NEIL Hamilton, AM for Mid & West Wales and Leader of UKIP Wales, is urging young famers, in his constituency, to travel and learn more about agriculture in other countries.
Mr Hamilton, Party Spokesman for Rural Affairs and Agriculture, is calling on young people, under the age of 30 years, to apply for the Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Scholarship.
The Scholarship, which is supported by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, is making up to £2,500 available to lucky youngsters to make their travel dreams come true.
Mr Hamilton said: “This a wonderful opportunity for young farmers who are keen to learn more about agriculture and farming methods in other parts of the world.
“Ten young people benefited from the award last year and between them visited USA, Latvia, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand where they gained an insight into farming in these countries.
“As everybody knows, these days, it is more important than ever to gain a wider knowledge of the agricultural industry and it is great to see such opportunities available for young farmers in Wales.
“I would urge anyone interested to make sure they apply.”
NFU Cymru County Adviser, Peter Howells said: “The scholarship fund was launched in 1984 in memory of the late Gareth Raw Rees MBE from Ceredigion, whose considerable energies had always been directed towards promoting the interests of young people in farming and in the countryside.
“He was a firm believer in the inestimable benefits of travelling towards the fulfilment of a broader and more rewarding education.”
The Scholarship is managed by the Raw Rees family; NFU Cymru; NFU Mutual; Wales YFC; the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University and the Future Farmers of Wales.
Mr Dai Davies OBE, Chairman of NFU Mutual’s Advisory Board for Wales, said the scholarship offered fantastic opportunities for young people to travel and learn from farming methods in other parts of the world
He said: ”Over the years we’ve received some exceptional applications from some very capable and enterprising young people and have been able to support their efforts in visiting and learning about a variety of agricultural techniques employed all across the globe. We very much look forward to receiving some equally impressive applications once again in 2018.”
If you are under 30, and would like some financial assistance with your travels then contact Peter Howells at NFU Cymru on 01982 554200 or email Peter.Howells@nfu.org.uk.
The closing date for applications is Friday May 4, 2018 and the winners will be announced at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
