A RURAL insurer has launched an award for this year's postgraduate students.

The NFU Mutual's 2024 Centenary Award is now open for applications. The scheme provides bursaries to pay up to 75% of course fees for selected students who are undertaking a postgraduate course in agriculture (master's or PhD) in the UK. 

The award was created by the NFU Mutual charitable trust in 2010 to celebrate the insurers 100th anniversary. To date, 52 students have received bursaries to help with their studies. 

Last year, Megan Phillips, Peter Reis and Ludo de Fable received a bursary from the trust. 

The 2024 award is open to individuals who have gained, or are expected to gain, a 2:1 or above in agriculture or a related degree, and have been accepted or provisionally accepted on a master’s or PhD course in agriculture in the UK, during the 2024/2025 academic year.

At least one of the following areas must form part of the postgraduate course: 

  • The application of science and innovative technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability for UK farming businesses
  • Building resilience and safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of those living and working in the UK agricultural industry
  • Tackling the risks of climate change, whilst maintaining food security, to improve the sustainability of UK agriculture
  • Identifying opportunities for supporting nature and biodiversity in the development of farming and land management practices in the UK

Judges will be looking for applicants who have a passion for UK agriculture and demonstrate potential to become a future industry leader. 

Jim McLaren MBE, NFU Mutual Chairman, said: “NFU Mutual is committed to creating a positive and sustainable difference for those living and working in rural communities.

"Our Centenary Award supports passionate individuals to further their personal contribution to UK agriculture, whilst also championing research and innovation for the industry."

The closing date for applications is midnight on June 30 2024.