Director’s Jottings

DIRECTOR’S JOTTINGS FOR 2021

MIKE VACHER

What a strange but exciting year 2021 is turning out to be. We continue to manage the impact of the covid pandemic on our lives, taking delight at opportunities to meet faceto-face again, but, still wary of the awful implications of any unexpected developments in the pandemic. More and more of us are coming to recognise the impact the human race has had on the World, its climate and its future. A growing number of Countries and individuals are taking their own steps to reduce the impact of climate change – even though eventual success will depend on all the most powerful nations accepting the imperative of fundamental adjustments to their economies and societies. Whatever the dramas of covid and climate change, positive progress will also depend on strong individuals ‘stepping up’ to adapt, to innovate and to set an example. This is what Nuffield Farming, in its comparatively small way is all about – for the benefit of British Agriculture…..

The last 12 months have been characterised, not only by the need to adapt to the covid environment, but, to the continued success of Nuffield Farming in maximising the potential of the virtual environment. Less than 2 years ago few would have imagined The Pig Group enjoying a tour of a mega farm in Canada from the comfort of their armchairs and being able to engage in detailed question and answer session. We all recognise that ‘zoom videoconferences’ can never fully replicate actually meeting, feeling the mood music and body language in a room, and generally ‘smelling the coffee’. But, those scholars who have grabbed the opportunity to use the new ‘virtual’ way of doing things have been able to take their Nuffield Studies forward, to make better travel plans and, even, in their small way, to reduce their carbon footprint.

Interestingly, the ‘reach’ of Nuffield Farming has actually expanded during the pandemic. Before covid we would have expected some 300-400 delegates to attend our annual conferences. Last year 1,100 registered and, amazingly, the recorded presentations attracted 12,000 viewings – and that figure goes on rising. We continue to promote and support webinars, especially those organised by Nuffield International and other Nuffield Countries, but, it is so good that our own Groups are beginning to get back to normal with events described later (pages 28 to 40). Whatever, there can be no getting away from the impact that covid has and continues to have on our current 2020, 2021 and 2022 Nuffield Farming Scholars. Although, I am convinced that, eventually, these scholars will be able to complete their studies, there is no doubt that some will find their Nuffield journey changed, not only by covid but by developments in their careers, businesses and domestic circumstances. The Nuffield Farming Office Team continues to stand ready to support all scholars and we are determined to provide the best possible programme of events.

Throughout the year, ‘contingency planning’ has been the ‘name of the game’ – plan, plan and plan again! We have had to postpone the 2021 Contemporary Scholars Conference until 2022 – with all that implies. The first face-toface event for 2021 Scholars evolved over three iterations which included one, unsustainable, week long programme in Europe, before we finally got everyone together in Somerset. You will appreciate that making the arrangements for hotel and facility bookings has been

complicated by the need to ensure any financial commitments are carefully managed so as not to expose the Trust to undue risk. For example, the contract for an annual conference generally involves costs of tens of thousands of pounds and the cancellation clauses have become very important! Along the way other major projects have been taken forward. The Digitalisation Project is almost completed. The new website is regularly complimented. It’s integral database of all scholars worldwide is being re-discovered and used by growing numbers. The Report Library is accessed more often than any other page, apart from the home page, and the associated components – online booking system, electronic application package, finance package as well as social media packages – are nearing completion. More importantly, as our Chairman has explained in his report, Trustees are developing the next Strategic Plan (Nuffield 100) to take the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust to a new level. You will appreciate that the new scholarships will further expand the reach and relevance of the Trust whilst the principle of collaboration with other charities, with similar objects, will broaden our platform within the agricultural community. This will take time to bring to fruition, but, it is very much hoped that pilot scholarships and associated announcements will be achieved in 2022.

Concealed in these broad jottings is an enormous amount of commitment, enthusiasm and effort. Many Scholars and Supporters put endless hours into Nuffield Farming. Our Trustees, are largely unseen but work diligently to ensure that all our activities are appropriately governed, financed and planned. Special thanks is due to them all, but, especially to Chris Graf Grote, for his leadership and energy; to Wyn Owen for his support and guidance, especially, as Chair of the Finance Committee and overseeing Nuffield Mentoring and Nic Snell who leads the Communication Committee and has guided the whole Digitalisation Project and development of our communications. Our new fundraising leaflet “Friends of Nuffield” was the initiative of David Gardner and David Rose has been successful at reengaging with Alumni that had been out of contact.

Those leading all the Regional and Study Groups play a big role in the success of Nuffield Farming. They provide the bedrock of the Alumni, by the running of all the many events that enable the Nuffield Family to keep in touch and continue to benefit from the organisation over the years following their scholarship. Most importantly they, along with Charlotte Merson, our Alumni Officer, provide the personal contact to successfully recruit new, quality scholars.

Finally, however, I must echo the Chairman’s appreciation for all the unstinting, commitment and support that Anne Beckett has given to help Scholars produce their Study Reports to the best possible standard. Not that many will understand the role that she and Alan have played in the development of Nuffield Farming and, indeed, Nuffield International over the years. We would not be where we are today without them…