Fish and aquaculture producers from across Australia have the opportunity to explore the practices of primary producers overseas as recipients of Australia’s most prestigious farming award – the Nuffield Farming Scholarship.
Up to 16 Nuffield Scholarships are awarded annually and this year is the first a specific scholarship for fish and aquaculture producers has been offered. The scholarship has been sponsored by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).
Ms Jo-Anne Ruscoe, Projects Manager – people development with the FRDC, says the FRDC’s support of the Nuffield scholarship is indicative of its enhanced commitment to supporting the development of people in the fishing industry who will help the industry to meet its future needs.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for a producer to gain access to a global network and the world’s best production, management and marketing systems,” Ms Ruscoe said. “It allows them to take on an innovative project of their own design – fully supported by the Nuffield organisation and the FRDC.”
Applications for the 2007 Nuffield Scholarships, valued at up to $25,000 each, are now open. Winners will be selected based on their farming and leadership capabilities, and their potential to make a strong contribution to the future of Australian aquaculture or fisheries.
Nuffield Australia CEO Mr Jim Geltch said if aquaculture and fisheries were to compete and succeed internationally, Australian farmers needed to lead the world in best practice. “They need to recognise changing consumer preferences, adopt new technologies and production practices, and maintain the sustainability of their operations,” he said. “Australia needs farmers with a global view who can articulate the needs of the aquaculture and fishing industries.”
Nuffield Australia’s scholarship program gives fish and aquaculture producers the opportunity to become knowledgeable about the forces shaping international trade policy in key markets, the issues behind consumer sentiment and the technological advances being made by producers in other countries.
Scholarship recipients participate in a Global Focus Program where they spend six weeks in New Zealand, Asia, Europe and North and South America investigating marketing, trade and environmental issues.
Nuffield Scholars then spend at least 10 weeks studying the topic of their choice in whatever country best suits their individual needs.
“The information scholars gather while overseas helps them to make rational management decisions that position their farming enterprises so they benefit from international opportunities as they arise,” Mr Geltch said.
Nuffield Scholarship applications close on June 30, 2007. Application forms are available through the Nuffield Australia office on 02 6964 6600, enquiries@nuffield.com.au or on the website: www.nuffield.com.au
