Trehane Trust announces £15,000 Fellowship for UK dairy industry Net Zero study

The Trehane Trust has announced a bursary of £15,000 for a fellowship to research and recommend a roadmap for UK dairy farmers to become net zero, practically and profitably, within the Government timeframe.

The fellowship is open to people with a keen interest in the emissions issues facing the UK dairy industry. Individuals or joint applications are invited. They will require technical knowhow, practical farming experience and a commercial understanding of the UK dairy industry and its current environmental challenges.

Strong analytical skills and the practical and economic application of knowledge will be needed, and a network of relevant contacts in the UK and abroad will be an advantage. Funds can be awarded to either UK or overseas residents with an interest and involvement in the UK agricultural and food production sectors.

“We have been developing this Fellowship study to address the challenges faced by UK dairy farmers as they adjust and adapt to new practices that would reduce their emissions,” says Trehane Trust chair Diana Allen. “We are looking for a clear and focussed insight into the UK dairy industry requirements and the practical application of guidelines and initiatives on farm that promote mitigation and adaptation of climate change. These should include the economic implications to help dairy producers to invest wisely and confidently,” adds Mrs Allen. “The Fellowship is expected to take about 12 weeks spread within a nine to 12 months timeframe. Most of the research will be desk-based, but we anticipate some international travel to policy and research centres and to identify what other countries are doing.”

The successful applicant(s) will be expected to provide the Trust with regular updates on progress, so that these findings can be a part of guiding the UK dairy industry into a net zero position.

Expressions of interest are invited by February 28, 2021 and the award will be made by March 31, 2021. Further details and application forms are available from Rachel Bowcutt, Trehane Trust secretariat at RABDF, on rachelbowcutt@rabdf.co.uk or 0845 458 2711. Prospective applicants can also submit their own expressions of interest directly.