The search is on to find two new Norfolk Scholars following the launch of the annual competition organised by Bidwells and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA).
Now in its third year the scholarship programme, offers the young people places at farming's foremost industry event, The Oxford Farming Conference.
The Norfolk Scholar programme was designed to underpin the future of the region's agriculture sector and is open to young people aged between 18 and 35, who live work and/or study in Norfolk.
To qualify for the fully-funded scholarship applicants need to submit a short précis on how their attendance at the conference could benefit their professional lives and what they feel are the challenges facing UK agriculture.
James Brooke Head of Farm and Rural Agency at Bidwells, said: "We are delighted to be able to run this initiative for a third year as we feel it is essential that we support young talented people in our industry and region.
"Young people are vital for the future of farming, yet they can find it difficult to break into the industry. Therefore this scholarship is a really valuable opportunity for them to learn more about this ever-changing sector and meet with experts and farming professionals."
Greg Smith, Chief Executive of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), said: "Ensuring a sustainable future for farming in the county is core part of the organisation’s purpose, and the industry can only thrive if we encourage the brightest and best to take careers in the agriculture and help ensure Norfolk remains at the forefront of innovation in the sector.
“The three-day conference in Oxford will provide the winners with an excellent opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best minds in the industry and to hear from some of the most influential speakers in farming. By bringing their knowledge and enthusiasm back to the county this year’s winners will help provide motivation for other young people considering jobs in agriculture."
Last year's scholar winners, Emma Slater and Thomas Oates, both praised the programme and said it left them feeling inspired and excited by careers in agriculture.
Thomas who was working for Wayland Farms on a placement from Harper Adams University said: "Overall, the conference was a brilliant experience; it was a great opportunity to have an insight into innovation, and meet a range of interesting people. I would urge all other young people with aspirations to try to go there and entering the Norfolk Scholars initiative is a great way to do it."
As part of the initiative the winning pair will attend the prestigious three-day conference, where they will hear from leading international and national speakers within the agricultural sector.
Speakers at the event can include policy makers, politicians, academics, scientists, farmers, food chain representatives and even diplomats.
