Congratulations to the charities and organisations supporting the Harper Adams Development Trust, which has raised more than £413,000 for 120 student scholarships.

This is a ten-fold increase in the investment made to students from charitable donations and industry sponsorship. Success has been down to the formation of the Harper Adams Development Trust ten years ago to find alternative sources of investment for students and facilities, following shrinking Government grants and amidst a very competitive financial landscape.

The Trust has raised funds from small and large charities, as well as a range of industry organizations – often bringing them together to deliver an investment impact that makes a difference to the individuals concerned, and, the industry it serves. 

A new postgraduate scholarship for agro-ecology student Beth Williams is a prime example of the very special sentiment of ‘giving something back’ that underpins the tone of these scholarship awards. This scholarship was provided by The Organic Farmers & Growers in memory of Bill Allen, “a very special man, who would do all that he could to help his farmers.’

Dr Alastair Lawson set up David Lawson scholarship in memory of his late father, a countryman and tractor enthusiast who worked in agriculture all of his life. Its first recipient, Chaunce Barrett-Crosdil, has designed an adaptor for cab cameras, which his is now selling successfully online.

Anglia Farmers, which has has offered student placements for several years, introduced its first scholarship of £3,500 plus a placement job. Emily Miller, from Essex, and Sarah Burton, from the Scottish Borders are the first recipients.

The first Tulip Foods scholar is Claudia Lumbers, year BSc (Hons) Agri-food Marketing with Business Studies student, from Cambridgeshire, who said: “I am incredibly thankful to have received the amazing opportunity to become a member of the new product development team at Tulip during my placement year and to be receiving a scholarship funded by Tulip – the first one ever!”

The Kildare Charitable Trust scholarship has been a loyal supporter of the scholarships, making an award to five students this year. Its elderly benefactor lives in a nursing home and enjoys hearing stories about how her support is making a difference.