Grants & Awards

Supporting the next generation of British agriculture

Around £40,000 a year goes towards the education of younger people in agriculture and its allied industries — through scholarships, apprenticeships and college prizes.

Who we help

People early in a career in agriculture

Our funds support young people in agriculture and its allied industries who want to study, train or travel in order to improve their knowledge and their skills — and then bring what they learn back to the industry.

Each fund below says plainly who it is for. Read the one that fits rather than all four — and if none of them does, there is a general fund further down that may still be able to help.

The funds

What we award

Up to £16,000 The Henman Nuffield Scholarship In partnership with the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, the Company sponsors a Nuffield scholar each year — funding travel overseas to study a subject of their choosing and bring the findings home. One scholar a year Endowed 1978 Travel and study overseas Who it is for Mentoring and access Attfield Brooks Apprenticeships An annual scheme in which a Liveryman acts as Apprentice Master. Structured mentoring, exposure to the Livery and the City’s networks, and a simpler, cheaper route into the Livery up to the age of 40. Structured mentoring Possible travel contribution Who it is for Up to £750 Jubilee Scholarships Awards towards the training costs of younger members of the agricultural community. Open to current members of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. NFYFC members Established 2001 Who it is for Thirteen colleges Recognition of Achievement College prizes awarded each year to one student at each of thirteen agricultural colleges, nominated by their tutor and their Principal. Nominated, not applied for Awarded annually Who it is for

If none of those fits

The general charitable fund

The Farmers’ Company Charity provides support to promote agriculture and research, education, training and travel in connection with the farming industry.

Several funds are restricted to specific purposes — those are the four above. But we can also consider projects that do not meet those criteria and still fall within our wider remit of supporting people working in agriculture, or in the industries related to it, in the UK.

Every application is assessed on its merits. Our preference is to support individuals, for specific projects, where the need for funding is clear and in keeping with our purpose.

Apply for support

What to expect

Up to £3,000

Individual grants are generally up to £3,000, though larger awards may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Applications may be made through one of the Company’s committees, as they always have been, or directly to the Trustee Company using the form.

Also supported

Two more things the Company pays for

Not application funds, but part of the same work — putting money behind education in agriculture.

Two delegates a year Oxford Farming Conference The Company sends two senior members of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs to the conference each year, with the fee, the dinners and two nights covered. What it covers In the City Support for community education Surrey Docks Farm, Open Farm days, the Lord Mayor’s Show and a prize at the City of London Freemen’s School — helping urban communities understand modern farming. What we do

Where the money comes from

Funded by the Company and its members

Funds are raised directly from Liverymen, through gifts and legacies, through the Company’s own fundraising, and from the income of the Hall.

Careful management of the endowments — built on bequests from earlier Liverymen — together with the levy paid by present-day members, is what pays for the apprenticeships, the scholarships and the research.

The Worshipful Company of Farmers is not a wealthy livery company. Every gift and legacy widens what we are able to award.

The Company is a member of the Agri-Food Charities Partnership, which works in collaboration with fifty other charities to support the industry.

How the Company is funded

Support this work

Giving and legacies

Our success depends on the willingness of everyone in the Company to help. A gift now, or a legacy later, goes straight into the awards on this page.

Legacy giving

Become part of the Company.

Joining as a Liveryman means a life-long fellowship of like-minded people from across farming and food. The Clerk will guide you from first enquiry to Clothing.

Start your journey