork. Jemima explained more: “My course will look into how agricultural businesses are managed and maintained and how that produce enters the food chain. 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.” 

Alexander, who is also passionate about UK agriculture and the environment, is undertaking his Master’s in Crop Science to make a positive contribution to the sustainability of agriculture in the UK and worldwide. Alexander explained more: “Growing up in rural Suffolk and spending much of my school and university holidays out in the field helping local farmers and gamekeepers inspired me to study issues surrounding food security and conservation in agricultural landscapes. I have a real passion to learn about the potential for sustainability in food production, and my long-term career ambition is to make a lasting impact on the agricultural sector, guiding farmers to fully understand issues such as soil degradation and biodiversity loss, and provide effective solutions that work for both the agricultural community and the environment. The Master’s course will also give me an opportunity to network and make a diversity of connections within the agricultural sector, which is vital when considering different viewpoints surrounding sensitive problems in countryside policymaking. I am very grateful for the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and advance my career position in sustainable agriculture with the support of this prestigious award.”

Eleanor is undertaking her Master’s in Food Security to contribute to solutions that enhance agricultural practices, mitigate risks, and promote equitable access to nutritious food. Eleanor explained more: “During my undergraduate studies, I recognised the pressing need to address global food insecurity. For my dissertation, I explored the under-represented views of British farmers amidst the global push for sustainability. Inspired by conversations with my farming family, who voiced concerns over the lack of farmer representation in legislation and the environmental impacts of modern farming practices, I am determined to make a meaningful impact. I believe that this Master’s programme, with its rigorous academic training and diverse learning opportunities, will equip me to pursue my vision.”

Announcing the award’s recipients for 2024, Jim McLaren MBE, NFU Mutual Chairman, said: “Our Centenary Award bursary scheme supports NFU Mutual’s responsible business ambition to protect rural lives and livelihoods, by championing research and innovation for the UK agricultural industry, whilst also supporting passionate individuals to advance their careers. We’re very pleased that our award is continuing to attract high quality applicants who are studying at a broad range of universities across the UK. I would also like to thank the award’s judging panel, who dedicated their time and expertise to carefully select our recipients.

“We are delighted to be supporting Esther, Jemima, Alexander and Eleanor with our bursaries, and wish them all the very best for their postgraduate courses.”

Centenary Award bursaries will again be available in 2025. Applications for the award next year will be invited from the start of January. Meantime, prospective postgraduate agricultural students who would like to find out more about the 2025 bursaries can contact centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk.