Herefordshire farmer's son sets off on journey of a lifetime to seek out solutions for UK farmers
2 March 2010
Adam West, from Ledbury in Herefordshire will leave England this week on the first leg of the ‘journey of a lifetime’, searching for innovative ways to improve communication between farmers, rural organisations and the public.
As one of just 21 winners of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships 2010, all drawn from farming, food, and rural industries, Adam will begin his travels in the USA, at an International Conference on the ‘global food crisis’, before setting off on solo studies in his chosen destinations; Australia, New Zealand, California and Sweden.
There he will meet industry experts and search out groundbreaking information and techniques that, he hopes will help to steer the future of UK farming.
Adam, (40) who currently works for Natural England as a Land Management Adviser, was born on his parents’ farm near Ledbury, before being the first member of his family to go to university, Keele in Staffordshire.
He graduated in biochemistry and biology, and went on to gain a post-graduate degree in crop protection, from Harper Adams College, (now university). After that, he worked in farm management, in fresh produce supply for supermarkets, and then joined Natural England, based in Worcester.
“I am passionate about the farming and the food chain industry”, he said, “and I think that came through in my presentation, to the panel of senior industry experts, who selected me for a scholarship.” “The poor perception and lack of understanding that the British public has of farming and rural issues needs to be addressed, if people are to realise the value and quality of their countryside and food. It is imperative that farmers and stakeholders communicate with each other and with the public more effectively.”
“I have seen farming from the tractor, the food marketing side and from a land management perspective and I am aware that in other countries they have a quite different view of national food production and rural issues, often a more positive one.”
“ I aim to come back with some fresh ideas to improve the public perception of farming and the countryside, which will, I hope include greater industry co-ordination.”
When Adam touches down at Washington DC he will be joined by Nuffield Scholars from Australia Canada, France, Ireland and New Zealand as well as delegates from like minded associations around the world. The focus of this year’s scholarships is the ‘ Global Food Crisis’.
“My employer, Natural England, has been very supportive and will be contributing my annual training time allowance towards the study.” Adam added. “I am indebted to the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust and Natural England for this wonderful opportunity to have a positive influence on the industry that means so much to me”.
Adam will leave his wife (Kate) and baby (Tim) to travel for eight weeks during the coming 18 months to complete his research and present his recommendations at the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Conference in November 2011.
Roger Owen from Natural England said: I congratulate Adam on his success at being awarded this prestigious scholarship. It will provide a wonderful opportunity not only for Adam to experience how different countries and communities work to better integrate food production and consumer understanding, but also enable him to implement some of his findings here in the West Midlands.
For press information or pictures contact: Judie Kellie on 01299 896 555/ 07973 744161 or Dean Gallen
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Natural England is the government’s independent advisor on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run England’s Environmental Stewardship green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust promotes agricultural, horticultural, forestry and countryside management education in the UK and abroad. To advance the standard of UK farming (including the food supply chain, horticulture, forestry and countryside management) through the provision of Scholarships enabling the study of practices and techniques employed anywhere in the world.
They invite enthusiastic individuals to travel overseas and study topics of their choice in agriculture, land management, horticulture or the food chain. They provide individuals with the unique opportunity to:
Access the world's best in food and farming
Stand back from their day-to-day occupation and study a topic of real interest
Achieve personal development through travel and study
Deliver long-term benefits to UK farmers and growers, and to the industry as a whole Funded by the agriculture and food industry, charities and past Scholars themselves, the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust awards around 20 new Scholarships each year.
More information from John Stones, Director Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust
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