THE Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust has announced the appointment of 24 new Scholars for 2025, three of who are from Cornwall.

Over the course of their Scholarships, the Cornish trio will travel internationally to gain an in-depth understanding of their study topic from global experts and leaders.

The 2025 Nuffield Farming Scholars from Cornwall include Peter Green of Truro and David and Stuart Oates of Helston.

Peter, a Truro beef farmer and podcast host, is passionate about the importance of family farms in UK agriculture.

However, he also believes that they face an immediate threat to survival and must listen to their stakeholders, engage with their markets and strive to improve their financial, environmental and social performance.

He sees a need to empower small farms to take more control by plotting their own course and stepping away from a reliance on reaching markets through large third parties.

His study - How can agricultural businesses manage risk in a risky operating environment? - is supported by AHDB.

David is a mixed and diversified organic farmer from Helston who is the seventh generation of his family to run their Cornish farm.

Organic nature-friendly farming has been the primary focus of his business, and he has recently been working to increase the total output of the land he manages.

He would like to add long-term value to his farm to benefit his family and secure a legacy for future generations. His Nuffield Scholarship aims to explore innovative ways to simultaneously achieve financial, social, and environmental gains from land use.

His study - Stacking land uses for business and environmental sustainability - is supported by the CHK Foundation.

Stuart, a Helston-based owner of a media production and environmental management contracting company, has worked with the BBC directing and producing Countryfile.

Coming from a Cornish farming family and with an interest in environmental issues, he would like to explore how to eliminate fossil fuel dependence in agriculture.

His Nuffield Scholarship will identify alternative fossil fuel inputs and solutions, particularly in tractors, sustainable battery production, and seaweed-based biostimulants.

His study - Fossil free farming - is supported by the Dartington Cattle Breeding Trust.

Rupert Alers-Hankey, director of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, said: “Applications this year were incredibly strong, which made the job of our selection committee particularly challenging”.

“This is my first year as director and I have been so impressed by the cohort of 2025 Scholars, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and sectors. The list of topics the Scholars have chosen to explore is inspiring and reflects some of our industry’s most pressing challenges.

“Nuffield Farming Scholarships help develop future leaders in the UK’s agriculture and rural sectors. There is no doubt in my mind that the 2025 scholars will lead positive change in Agriculture”.