New scholars announced for 2025

The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust has announced the appointment of 24 new Scholars for 2025, two of whom are from East Anglia.

Tom McVeigh, who sits on the CLA Suffolk committee, manages his Suffolk farm alongside his father and sister and has an interest in growing and modernising this business. He would like to diversify the business and integrate nut production into the farming system to help improve sustainability and profitability. Through his Scholarship study, Tom aims to explore viable methods for nut cultivation in the UK, while also addressing climate challenges and aligning with new agricultural policies to ensure long-term success.

• Study title: A study of nut production, propagation, processing and marketing in the UK.
• Generously supported by the Beckett Award.

As the 11th generation to farm his family's land, Archie Ruggles-Brise, who is on the CLA Essex committee, hopes innovation will ensure the business not only survives but thrives for future generations, all while supporting the local community. During his Scholarship, he would like to learn more about multifunctional landscape (MLF) approaches and gather evidence to help UK land managers design and deliver MFL systems. He will explore the benefits by measuring the value and defining productivity of MLF systems.

• Study title: Balancing the books. Does multifunctional productivity represent optimal land use?
• Generously supported by Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.

Over the course of their Scholarships, they will travel internationally to gain an in-depth understanding of their study topic from global experts and leaders.

“Applications this year were incredibly strong, which made the job of our selection committee particularly challenging,” says Rupert Alers-Hankey, Director of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

“This is my first year as director and I have been so impressed by the cohort of 2025 Scholars, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and sectors. The list of topics the Scholars have chosen to explore is inspiring and reflects some of our industry’s most pressing challenges. Nuffield Farming Scholarships help develop future leaders in the UK’s agriculture and rural sectors. There is no doubt in my mind that the 2025 Nuffield Farming scholars will lead positive change in Agriculture”.

The trust will officially introduce their latest cohort at the Nuffield Farming Conference, to be held in Belfast in November.