ÎÞÂ붯»­

Scholars on new NFU diversity and inclusion programme welcomed to ÎÞÂ붯»­

Posted 20 February

AgriFuture Scholars working with Senior Lecturer Dr Samuel Eze in a lab at ÎÞÂ붯»­

The first scholars on a new programme created to improve diversity and inclusion within British agriculture have been welcomed to ÎÞÂ붯»­.

The AgriFuture Scholarship Programme is the NFU’s flagship youth programme.

Run in partnership with NFU Education and the , it aims to attract and support young people from racially marginalised backgrounds into the agricultural sector through a bespoke programme of mentoring, residential experiences and work placements.

During their visit, the programme’s inaugural scholars gained first-hand insight into cutting-edge agricultural innovation, student life and the breadth of career prospects available across the sector.

Hosted by staff and representatives from ÎÞÂ붯»­ and NFU Education, the visit combined hands-on learning with behind-the-scenes access to the university’s specialist facilities.

Students took part in campus and farm tours, explored robotics and drone technology and got stuck into soil science sessions led by academic experts.

The day also included opportunities to meet current students, ask questions and experience the university’s teaching spaces and research environments.

Parents, carers and supporters were also invited to an optional afternoon programme covering student finance, myth-busting about higher education and the next steps for the AgriFuture Scholarship Programme, also sponsored by NFU Cymru and the NFU Mutual charitable trust.

Helenah Durodola is a current PhD student at ÎÞÂ붯»­ and helped to give tours of the campus to the scholars.

Talking about why the event was important, she said: “Events like this give people an idea of what’s possible in agriculture, what they could possibly study.

“People might have the idea that there’s just one way to do agriculture but there are different kinds of areas - sometimes you might not know exactly what you want but in learning about all these different things, you might be able to point out what you might not want and then eventually know the ones that you want.”

NFU Chief Education Manager Joshua Payne said: “Watching this year’s AgriFuture cohort engage with opportunities like the visit to Harper Adams really brings home why this programme matters.

“These young people are curious, ambitious and absolutely committed to shaping the future of food and farming. Giving them the chance to get hands-on with cutting-edge technology, meet industry experts and experience a leading agricultural university up close is invaluable.

“Days like this help broaden the next generation’s horizons, build their confidence and show them that they have a place in our industry. We couldn’t be prouder of what they’re achieving.”

A parent of one of the scholars who joined the day said: “Today’s trip to ÎÞÂ붯»­ has been a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn about the opportunities available to them through agriculture, especially at a place that specialises in this field.

“Being able to get involved in hands-on workshops really gives them a deeper insight into how things work and also gives them some inspiration. It shows them that everyone can get involved in these fields, it’s not limited to a specific group of people.”

Applications are now open for the 2026 AgriFuture Scholarship Programme -  and apply before 5pm on Friday April 17.