The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Centenary Award 2025

NFU Mutual’s 2025 Centenary Award is now open for applications. The annual award provides bursaries to pay up to 75% of course fees for selected students who are undertaking a postgraduate course in agriculture (Masters or PhD) within the UK.

The Centenary Award was created by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2010 to celebrate NFU Mutual’s 100th birthday, with the objective of creating a legacy for the future. To date, 56 agricultural students have received bursaries to help further their studies. 

The award is open to individuals who have gained, or are expected to gain, a 2:1 or above in agriculture or a related degree, and have been accepted or provisionally accepted on a Masters or PhD course in agriculture in the UK, during the 2025/2026 academic year. 

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has identified four topics of interest for eligible students. At least one of these areas must form part of the applicant’s postgraduate course: 

• The application of science and innovative technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability for UK farming businesses
• Building resilience and safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of those living and working in the UK agricultural industry
• Tackling the risks of climate change, whilst maintaining food security, to improve the sustainability of UK agriculture
• Identifying opportunities for supporting nature and biodiversity in the development of farming and land management practices in the UK

To select award recipients, the judging panel will be looking for applicants who are not only excellent academic performers, but also have a real passion for agriculture and demonstrate potential to become a future industry leader. 

Four promising postgraduate agricultural students from across the UK were selected to receive a ‘Centenary Award’ bursary from The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2024:

The four selected students for 2024 (pictured below) are:

• Esther Rowntree from Cumbria: MPhil Crop Sciences, University of Cambridge
• Jemima Brown from Derbyshire: MSc International Agri-Business and Food Chain Management, Harper Adams University
• Alexander Cumming from Suffolk: MPhil Crop Sciences, University of Cambridge
• Eleanor Cameron from Wiltshire: MSc Food Security, University of Warwick

Esther is undertaking her Master’s course to leverage cutting-edge crop science research that will enable the practical implementation of sustainable and equitable agriculture. 

Jemima is undertaking her Master’s in Agri-Business on a full-time basis over one year to study national and international agricultural markets determine how UK supply chains could be more effective and transparent, from farm to fork. Jemima explained more: “My course will look into how agricultural businesses are managed and maintained and how that produce enters the food chain. I want farmers to be treated fairly in all walks of life and to be paid fairly for their produce and services. My goal is to use my knowledge to advise farmers on how to maximise their business, ensure they are getting the best from what they have and guide them throughout their careers to ensure they have the best all-round support they can.” 

Alexander, who is also passionate about UK agriculture and the environment, is undertaking his Master’s in Crop Science to make a positive contribution to the sustainability of agriculture in the UK and worldwide. Alexander commented: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and advance my career position in sustainable agriculture with the support of this prestigious award.”

Eleanor is undertaking her Master’s in Food Security to contribute to solutions that enhance agricultural practices, mitigate risks, and promote equitable access to nutritious food. 

How to apply for the 2025 Centenary Award:

To apply for our award, simply download the award’s application guidelines and the award’s application form. 

Email your completed application form to centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk.

You will receive an automated reply from NFU Mutual’s ‘Centenary Award mailbox’ to acknowledge receipt of your email.

The closing date for the 2025 award is midnight 30th June. 

If you have an queries regarding your eligibility, or your application, please contact centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk.