INTERNATIONAL travel is back and Nuffield Australia is seizing the opportunity to send farmers and fishers abroad to bring innovative ideas home.

“A Nuffield Scholarship is a unique opportunity to explore the world to discover new tools, practices and ideas, and forge connections that can improve long-term sustainability,” 2013 Nuffield Scholar, Jodie Redcliffe said.

“We are thrilled to have Nuffield Scholars already travelling overseas this year,” she said.

“Our program gives emerging leaders from agriculture and associated industries experiences to tackle challenges and embrace change.

“That’s why we see Nuffield alumni in positions of leadership across industry.

“Being versatile and seeking innovative ideas are quality traits during uncertain times.

“The recent period has been extraordinary, so there has never been a better time to research how the world has changed, and how agriculture can adapt to complex food and fibre supply chains and changes to trade and consumer behaviour.”

Each scholarship is valued at $30,000 and Nuffield Australia will award up to 20 scholarships this year.

Nuffield Scholarships are open to farmers, fishers and those in associated industries aged between 28 and 45 and past recipients include Harrow district farmers Anthony Close, Kurra Wirra (2019) and Michael Craig, Tuloona (2015).

The bursary allows scholars to spend 14 weeks of travel over two years to study a topic important to the industry.

Nuffield Scholars also receive training in communication skills and personal and professional development.

Mr Close’s scholarship was supported by the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to research ways that the Merino could once again become a prominent feature of the Australian farming landscape.

Acknowledging the shrinking size of Australia’s sheep flock throughout the previous 20 years, his focus was researching the range of factors that had caused the reduction, comparing the industry with those overseas to gain a better understanding of what made progressive industries grow and prosper.

“In 1992 the national sheep flock was 150 million head and produced 4.75 million bales of wool,” Mr Close said at the start of his journey.

“In 2018, the flock is 70 million head, and will produce 2 million bales.

“Cropping, on the other hand, has grown from 12 million hectares planted to 19 million hectares planted.

“Given the impact that this reduction in flock numbers has on both sheep meat and wool production, it’s important to understand how we can reverse this downward trend in order to secure the sustainability and relevance of the industry.”

Over the past few years, Nuffield Australia and its counterparts overseas have embraced digital technology to stay connected despite travel restrictions.

Nuffield Australia will continue to provide online learning and virtual connections to the global alumni network and agribusiness leaders.

Ms Redcliffe said this year’s program has been especially tailored for recipients to navigate the global uncertainty and make the most of being part of the world’s most influential agricultural network.

Northern Australian agricultural consultant and current 2022 Nuffield Scholar, Munro Hardy, has just returned from the Contemporary Scholars Conference that saw newly-selected scholars from around the world meet in England.

“There isn’t a better place in the world to learn from leaders in agriculture who are stepping up to meet the challenges faced around the globe in water scarcity, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, climate change, supply chains, failing food systems and more,” Mr Hardy said.

“It’s been so inspiring see what these leaders are achieving as current and past scholars. Joining the Nuffield family opens doors around the world.”

He said the Contemporary Scholars Conference had given him a much broader understanding of global food systems.

“It’s imperative that we all strive for better sustainability outcomes. We have learned how the three Cs – COVID, conflict and climate change – have shaped and are still shaping our world and what we can do to step up and meet the challenges they pose,” Mr Hardy said.

He has also enjoyed visiting businesses to see changes made by previous scholars.

“It has been a very open forum where those previous scholars have been very generous in sharing their learnings from their successes and failures,” he said.

After meeting Nuffield Scholars from across the world, his plans for study and travel have evolved considerably.

His scholarship is supported by AACo, S. Kidman & Co, CPC and Elders and will focus on Australia’s northern beef industry and its market risks.

“I highly recommend applying to anyone who is passionate about agriculture and developing strong and long lasting relationships,” Mr Hardy said.

He encourages potential applicants to reach out to current and alumni Nuffield Scholars to learn more about the scholarship program.

Applications close on Friday, 17 June, 2022.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed during July and August.

Successful recipients of the 2023 Nuffield Scholarships will be announced at the Nuffield Australia National Conference in Tamworth NSW in September.