Entries invited for travel bursary award (From Western Telegraph)

Entries invited for travel bursary award

Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd have launched their bursary award for 2002.

The objective of the annual award is to encourage the active involvement of younger farmers in agricultural co-operation.

The award is given to the best paper written on any subject pertaining to agricultural and/or rural based industries inclusive of diversification topics, with the winner receiving a bursary to the value of £1,500 to be used for the study of co-operation in the global environment.

The award is open to anyone under 40, who is a shareholder, family member or employee of a shareholder of CCF Ltd.

Entrants should produce a short written paper, not exceeding 3,000 words, on any subject of particular interest to them, but relating to agriculture or rural based industry. Diversification schemes for agriculture which improve farm income will be welcome.

The bursary is a prestigious award and will allow the winner: l to travel and study abroad;

l to see different agricultural systems and methods at first hand in other countries,

l to improve their personal profile enhancing their job prospects, l to benefit their home county by introducing their new ideas.

The competition will be independently judged by Professor Dai Morris, of St Clears. From the initial entries, three will be selected to present their paper in the form of an illustrated talk to an open meeting of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers in late April. At this meeting Professor Morris will select the winner. The winner will receive a bursary worth £1,500, second £100 and third £50.

The award, which can be combined with other grants and EU funding, is to be used for the study of co-operation within the farming and rural communities anywhere in the world.

There are many successful production co-operatives operating throughout the World which have substantially increased the income of their farmer members. Frequently success has been achieved through successful marketing and good quality control which can only be achieved through co-operation.

Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd will assist the winner to find a suitable placement abroad through its contacts with other co-operatives in other countries. It may also guide them to numerous co-operative projects in Europe financed by the EU LEADER programme.

A final report from the recipient of the award, following the study period abroad. will be presented to CCF Ltds AGM in February 2003.

Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd has from its inception almost a century ago, been interested in furthering the education of farmers within Wales. It is particularly keen to encourage younger members in the industry to study co-operation among other farming communities, particularly within the European Union. This will assist the transfer of new ideas which will help the local farming and rural economy prosper in Wales.

For further information contact: Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd, Clynderwen, SA66 7NW, or telephone Mr Vernon Edwards, general manager, on 01437 563441. The closing date is March 2002.