For over 175 years, the RNAA has been at the heart of Norfolk’s agricultural community. As well as acting as an advocate for food, farming and the countryside, the Association has a long history of supporting young people – recognising promise, rewarding commitment and nurturing the next generation.
The RNAA Opportunities Fund seeks to build on this track record by expanding the support we offer to those considering a career in farming or seeking to develop their skills and experience.
Through a combination of bursaries, grants, scholarships, mentoring and other support, we will help young people achieve their potential. This might include:
– Support to attend the Oxford Farming Conference
– Support to undertake Nuffield Scholar
– Awards recognising outstanding achievement
– Grants to support training and qualifications
– Scholarships to agricultural colleges
– Work experience and Ambassador opportunities at RNAA events
– Developing the work of the YIELD Network for young professionals
RNAA Norfolk Farming Scholars Competition
Apply now to win a fully-funded scholarship for the Oxford Farming Conference and OFC Scholars Programme 2024.
If you are aged 18-30, involved in the Agricultural Industry, live/work or study in Norfolk, and have not previously attended The Oxford Farming Conference, then you are able to enter the Norfolk Farming Scholar Competition courtesy of The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.
The competition offers three winners the opportunity to be named as Norfolk’s Farming Scholars and be at the epicentre of all agriculture’s pressing issues at the start of 2024.
The OFC Scholars Programme and conference provides a great opportunity to participate in discussions surrounding the key topics affecting the Agricultural industry and to gain personal and professional development as future leaders of UK agriculture.
Case Studies
Emily Norton, Nuffield Farming Scholar
“The support that the RNAA offered me was transformational. The Nuffield scholarship got me out of my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to travel the world meeting inspiring people and consolidating my thinking on how policy supports farming as an industry. I am truly grateful to the RNAA for the leg-up their support gave me.”
Oscar Smith, Norfolk Scholar
“The Norfolk Scholar Bursary helped fund a trip to the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC). Coming from a non-farming background, and having been in the industry for 5 years, OFC revealed the limitless opportunity within our sector and introduced me to the value and excitement of networking. RNAA’s support gave me an experience that has been a massively positive driving force in my career.”
Anna Pursar, Norfolk Scholar
“I was awarded the Norfolk Scholar Bursary while studying at Easton College. It gave me the chance to attend the Oxford Farming Conference, which was a transformational experience and great for my CV! The RNAA’s support opened my eyes to exciting opportunities and contacts which otherwise would not have come about.”
Fund Objectives
The objectives of the fund are:
– To help people entering the industry by awarding grants to students of agriculture and allied subjects
– To acquire new skills and undertake professional development
– To encourage business development and innovation
– To build an endowment to sustain the fund for the future
How you can help
The Opportunities Fund will enable the RNAA to continue to make a difference to the future of agriculture in Norfolk. Please consider:
– Making a one-off gift or a pledge over a period of time
– Remembering the RNAA and the Opportunities Fund in your will
– Making a gift of shares or property
– Sponsoring the Opportunities Fund through your business
– Putting us in touch with a Charitable Trust or Foundation known to you
To donate, please see our Justgiving page: www.justgiving.com/rnaa
For more information, or to make a gift, please go to: www.rnaa.org.uk
Or contact:
Mark Nicholas MBE DL, Managing Director.
01603 748931
mark.nicholas@rnaa.org.uk
Harry Barnett receives his Nuffield Farming Scholarship from HRH The Duke of Gloucester, past President RNAA.
