The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has announced that Emma Patterson-Taylor from Edinburgh has been awarded funding for the 2020 Nuffield Farming Scholarship.

Emma, a project manager from the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS), will undertake a study into the position of farming in the public consciousness.

The Scholarships will be formally awarded at the Nuffield Farming Conference, held 27-29 November at Chesford Grange in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, after which the scholars will commence their 18 months of travel and study.

Bill Gray, RHASS Chairman, said: “RHASS is proud to support those with an ambition to expand their knowledge in support of the food and farming industry. Emma was not born into a farming family, yet has chosen to work in the sector so has a unique perspective on our industry. We very much look forward to the findings of her study into the position of farming in the public consciousness as this is something we need to understand to help us build a deeper understanding between producer and consumer.”

Commenting on her award, Emma added: “I’m delighted to be supported by RHASS and hugely appreciate the opportunity and research they are enabling me to undertake. Over the last few years RHASS and I have both been part of the group that set up and established Women in Agriculture Scotland so it’s wonderful to keep working together.”

Emma is one of nineteen Scholars from across UK who will travel across the globe to study their chosen topics.

“UK agriculture is navigating through a period of uncertainty and change - environmentally, socially and politically,” says Mike Vacher, Nuffield Director. “Our 2020 Scholars were selected from a talented and passionate group of applicants for their ability to lead positive change in their sectors as well as their potential to inspire others to do the same over the course of their travels and beyond.

“We have an exciting range of study topics this year and, on behalf of the Trust, I’d like to wish the 2020 Scholars the very best as they prepare to start to their journeys. I know that they have the ability to not only guide British agriculture through these uncertain times, but to help make it stronger than ever before,” adds Mike.

The 2020 Nuffield Farming Scholars are;
Aoife Behan (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Topic: ‘Policies for a transition to agroecology by 2045 (Scotland)’
• Generously supported by The MacRobert Trust

David Butler (Kent, South East)
• Topic: ‘Biodiversity for the Future of Fruit Farming’
• Generously supported by Thatchers Cider

John Capplonga (London, South East)
• Topic: ‘How a Circular Economy can benefit UK Farmers and Growers’
• Generously supported by The Studley College Trust

Lizzie Carr-Archer (Oxfordshire, Central)
• Topic: ‘How seed breeding could reduce farm inputs in the future’
• Generously supported jointly by The Worshipful Company of Farmers with Savills and the Central Region Farmers Trust

Nicola Harrison (Kent, South East)
• Topic: ‘Mapping out a green growth strategy for UK horticulture’
• Generously supported jointly by The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers and the Food Chain

Edward Jones (Anglesey, Wales)
• Topic: ‘Are we investing in the right agriculture technology and innovation?’
• Generously supported by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society

Fred Langdale (Hampshire, South East)
• Topic: ‘Frost protection and post frost care in cool climate viticulture’
• Generously supported by the John Oldacre Foundation

Jamie Lockhart (Norfolk, Anglia)
• Topic: ‘Unlocking the potential of Data Use and Agri-tech within Agriculture
• Generously supported by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association

Lucy MacLennan (Buckinghamshire, Central)
• Topic: ‘Do audits really improve microbiological food safety in fresh produce?’
• Generously supported by the Central Region Farmers Trust

Teresa Meadows (Essex, Anglia)
• Topic: ‘Challenging the Conventional: Behaviour change methods for the adoption of IPM’
• Generously supported by the John Oldacre Foundation

Emma Patterson Taylor (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Topic: ‘The position of farming in the public consciousness’
• Generously supported by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland

Angus Russell (Warwickshire, West Midlands)
• Topic: ‘The Family Farm's Sustainability and Profitability Through Joint Venture Farming’
• Generously supported by the John Oldacre Foundation

Hannah Senior (Yorkshire, Northern)
• Topic: ‘Accelerating AgriTech Entrepreneurs’
• Generously supported by The Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust (a Clyde Higgs Scholarship)

Samuel Smith (Dorset, South West)
• Topic: ‘Regenerative agriculture: a shared ambition for the future of farming?’
• Generously supported by McDonald’s Restaurants

Gary Spence (Kilkeel, Northern Ireland)
• Topic: ‘I can’t believe it’s not beef!’
• Generously supported by the Thomas Henry Foundation

Samuel Steggles (Norfolk, Anglia)
• Topic: ‘The journey to maturity - Navigating sustainable food business growth’
• Generously supported by NFU Mutual Charitable Trust

James Stobart (Cumbria, Northern)
• Topic: ‘Effective monitoring methods that measure ecological outcomes in grazing systems’
• Generously supported by The Company of Merchants of the Staple of England

Alastair Trickett (Yorkshire, Northern)
• Topic: ‘Nuance and Diversity. Mixed Farming for the Future Farmer’
• Generously supported jointly by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and National Trust