2016 SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY PRODUCERS
$30,000
SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications close June 30, 2015
Tenure is 16 weeks over two years
with flexibility provided
Tania Chapman, Vic
Andrew Baldock, SA
Adam McVeigh, QLD
Fiona Hall, NSW
NUFFIELD AUSTRALIA SCHOLARSHIPS ARE SUPPORTED BY:
2016 SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY PRODUCERS
GROWING THE WORLDS BEST
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
IMPORTANT DATES
Andrew Johnson
Chairman, Nuffield Australia
♦♦ The Nuffield Australia National Conference is a chance to meet
April 1, 2015
Welcome to Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships. I
am proud to introduce myself as the Chairman of Nuffield
Australia, a position I have held since September 2013.
♦♦ There is a unique opportunity to meet Nuffield Scholars from
June 30, 2015
Nuffield Australia has been selecting Scholars for over 60
years. It is the leading program for primary producers in
Australia which identifies new leaders in industry and the
community. It is also part of a global network of over 1,400
Scholars from many other countries.
Scholars represent many rural industries and are selected on
merit as people committed to their industry sector and are
typically engaged with their regions and communities. I am
continually energised by the excitement of newly selected
Scholars and the enthusiasm of our returning Scholars.
This is critical to the ever changing and ultimate success of
Australian agriculture. I encourage you to become a part of
our worldwide agricultural network.
We are proud to announce the opening of the 2016 round
of farming Scholarships. We are offering
approximately 20 Scholarships
to practicing farmers and farm
managers, which includes a
Contemporary Scholars Conference,
Global Focus Program and individual
study programs.
“If you are passionate about primary
production, I encourage you to apply. Newly
selected Scholars seek new frontiers and
push boundaries to increase knowledge
about global primary production, but it’s the
friendships and networks that are made that
I consider the greatest gift of Nuffield”
other Scholars and be briefed on the overall Scholarship program.
Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland,
Brazil, The Netherlands and France, as well as participants from
other invited countries at the annual Nuffield Contemporary
Scholars Conference (CSC).
♦♦ Five Global Focus Programs (GFP) offer a six/seven-week itinerary
spent in various countries including New Zealand, UK, USA,
China, Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, The Netherlands, Ireland,
France, India, Qatar, Mexico, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Israel,
Hong Kong, Canada, Turkey, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Czech
Republic and the Philippines, investigating agricultural marketing,
trade and environmental issues, and experiencing the social and
cultural aspects of each region.
♦♦ An individual study program enables Scholars to travel to
countries of choice.
2015 applications for 2016 Scholarships open.
Applications for 2016 Scholarships close.
July 2015
State-based selection panels short-list applicants.
August 2015
Final selections to be held in Melbourne.
September 16-18, 2015
National Conference in Albury, NSW; winners announced and
Scholarship briefing.
March 2016
All Scholars from around the world converge in Ireland for one week
for the Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC).
March/April 2016
♦♦ Scholars will submit a written report on the individual study
GFP Group one travels to New Zealand, Brazil, USA, Mexico and
the UK (itinerary to be confirmed). GFP Group two travels to South
Africa, Kenya, Eastern Europe, Europe and the USA.
♦♦ Scholars will make a verbal presentation about the individual
June/July 2016
program after completing their tour.
study program.
♦♦ There is financial assistance to the value of $30,000 (subject
to conditions) to cover costs associated with the pre-tour
briefing, overseas study and living expenses during the study
period. Costs exceeding the value of assistance must be met by
Scholars.
GFP Group three travels to India, Qatar, Turkey, France and the USA
(itinerary to be confirmed). GFP Group four travels to the Philippines,
Hong Kong, China, Canada, the USA and Ireland (itinerary to be
confirmed). GFP Group five travels to Indonesia, Japan, Israel, The
Netherlands and the USA (itinerary to be confirmed).
♦♦ There is assistance through the Nuffield network to develop
itineraries for individual study programs and gain access to
institutions and people linked to the area of study.
The scholarship tenure is 16 weeks over a period of two years. The longest compulsory element of the scholarship is the Global Focus
Program, where Scholars are overseas for six weeks. The 10-week individual study can be completed with flexibility thereafter.
2016 SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY PRODUCERS
ELIGIBILITY
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR 2016 INCLUDE:
The Scholarships are open to men and women, who are:
●● A grain grower in northern New South Wales or Queensland
●● Between 28-40 years of age. (Nuffield understands that
there may be people outside this age range who would
benefit from the Scholarship experience. We encourage
them to apply);
●● Ordinarily a resident of Australia;
●● Engaged in farming or fishing as an owner or manager or
an active member of a farming business; and
●● Intending to remain involved in primary production in
Australia.
Regard will be given to the value of the experience that the
applicant should gain through his or her studies.
All Scholars will be expected to resume residence in
Australia after completion of their scholarship and must write
a report of their studies (see Scholar’s agreement). This
report remains the property of Nuffield Australia and may
be published at Nuffield Australia’s discretion. Reports are
published at the expense of Nuffield Australia and remain the
property of Nuffield Australia.
