New Agricultural College Scholarship Program Announced

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--New Agricultural College Scholarship Program Announced

Students at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) who conduct graduate research that benefits the province's agriculture and agri-food industry are now eligible for scholarships. Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Chris d'Entremont announced the new $500,000 scholarship program today, Sept. 3.

The funding will provide up to 20 scholarships for master's degree and PhD students over the next four years at the Truro college. The two-year scholarships, which are valued at up to $30,000 for full-time students and $15,000 for part-time students, are being funded under Canada's national agricultural plan, the Agricultural Policy Framework.

"These scholarships will have two important benefits," said Mr. d'Entremont. "They will help these young researchers to develop the expertise they will need to meet the future needs of our agriculture industry. The scholarships will also ensure that research projects continue to help our industry become more competitive."

Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy Mitchell said the scholarships will have an immediate and long-term impact.

"These scholarships will not only provide our industry the opportunity to gain fresh ideas and insight through these graduate studies, but they will also encourage these students to consider a career in the agriculture and agri-food industry," said Mr. Mitchell. "This is an investment in the future of the sector."

NSAC president Philip Hicks called the graduate scholarships an important part of capacity-building at the institution.

"The incredible research capacity we have today is due in large part to the increasing numbers of graduate students that have been attracted to our programs," said Dr. Hicks. "Graduate students at NSAC are not only addressing the research needs of our industry but are tackling other high-level research projects as never before."

The scholarships will be based on academic excellence, leadership abilities and significance of the proposed research in relation to its benefit to the agriculture sector in Nova Scotia.
For more information see the website at www.nsac.ns.ca/rgs/ .