Sponsorship Opportunities

The Canadian Nuffield Scholarship Association began in 1950’s with Lord Nuffield’s original endowment. Since the mid-1970’s the scholarships are funded entirely by membership fees, and by donations. The program is run by a volunteer board consisting of former scholars.

The Beginnings of the Scholarship  – Lord Nuffield
In the aftermath of the Second World War Lord Nuffield, Industrialist and Philanthropist, initiated a travelling scholarship scheme for British and Empire farmers, in recognition of their contribution to feeding the nation through the war, and as a method of advancing the best agriculturalist practice around the world.

The first 2 scholars were selected in 1947. Jane Kenyon and Edward Stokes from the UK paved the way for some 1000 scholars from eight participating countries that have since travelled the world studying the best agricultural practice wherever it may be. From Brussels to Washington, the paddy fields of Asia and the fantastically productive farmlands in the America’s, to the most sophisticated and technologically advanced farming in the other parts of the world, Nuffield scholars have created an unrivalled network of Agriculturalists that, worldwide, are at the leading edge of their profession.

Each year, the 7 countries now participating in the scheme, award a total of approximately 50 scholarships to young agriculturalists. Their first engagement is the Contemporary Scholars Conference – an opportunity to meet and network with all newly selected scholars from around the world, and an opportunity to gain an understanding of agriculture of the host nation – the Netherlands in 2006, Canada and in 2008, Australia.

The great challenge of the coming century will be supplying the rapidly increasing demand for food, not only in quantity, but meeting the demands of an increasingly quality and environmentally conscious world. This is occurring at a time when around the Western world, because of half a century of declining margins, there has been an exodus of human capital from all sectors agriculture. Student numbers have dropped, Research and Development is in decline and there is a diminishing number of farmers.

The human Capital issue within agriculture is potentially the greatest barrier the West now faces in meeting the demands from agriculture that this new century will require. Nuffield, worldwide, is uniquely placed, and has an unrivalled programme, to assist in meeting the challenges in the years ahead.

For a more complete history of Lord Nuffield, visit “Nuffield – The Man“.

The Need Grows

While countries such as Australia and the UK fund upwards of 25 scholars annually, and New Zealand is able to provide funding of over $30,000, Canada is able to only support three scholars at $15,000.  The growing number of applicants and increased publicity over the innovations brought forth by past and current scholars shows that Nuffield Canada has momentum.

Now we’re seeking support to help us take advantage of this energy.

Please have a look at our sponsorship brochure which outlines the various opportunities available.

Joe (1962) and Joan Linnell received the William Morris Certificate in 2011.

William Morris Certificate

Nuffield Canada presents the William Morris Certificate in recognition of those who have generously donated more than $5000. The following certificate recipients are sincerely thanked for their ongoing contribution to agriculture.

Larry Yeo
Alfred Smith
Wally Doerksen
Mac Sprowl
Jack Rigby
Joe & Joan Linnell

Sponsor Benefits

• Nuffield Scholars are highly respected in their industries and are sought after as speakers, advisors and board members
  Canadian Nuffield Scholars play key leadership roles in many of Canada’s agricultural, food and rural associations.
• Sponsors gain exposure to new products, services, technologies and marketing approaches through knowledge brought home by scholars.
• Sponsors develop a relationship with the very best young farmers and entrepreneurs in not only Canada, but also through Nuffield International, in the world.
• Public recognition through the scholar and scholar report.
• You may gain a future employee or consultant responsible for a specific area and committed to either increasing profitably or knowledge or both.
• Companies receive a tax benefit as Nuffield Canada is a registered charity.

For more information on sponsorship please contact the Chair of Nuffield Canada.