About Nuffield Ireland

Developing leaders who shape the future of Irish agriculture

Our Mission

Nuffield Ireland's mission is to discover, inspire and support people to develop their capacity, character and confidence to promote positive change and world class leadership in agriculture, food and farming.

Nuffield Ireland is part of Nuffield International, a valuable global network which includes Nuffield organisations in 8 countries: Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe.

The Nuffield Farming Scholarship is a leadership development programme, in which scholars who demonstrate potential are given a bursary to travel, research and present a report on their chosen topic.

29+

Years Running

100+

Irish Alumni

2000+

Global Network

Member Countries

Our Core Values

Leadership

Developing agricultural leaders who drive positive change in their communities and industries.

Global Perspective

Connecting Irish farmers with international best practices and innovative approaches.

Community

Building a supportive network of scholars who collaborate and share knowledge.

Excellence

Recognizing and nurturing exceptional talent in the Irish agricultural sector.

Learning

Promoting continuous learning and professional development.

Partnership

Working with sponsors and stakeholders to support Irish agriculture.

Our History

The ethos and focus of the Nuffield Farming Scholarship owes a lot to its founder, William Morris (who later became Lord Nuffield). His curiosity, experiential learning, and transformative travel helped shape his success, and it is the foundation of the journey each Nuffield Scholar undertakes.

1943

Morris established the Nuffield Foundation for "the advancement of health and social well-being and the care and comfort of the aged poor"

1947

Objectives widened to include agricultural advancement, marking the beginning of Nuffield Farming Scholarships

1950

The Nuffield Foundation started a parallel scheme covering farmers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Kenya, the Rhodesias and Tanganyika

1978

The Trust changed its name to "The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust" to honour its illustrious benefactor

1996

Ireland joined the scheme through an initiative by the Irish Farmers Journal, the Irish Farmers Association and the FBD Trust

2011

With nearly 50 scholars, the first Nuffield Ireland Annual Conference was held

2026

Triennial International Conference to be hosted in Ireland

Our Governance

The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Ireland Limited is a company limited by guarantee, registered on 27th September 2006 (CRO number 427190). Registered Charity Number: 20062002.

Nuffield Ireland is governed by a Board of Directors who guide the strategic direction of the organisation.