Nuffield Arden Scholars announced
The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust have announced the two Arden Scholars that have been selected to study the pre-determined research title ‘How farming can learn from science to optimise the nutritional value of food produced.’
Caroline Drummond MBE and David Northcroft NSch selected to receive prestigious Arden Award
The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust have announced the two Arden Scholars that have been selected to study the pre-determined research title ‘How farming can learn from science to optimise the nutritional value of food produced.’
“We had no hesitation in awarding Caroline Drummond MBE and David Northcroft NSch with the prestigious Arden Award,” comments Nuffield Chairman, Stephen Watkins. “Caroline has comprehensive experience in the arena of food production, having run the LEAF environmental and farming charity since 1991.
“David, a 2005 Nuffield Scholar, also has extensive experience in the food sector,” adds Stephen. “His current role at Waitrose as Fresh Produce Development Manager sees him work with the complete supply chain from plant breeder to the consumer. His previous experience includes a role as a Trials Officer at Kentish Garden Marketing (now Berrygardens) and as an Agronomist at Tilmanstone salads, part of the Bakkavor group,” says Stephen.
Stephen adds that the professional credentials of the two Scholars make them well placed to conduct the 14 month study and travel assignment that culminates in a dedicated Conference in 2014.
The candidates went through a vigorous interview process and were selected on their aptitude to drive change in the agri-food sector and ability to identify the links between the commercial opportunities surrounding food and nutrition.
Stephen goes onto say; “Caroline works tirelessly through LEAF to champion the development and uptake of sustainable agricultural practices through Integrated Farm Management and encourages a better understanding and trust of farming and the countryside. This includes the running of Open Farm Sunday which has welcomed 150,000 members of the public out onto farms annually.”
Caroline Drummond says that she is privileged to be awarded an Arden Scholarship. “It is an area that I am particularly interested in, both personally and professionally,” states Caroline. She plans to investigate what farmers can do to improve the nutrient value of their products through the growing process and technology. “I’m also interested to learn from the consumer and local food groups who have championed diets and nutrition that improves health and well-being.”
David adds, “I am delighted to have been awarded the Arden Award, as the retailer representative on the food and nutrition panel of the BBSRC Advanced Training Partnership in Agri-Food. I am excited to look into how farming can learn from science to optimise nutritional value of food produced.”
Caroline and David will present the outcomes from their research at the Frank Arden Memorial Conference in April 2014 following 14 months of research which will see them both travel extensively.
The deadline for the annual Nuffield Scholarship Awards is 31 July. Candidates aged 25 – 45 are invited to apply, please see www.nuffieldscholar.org for more details.
