John Longwill Agricultural Scholar: India Bosden

India Bosden, final year Food, Nutrition and Well-Being student and recipient of the John Longwill Agricultural Scholarship.

“I applied for this scholarship to further my development in the world of cheese. After completing my placement year at the Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Company, I decided that working with cheese is something that I thoroughly enjoy. I especially enjoyed the retail side of the business and would like to further this by opening my own cheese shop”, says India, 23.

“Although doing this may be something that takes many years to achieve, any money that I can save from the scholarship will be used towards opening a cheese shop in my local village. To be able to be part of the community, especially behind a shop counter, would be an excellent way to spend my days. Also, this would be following in my family’s footsteps of being grocers and owning delicatessens. I am unbelievably grateful for all involved with the John Longwill Agricultural Scholarship for giving me this opportunity.”

India has found Harper to be a perfect fit for her. “Having come from a rural background, Harper Adams was my first choice. I was especially interested in food, so chose to study Food, Nutrition and Well-Being as it covers all aspects of food that I find interesting; from nutrition to marketing as well as all the health and safety aspects that need to be covered when handling food.

“This has led me to complete an excellent placement year, and inspired me to become a cheesemonger. I have since gained work experience at Neal’s Yard Dairy in Covent Garden, over Christmas, a highly demanding experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.”

As well as aiming for her life goals, India shoots at more literal targets in her spare time. “I have been Clay Pigeon Shooting since I was nine years old, and have helped organise a monthly clay shoot at home, as well as being involved in the local game shoot. I am also a member of the Harper Adams Shooting Team.”