EDP Press Release Jan’24
Two agriculture students from non-farming backgrounds have won career-boosting bursaries from Norfolk-based industry organisations.
Barrie Fletcher and Kate Pritchard have been selected for undergraduate bursaries from the John Innes Foundation.
The tuition fees will be paid for their three-year courses, and they will be helped to find work placement opportunities during their studies and after graduation.
Barrie Fletcher, from Stow Bridge near King’s Lynn, is a mature student returning to academia at Writtle University to improve his understanding of crops and crop physiology after having spent some time working in the UK, New Zealand and Australia
He said: “I’m thrilled to be awarded the bursary as it opens doors for me to forge valuable industry connections and deepen my knowledge. This opportunity is a stepping stone to both professional growth and expanding my network.”
Kate Pritchard, originally from Hampshire, is in her final year at Newcastle University and has already been promised employment by rural agency Brown&Co, which has offices across the East of England.
“I am delighted and very grateful that the John Innes Foundation has supported me in my education and in my goal of having a successful career in British agriculture,” she said.
John Innes Foundation trustee Keith Norman said: “Both candidates are from non-farming backgrounds and the combination of the mentoring and financial assistance they will receive, will help them to achieve their career goals.
“Barrie and Kate have many strengths and we were impressed by their respective career planning and work experiences to date.”
The bursary scheme is administrated and supported by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), whose managing director Mark Nicholas said: “The RNAA has been delighted to help the John Innes Foundation find two exceptional candidates.
“As an organisation supporting young people, our mission is to ensure that we help enable potential and raise aspirations.”