THE BENEFITS OF A SCHOLARSHIP
♦♦ Research a primary production topic overseas.
♦♦ Enhance knowledge, skills and techniques.
♦♦ Join the Nuffield network of 1,400 Scholars worldwide.
(GRDC Northern Region), supported by the Grains Research
and Development Corporation
●● A grain grower in southern New South Wales, Victoria, South
Australia or Tasmania (GRDC Southern Region), supported by the
Grains Research and Development Corporation
●● A grain grower in Western Australia (GRDC Western Region),
supported by the Grains Research and Development
Corporation
●● A grain grower anywhere in Australia, supported by Grain
Growers Ltd
●● An aquaculture producer or a wildcatch fisher anywhere
in Australia, supported by the Fisheries Research and
Development Corporation
●● A viticulturist anywhere in Australia, supported by the
Australian Grape and Wine Authority
●● A rice grower anywhere in Australia, supported by the Rural
Industries Research & Development Corporation, Rice R&D
Committee
●● A chicken meat grower or livestock manager anywhere
in Australia, supported by Rural Industries Research &
Development Corporation, Chicken Meat Program
●● A vegetable levy paying grower anywhere in Australia,
supported by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using
the National Vegetable Levy and matched funds from the
Australian Government
●● A levy paying banana grower anywhere in Australia, supported
by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the
Banana Industry Levy and matched funds from the Australian
Government
●● A cattle, sheep or goat producer anywhere in Australia,
supported by Meat & Livestock Australia
●● A woolgrower anywhere in Australia, supported by Australian
Wool Innovation
●● An egg producer anywhere in Australia, supported by the
Australian Egg Corporation Limited
●● A dairy producer anywhere in Australia, supported by Dairy
Australia
●● A primary producer anywhere in Australia, supported by
Rabobank
●● A dairy producer from Victoria, supported by the Geoffrey
Gardiner Dairy Foundation
●● A primary producer in New South Wales, supported by John
Deere Limited
●● A primary producer in Queensland, supported by The Sylvia &
Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation
The provision of all Scholarships is subject to
the suitability of applicants and confirmation of
sponsorship arrangements. Additional Scholarships
may be offered subject to funding becoming available.
2016 SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY PRODUCERS
NUFFIELD SCHOLARS: in their own words
Bob Nixon
2014 Scholar, Kalannie, Western Australia
Tania Chapman
2014 Scholar, Mildura, Victoria
Michael Lyons
2014 Scholar, Charters Towers, Queensland
There are always plenty of excuses given for
why any of us can’t find the time to do a
Nuffield Scholarship. But make the most
of life and its opportunities as this is not
a rehearsal. There’s never a perfect time,
so I encourage you to apply and you will
never look back!
Leave family? Leave the farm for 16 weeks
over two years? It almost sounds like a
joke. How will it function without me? But
it does. The farm survives and so does
family, and in fact both become much
better functioning units as a result.
When I saw Oliver Wendell Homes’ quote “A
mind that is stretched by a new experience
can never go back to its old dimensions”,
I knew it summed up my Nuffield
experience.
2014 was a life changing year for me. Firstly,
the Global Focus Program, which involved travelling the world with a
group of scholars with diverse backgrounds in primary production.
That experience provided a big picture on global agricultural trends.
From there, I embarked on my own ten weeks of individual research.
The challenge of removing myself from the family business for an
extended time gave great perspective to evaluate my role and the
dynamics of our set-up. Nuffield provides a growing opportunity –
understanding the world changing around you and being inspired by
other industry people and practices, while keeping in sight the basics
of your business at home.
For further information contact: Jim Geltch, CEO, Nuffield Australia
Phone: 03 5480 0755 Email: [email protected]
When I first applied I thought about what
I could gain from this amazing opportunity.
I didn’t give enough thought to those staying behind, or to how I
would cope with so many flights, hotels, room sharing with other
scholars and little sleep.
But who needs sleep when there are unbelievable opportunities? ?
From Hohhot in Mongolia, to the Annapolis Valley in Canada and the
Australian Embassy in Beijing – opportunities kept coming because
of one word, Nuffield.
The biggest gain is the networks – that ability to contact people in 16
countries to gain local insights into markets, cultural practices and
the minds of ‘local’ consumers. This has the propensity to make a
difference to my business and industry.
I applied to travel overseas, learn more
about agriculture and bring back ideas that
might help our business. What I gained was a
whole lot more. A great group of mates, a contact list of progressive
farmers around the world, an avenue to pursue novel ideas, a chance
to visit farms of overseas gurus, time to think about my contribution
to local and worldwide agricultural issues and an opportunity to take
a break from our business and then see it through a different set of
eyes.
The Nuffield journey cleverly supports and stretches you through
series of events including the Contemporary Scholars Conference
and Global Focus Program, before you are let loose on the world
to pursue your own individual research. So if you are looking for a
challenge, some direction or an opportunity to “stretch” yourself,
then don’t hesitate to apply for a Nuffield Scholarship.
Application forms can be downloaded and completed from the Nuffield website: www.nuffield.com.au
or are available by contacting the Nuffield Australia office.