Fall/Winter Conference Bursary application package

A central objective of the NFU New Farm Project is to build the level of knowledge and skills of new and experienced farmers in our region.

To that end, the NFU New Farm Project is pleased to offer a bursary program to help cover a significant portion of the cost of farming-related conferences and workshops. Successful applicants are expected to pay their conference costs up front and will then be reimbursed the value of the bursary after submitting receipts, the feedback form and the Passing on the Gift agreement (see bottom of page). You are also responsible for your own registration, travel and accommodation arrangements.

The NFU New Farm Project will now also offer financial support to farmers wanting to attend conferences/workshops that have not been designated. This is meant to add flexibility so that you can get the training you really want and need. These bursaries need to be approved by the NFP Project Committee ahead of time. Please contact the coordinator if there is training that would benefit you and we’ll do our best to accommodate within our budget.

Please note that receipts are to be submitted to the project coordinator (by mail or drop off) within two weeks of the conference for reimbursement and only approved expenses will be reimbursed. Approved expenses include registration fees, travel and accommodation. A receipt for the registration fee of the conference/workshop must be among the receipts submitted for reimbursement. In other words, travel and accommodation receipts will not be reimbursed if there is no proof of registration.

How do I apply?
Due to the limited number of bursaries available for any given conference, you must apply to the program and be selected by the Project Committee. This selection process is based on assessing both the direct relevance of the conference/workshop to your farm operation or future farm plans as well as your genuine need for financial support. Please complete the following steps to apply:

Send a brief letter or email to the project coordinator indicating your interest in attending one of the designated conferences and answer the following questions:

• Why is it important to you that you attend this conference/workshop?
• Have you attended this conference/workshop before?
• Choose one:
  A) I could not attend without this bursary
  B) A bursary would be very helpful in affording the conference costs
  C) A bursary would be appreciated but not necessary
• After the conference, you must complete and submit a Passing on the Gift Agreement, the Feedback Form (both included below) and submit them with your receipt(s) for reimbursement within two weeks of the conference.
• You will then be reimbursed for the value of the bursary.

Designated conferences and workshops for 2009-2010:

Downloads:

Passing on the Gift Agreement (rtf)

Feedback Form (rtf)