McDonald’s is to sponsor a Nuffield Scholar who is researching precision poultry farming.
James Smaldon from Devon has been named as one of 2019’s Nuffield Scholars, and will spend the next year researching the topic: ‘The future of precision poultry farming and strategies to ensure best possible animal welfare’, supported by The Three Counties Agricultural Society and McDonald’s Restaurants.
The fast food giant began sponsoring scholarships in 2017.
The Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust has just published the names of 2019’s 19 scholars, who come from across UK agriculture, food and rural industries, will have the opportunity to travel for at least eight weeks in order to investigate their topic fully and explore global practices.
“UK agriculture is entering a period of unprecedented change, environmentally, socially and politically,” said Mike Vacher, Nuffield Director. “Our 2019 Scholars were selected from a strong set of applicants for their ability to lead positive change in farming, food, horticulture and other rural sectors, as well as their potential to inspire others during their scholarships and beyond.
“Their scholarships will allow Scholars to devote time to their particular subject while drawing on the Nuffield network which will put them in touch with world class experts in their chosen subjects. This is only possible due to bursary funding from NFST’s generous sponsors.”
The Scholarships will be formally awarded at the Nuffield Farming Conference in Glasgow in late November, after which the Scholars will commence their 18-month long studies.
“We have a diverse range of study topics this year and, on behalf of the Trust, I’d like to wish the 2019 Scholars the very best of luck. I know that they have the ability to help British agriculture develop and thrive in a new challenging chapter,” said Vacher.