A grant aimed at encouraging students from non-farming backgrounds to pursue agricultural careers is being offered by a Norfolk-based research charity.

The John Innes Foundation (JIF) undergraduate bursary award scheme supports one student per year who is taking a three or four-year degree course in agriculture, crop production or environmental science.

The successful applicant will receive a grant to cover their university tuition fees - currently £9,250 per year - along with mentoring from Keith Norman, a farming consultant and former director at  Velcourt UK.

The scheme also offers work experience placements during university breaks at organisations including NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany), agronomy firm Hutchinsons and National Trust Farms.

The bursary scheme was established in 2017 is administrated and supported by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA).

Peter Innes, chairman of the John Innes Foundation and great-great nephew of its namesake, said: "Previous award winners are starting to demonstrate how the foundation bursaries have helped in launching their careers - and now we're collaborating with RNAA on selecting recipients, we're even more confident that the bursaries will give a leg up to young people who are financially stretched and have no family involvement in farming."

RNAA managing director Mark Nicholas added: "The RNAA is delighted to partner with the John Innes Foundation to find exceptional candidates for this bursary opportunity.

"As an organisation supporting young people our mission is to ensure that we help enable potential and raise aspirations."

Applicants must satisfy criteria including that they are a UK national from a non-farming background, and they must be able to demonstrate their need for financial assistance to complete their university course.

The application window opened on May 1 and the closing date is August 31.

For further information contact keith@keithnorman.com, or more details and application forms are available at ffdt.co.uk/explore/jif-bursary-2024.