Marshal Papworth scholars show their support for British Farmers
Farmers from developing countries have been keen to support British Farming for the Farmers Guardian and Morrisons ‘Farm24’ event this month. The Marshal Papworth Fund provides scholarships for lead farmers and agricultural professionals from developing countries worldwide, with a 10-week unique course in sustainable agriculture hosted at Harper Adams University, as well as funding Masters degrees for MSc and MA courses in agriculture and horticulture at leading UK universities, all working towards the Marshal Papworth vision of ‘growing out of hunger’.
The alumni of over 200 graduates were quick to show their support for the ’24 hours in farming’ campaign, with photos sent in from across the African nations as well as Sri Lanka and Vietnam, giving thanks for all the hours of support that British farmers have given to helping Marshal Papworth students further understand their studies in practical terms.
Speaking after a visit to a 1,459ha mixed enterprise in Rutland owned and run by Percy Gilman and his family, Charles Kabena from Malawi, a Reading University MSc Communication for Development student, said: “We are very grateful to the Gilman family for giving us their time and such an all-encompassing learning experience, which helps us understand how we can help our communities take their production to a commercial level alongside a sustainable approach to wildlife conservation. The opportunity to see first-hand many of the theories that we are covering in class is also invaluable to our studies and will allow us to make a stronger impact when we return to our home countries.”
Managed by the East of England Agricultural Society and formed in 2001 with funds bequeathed by the late Marshal Papworth, an East Anglian Farmer, the programme has to date provided agricultural scholarships for 215 students from developing countries at leading UK agricultural universities and colleges, all working towards helping developing countries across the world in ‘growing out of hunger.’
To find out more about supporting the Marshal Papworth Fund, please contact Sandra Lauridsen on 01733 363514 or email slauridsen@eastofengland.org.uk for more information. If you’ve enjoyed learning about us and would simply like to make a donation please visit www.marshalpapworth.com/information/donate.html
