Change and long-term thinking theme of 16 new agricultural studies

Nuffield Scholars have been helping to shape the future of British agriculture (Photo: David Betteridge)
Nuffield Scholars have been helping to shape the future of British agriculture (Photo: David Betteridge)

The overarching theme among 16 new agricultural studies released today is the adoption of change in the farming industry and the focus on long-term thinking.

A total of 16 Nuffield Scholars, a mixture of progressive farmers and industry professionals, were presented at this year’s annual Nuffield conference held in Bristol.

Following 18-months of travel and study, they individually reported on their studies, and presented their findings to enhance their respective sectors.

Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust award individuals each year with the opportunity to research topics of interest in either farming, food, horticulture or rural industries.

The conference is seen as an opportunity to hear about the challenges faced by global counterparts in the agricultural industry, and find out how they’re overcoming them.

These ideas are then brought back to the UK. The scholars said that positive change will only come about if these ideas are communicated to the wider UK industry.

“All of the scholars brought back practical solutions from their global travels and many presented the latest innovations in technology,” says Mike Vacher, Nuffield director.

“An impressive array of subjects were covered during the two-day event with everything from social farming and food poverty, to farming in the media and blackgrass control, all discussed and debated.”

Food poverty

Just one of the highlights of the event was Rob Mercer’s presentation on reducing food poverty in the UK.

He noted some worrying statistics, explaining that 8 million people in the UK alone are suffering from food insecurity.

Mr Mercer went on to explain that through his Scholarship, he has set up a charity, providing free, fresh food to local primary school families in deprived areas.

And while this is currently only benefiting a few communities, he hopes to gain support to roll out the initiative more widely.

Another insightful presentation came from Ben Taylor-Davies, whose Scholarship saw him set out in search of a sustainable system to tackle blackgrass.

He mentioned that in the last 20 years the cost of controlling the aggressive weed has risen by over 800%, and showcased how his own ‘System BEN’, comprising of block rotation and cultivation, can enhance natural selection and eventually neutralise blackgrass.

Farming in the mainstream media

Rural journalist and producer, Anna Jones, presented her ideas to improve disconnect between agriculture and the general public, addressing the issue of lack of trust between many farmers and the mainstream media.

She said that the public perception and narrative around agriculture is dominated by politics, and drowning out the individual farm-level messages.

To help resolve this issue, one of her key recommendations was for more farmers to openly speak out, championing their own systems with passion and without politics, on topical industry issues.

In addition to the presentations, the new cohort of 2018 Scholars were officially presented with their Scholarships by the Duke of Gloucester, patron of the Scholarship Trust, before they embark on their travels in the New Year.