RICHARD OATLEY AGRICULTURE BURSARY SCHEME
The Richard Oatley Foundation are proud to launch the Richard Oatley Agricultural Bursary Scheme, a new initiative supporting the next generation of farmers and agricultural workers in Somerset and Wiltshire
Developed and delivered in partnership with the Frome and District Agricultural Society, the bursary scheme is aimed at young people with an ambition to work in farming and agriculture, and those currently in the sector who want to push themselves to the next level.
The Richard Oatley Foundation want to encourage and support young people who see agriculture and farming as their future, by providing one-off bursaries of up to £3,000. Bursaries can be used to support education and training costs, business research and development initiatives , or travel to experience other farming environments and practices.
Applicants must have genuine interest in farming and agriculture and will be able to demonstrate how a bursary award will enable them to progress towards a career in the sector or help them take the next step in their careers.
The Richard Oatley Foundation is looking to award up to six bursaries in 2026 to young people aged between 18 and 25.
Recipients of a bursary award will be asked to provide a brief report, a video or a blog piece to demonstrate the benefits of the Foundations support and how they met their objectives. This may be used in promotion of the bursary scheme in future years.
Send your application to: [email protected]
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be actively involved in farming or an agricultural- related business OR looking to undertake training or education at a recognised agricultural college or linked university course
- Be resident in Wiltshire or Somerset
- Be aged between 18 and 25
- Have a clear plan for a project involving training and education, business development or travel related learning which requires financial support.
What the Bursary fund will support
Bursary funding may be used to support one of the following:
Education and training
This could be a contribution towards costs of attending an agricultural college or linked university course. Eligible costs include course fees, accommodation and living costs, or study materials and equipment. In addition, vocational or shorter-term training and personal development, such as specialist machinery, IT training or business skills are eligible for support
Business improvement and initiatives
For costs relating to new business ideas aimed at improving the sustainability of farms. This could include new crops or livestock practices, direct sales, technology, land sustainability, environmental initiatives. Farm and business diversification will be considered where the core aim remains agriculture and farming. For example, tourism, housing, or office space provision would not be considered eligible.
Travel related learning
This could include UK or overseas travel to experience other farming activities and practices.
Key dates
- Application window opens: 15th March 2026
- Application window closes: 31st May 2026
- Successful applications announced: June 2026
- Presentation event: Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show – 12th September 2026
How to apply
- Download and complete the application form below
- Complete and return the form by email to [email protected]
- Email any supporting information you wish to provide, this could include:
- Course details or an offer letter from a college or university
- A simple outline of your business plan
- Details of any travel you wish to undertake
- A short video or link to social media content