Young farmers in Wales are being encouraged to apply for a travel scholarship designed to broaden their knowledge and experience of agriculture across the world.

The Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Scholarship is once again open for applications, offering financial support to those under the age of 30 who are keen to explore farming practices beyond their home region.

Last year, £4,450 was made available to successful applicants travelling within the UK, Europe and further afield. Previous recipients have visited destinations including New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the Orkney Islands, Georgia and the Isle of Man.

The scholarship is open even to those who have already received funding from other schemes, providing an additional opportunity for young people starting out in the industry.

NFU Cymru Policy Adviser, Joe Rees Jones said: “The scholarship fund was launched in 1984 in memory of the late Gareth Raw Rees MBE from Ceredigion, whose considerable energies had always been directed towards promoting the interests of young people in farming and in the countryside. He was a firm believer in the benefits of travelling towards the fulfilment of a broader and more rewarding education.

“We have awarded scholarships to some incredible young farmers and their experiences abroad have been extremely beneficial to their own farming practices back here in Wales. I urge anyone looking to travel abroad to submit an application this year as you could very well be successful.”

The scholarship is managed by the Raw Rees family alongside NFU Cymru, NFU Mutual, Wales YFC, IBERS at Aberystwyth University and the Future Farmers of Wales.

The closing date for applications is Friday, June 12. Successful candidates will be announced at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

For an application form, contact NFU Cymru on 01982 554200 or email: [email protected]