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Introducing Canada’s 2018 Nuffield Scholars

The latest crop of Nuffield scholars include:

• Ellen Crane, MSc Ag, from Murray Siding, N.S., is the general manager of the Maritime Beef Council. Her study topic will focus on which beef production attributes are most important to consumers, what are consumers willing to pay for and ways producers can implement these production attributes to leverage opportunities in consumer marketing. Her scholarship is sponsored by Nuffield Canada alumni.
• Josh Oulton of Port Williams, N.S., owns Taproot Farms Inc., which has grain, fruit, vegetable and livestock divisions. Interested in flax production from seed to shirt, Josh will study all aspects of growing high-quality flax fibre for long line linen processing into high quality clothing. He is also interested in exploring the various opportunities for use of the waste materials from long line processing. His scholarship is sponsored by Nuffield Canada alumni.
• Gavin Robertson of Niagara, Ont., is wine-maker and vineyard coordinator at the Niagara College Teaching Winery. Robertson will examine the curriculum and content of a wide range of international viticulture training programs and seek input from industry stakeholders, including vineyard and winery owners and operators, marketing boards and relevant government agencies. His research will be used to develop recommendations and guidelines for viticulture training in the Canadian grape industry, to the benefit of both public institutions and private enterprise. His scholarship is sponsored by Nuffield Canada alumni.
• Shelley Spruitt of Mountain, Ont., is a partner in Against the Grain Farms, where she focuses on the restoration of ancient grains to produce value-added products and whole grains and flour. She has a keen interest in creating awareness of the importance of locally-sourced products, not just for fruit, vegetables, meat and cheeses, but also for grains. Her study topic will investigate the ways in which this is implemented in other countries and her research will be shared in Ontario and across Canada. Her scholarship is sponsored by Glacier FarmMedia.

The four new scholars will prepare for their international study travels with a trip to the Netherlands in March 2018, where they will meet with Nuffield scholars from around the globe at a week-long conference, focussing on global agriculture and business topics and personal development.

“These four scholars will build their leadership and organizational capabilities while investigating issues critical to Canadian agriculture,” said Kelvin Meadows, chairman of Nuffield Canada. “Their international experiences over the next two years will provide opportunities and perspective that will add tremendous value to their own careers and to our Canadian agricultural community.”

Nuffield Canada 2018 scholarships will be supported by long-time investor Glacier FarmMedia and Nuffield Canada alumni. Nuffield Canada also receives ongoing program support through agreements with Alberta Wheat Commission, Farm Credit Canada, Grain Farmers of Ontario and Western Grains Research Foundation.

For more information about Nuffield Canada, including application criteria and forms, visit www.nuffield.ca.