Following a two-stage interview process, the Nuffield Ireland selection panel has chosen four candidates to receive Nuffield scholarships.

Chair of Nuffield Ireland Geoff Dooley said: “The objective of the Irish Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust is to identify future leaders in the industry and facilitate their ambition to bring about meaningful change for the benefit of their community. Every year, the competition for places is strong and this year was no exception.”

Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

The successful applicants are Kate Dempsey, Wicklow owner of two start-up companies in the marine sector. Kate will study "the impact of Government policies on the development of global aquaculture".

Gareth Lamberton a dairy, beef and sheep farmer from Donegal supplying Aurivo. His study will look at "the impact on-farm decisions have on society".

Linda O’Neill from Waterford is dairy farming. She will look at "a sustainable animal health programme in Ireland’s national dairy herd".

Bruce Thompson from Laois is also dairy farming and intends to look at "how can dung beetles help in addressing anthelmintic resistance while embracing biodiversity?"

They will begin their travels when they will attend the Contemporary Scholars Conference (a one-week introduction to global agriculture, leadership skills and personal development for the 2020 Nuffield scholars from around the world).

The Nuffield Ireland networking event, "Fake News and its Implications for Agriculture" at the Horse and Jockey Hotel in Tipperary.\ Dylan Vaughan

This conference will be held in Brisbane, Australia, in March 2020.

The new scholars will give an outline of their study topic at the Nuffield Ireland Annual Conference in the Castleknock Hotel on Friday 15 November 2019. Full details of the conference here.

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