2026 NUFFIELD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2025.  BY STEPHANIE BOLTON, PhD & NUFFIELD USA.

Nuffield Farming Scholars like those pictured above from the USA, Brazil, Australia, England, Netherlands and Ireland inspire people to make a difference in the world of agriculture. With a history that dates back to 1947, this global scheme focuses on growing the most critical resource our agriculture industry has: PEOPLE.

Nuffield Farming Scholarships provide young farmers and agriculturists with $25,000 in funds dedicated to a global agriculture experience designed to bring new knowledge and ideas to their home communities. Farmers and agricultural professionals are encouraged to apply by October 31, 2025 (scroll down for details).

History of the Nuffield Organization

The ethos and focus of the Nuffield Farming Scholarship owes much to its founder, William Morris (who later became Lord Nuffield). Morris, an industrialist and philanthropist in the United Kingdom, made his fortune building bicycles and later launching Morris Motor Company. As part of his journey to learn about building cars, Morris sought out other leaders in the sector to see what they were doing. This curiosity, experiential learning, and transformative travel helped shape his success.

Morris never had children to pass his fortune onto, so he chose to generously establish the Nuffield Farming Scholars program in 1947 to fund farmers and leaders in agriculture to have the same sort of international learning experience he had. The Nuffield program continues to this day via generous support from scholarship funders from around the world.

The Nuffield Farming Scholars program provides a life-changing opportunity for farmers and agriculturists to gain first-hand knowledge from global experts, bringing home new ideas and a new ability to engage as not just technical experts, but national thought leaders. Nuffield is active in 14 countries: there are stand-alone Nuffield Farming Scholar programs in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, and recently in the USA, with Chile, Germany, Japan and Poland falling under the Nuffield International umbrella.

Nuffield Scholars are proficient, committed agriculturists who believe in the future of agriculture and are willing to engage globally to surface and share new ways to manage our resources, support developing nations and emerging markets, and better understand the global dynamics of agriculture.

The author, a Nuffield Scholar, pictured in a Japanese winery posing with the smallest wine tanks she’s ever seen and their innovative owner.
Facing a sharp decline in farmers and operating farms, Japan invested an astounding amount of money into what is known as the Sixth Industry to revitalize the country’s agricultural sector and thus protect it’s ability to be more self-reliant. Farmers can get government funding for equipment to create value-added agricultural products, such as wine and even popcorn (we also toured Japan’s first popcorn factory!).

Nuffield Scholars travel for up to 12 weeks, divided into three separate components, throughout their scholarship term. They also present extensive research reports on their individual topics after completing their tour and make verbal presentations about their topic following its completion. The funding to travel and explore as a Nuffield Scholar comes from investors who are actively interested in helping support and shape the future of U.S. agriculture.

The timing of these travels are:

• • 8-day Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) in March (locations shift around the world each year – in 2026 it will be in Japan).
  • 4-week Global Focus Program (GFP) experience with other scholars from various countries. This small group travel typically covers 4-5 countries, including a stop in the U.S. GFP groups travel in either March/April or June/July of each year.
  • 4-5 weeks in self-directed travel exploring the selected research topic.

Nuffield Farming USA scholarships are available for farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals who are:

• • An individual who makes a living from agriculture, either as a primary producer or working in the industry.

  • Typically between 25 and 45 years of age, but exceptional candidates outside that age range will be considered.

  • Seeking to develop capacity and experience through travel and exploration.

  • A Citizen of the United States of America, a Naturalized Citizen of the United States of America, or Permanent Resident of the United States of America. Preference is given to applicants that are Citizens.

Why apply for a Nuffield Farming Scholarship?

A Nuffield Farming Scholarship is a leadership program for people with a passion for advancing agriculture and their rural communities. The scholarships encourage the development of future leaders and promote international networking with exceptional innovators in agriculture. Nuffield USA Scholars return home with fresh perspectives, best practices, and global connections that positively impact their businesses, communities, and industries.

2026 Nuffield USA applications are open until October 31, 2025. To apply, click the link below to download the scholarship application. Any questions and downloaded application materials should be sent via email to: Susan Truehart Garey at truehart@udel.edu and Bart Ruth at bartruth01@gmail.com.

APPLY HERE

America has been involved in the Nuffield International Farming Scholars program since 2015, selecting the first Nuffield International USA Scholar in 2017. There are now over 20 Nuffield Scholars from the USA, including four from California (Tom Merwin of Clarksburg, Stephanie Bolton of Lodi, Martin Chavez of the San Joaquin Valley, and Emma Canepa of Lodi). Emma is on her Global Focus Program right now, pictured below (far right, second from bottom) with her fellow Global Focus Program crew in Scotland!

To become an investor in our greatest agricultural resource (our people!) via the Nuffield Farming Scholar program, visit nuffieldusa.com/support-us. A huge thank you to all of the current investors listed below!

To learn more, visit nuffieldusa.com.

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