Groundbreaking bursary scheme announced for the Scottish Agricultural College

15^th March 2010 – McCain Foods announced it will establish a bursary scheme at the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) today, which will simultaneously offer students access to excellent learning resources, practical experience and access to private sector insight.

Demonstrating McCain Foods’ commitment to its long and productive relationship with growers, the Scottish Agricultural College Bursary builds on existing McCain scholarship programme at Askham Bryan Agricultural College, York. Since 1986, McCain has operated a dedicated seed business at its site in Pugeston, Montrose, which contributes over £5 million a year into the Scottish potato supply chain, and is now one of the UK’s largest seed businesses.

Speaking at today’s launch event at the Scottish Agricultural College’s Edinburgh campus, Graham Finn Associate Director, Agriculture at  McCain Foods (GB), said, “For over twenty years, Scotland has been the heart of McCain Foods’ seed business. Growing over 25,000 tonnes of seed potatoes each year for our farmers throughout the UK, it has ensured that, where possible, McCain chips are made from 100% British potatoes. Aware of our responsibility to the farming communities which provide McCain with its core product – the great British potato, we hope the bursary will encourage the next generation of Scottish farming talent to pursue a career in agriculture.”

Richard Lochhead MSP, Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, commented, “This groundbreaking partnership between the Scottish Agricultural College and McCain aims to encourage the next generation of Scottish talent to flourish across the food and farming industry. I hope the new scholarship will help to ensure that potato farming continues to be an attractive crop choice and career for the farmers of the future.

Applications will be open for students due to start their second year of study in October 2010, with candidates selected on their academic performance from all three SAC campuses, Aberdeen, Eire and Edinburgh. The Scottish Agricultural Bursary will support students undertaking Agriculture Degree courses, helping them to develop strong farming, crop production, farm management skills, alongside practical experience through paid work experience in the McCain Supply Chain during vacations.

Clare Baker MSP, Labour Spokesperson on Further & Higher Education, said, “I would like to congratulate McCain on the launch of this innovative scholarship.  In these challenging economic times it is important that companies such as McCain remain committed to helping develop the talents of the young people who will be the future of the food and farming industries in Scotland.”

David McKenzie, SAC Vice Principal and Head of SAC Learning, “The Scottish Agricultural College is delighted to participate in McCain’s Agricultural Bursary Programme, which will assist SAC’s students in financing their studies whilst gaining good practical experience of working in a modern company. It is a very welcome investment in the development of talent and skills for the long-term future of the potato industry.” SAC Principal Consultant and Potato Agronomist, Dr. Stuart Wale added, “The potato industry desperately needs young blood and there is a demand for expertise across the sector. This timely initiative by McCain is to be welcomed. It will introduce new talent to an exciting enterprise.”

Allan Bowie Vice-President of NFU Scotland said: “It is fantastic that we are seeing initiatives such as the McCain's Scholarship Programme coming from businesses within agriculture.  McCain's are undoubtedly very important to the Scottish potato sector and it is great that they are encouraging students into the industry in this very practical way, particularly in the current financial climate.

"Over the years there have been many advances in the Scottish potato sector including new technologies and new products, all of which have helped to cement the great reputation that Scottish potato growers have.  It is important that we have the best possible students coming up through the ranks to drive that forward, both in the immediate future and by staying in the industry in the long term.  Schemes such as this are a tremendous step in the right direction, helping to do just that.

"We wish both the scheme and the students every success."

About McCain Foods (GB)

McCain Foods (GB) is a family company and one of the UK’s leading frozen food companies, with a reputation for producing great food that families enjoy. Employing over 2,000 people at four principal locations, McCain Foods (GB) has built its business by recognising and responding to our customers’ needs. Now, more than ever before customers are asking for tasty, convenient products that meet all their different needs and lifestyles, including healthier alternatives. McCain Foods (GB) buys 12% of British potato crop from over 300 different farmers, some of whom have worked with for over three generations. The company has many long term relationships with growers but continues to work hard to forge relationships with new UK growers and suppliers.

McCain Foods - Montrose

Established in 1986, McCain Potatoes based at our Pugeston site on the outskirts of Montrose is one of only three dedicated seed potato production companies within the McCain Global Group. From Montrose, McCain manages and co-ordinates the seed production with 60 specialist seed contract growers operating throughout the growing area from the Black Isle North of Inverness, Morayshire,  Aberdeenshire,  Kincardineshire,  Angus, Perthshire, Fife and the Borders. Using a seed potato certification scheme, it means McCain can trace all of its our products back to the fields from where the seed originated. Annually c.25,000 tonnes of seed potatoes are delivered to growers in nearly every county of England to allow the production of processing potatoes for our factories, as well as activities in the export markets.

About The Scottish Agricultural College

SAC supports the development of land based industries and communities through education and training, an expert advisory and consultancy service and specialist research and development resources. It is proud of it’s reputation for delivering the results of practical, applied research in areas such as potato agronomy through trusted and respected specialist consultants or through its under graduate and post graduate courses. SAC has campuses in Aberdeen, Ayr and Edinburgh and a network of consultancy offices from York to Shetland.