Duchy announces awards for agriculture students

Posted 20 November 2013

The Duchy of Lancaster has announced a new student award scheme as part of its wider commitment to securing the future of Britain’s farming industry.

Students taking degree courses in agriculture at Harper Adams University, Shropshire, or Myerscough College in Lancashire will soon be able to apply for financial support from the Duchy of Lancaster via an award fund paid direct to each institution. 

The Duchy of Lancaster, which is custodian of more than 18,700 hectares of land across England and Wales, will offer students the opportunity to apply for up to £2,500 per annum to support their studies.  It is hoped these awards will give students who may not have otherwise been able to do so the opportunity to study towards a career in the Agricultural sector, helping support the next generation of farmers.

Nathan Thompson, Chief Executive of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “The awards have been set up as part of our commitment to and involvement with the farming industry. A central aim of the Duchy of Lancaster is to protect the future of our agricultural land holdings and one of the key ways we can do this is by supporting the next generation of farmers. 

“Each award will provide £2,500 per annum per student, with the total annual Duchy of Lancaster commitment amounting to £10,000 per annum by academic year 2015/16.”

The awards are expected to be available at Harper Adams University from Autumn 2014 and will be administered by the university.