THE HERALD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3 2017


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15 News


Scholarship exams attract record applicants HCC hosts lamb producers’ forum THIS week, Welsh red meat


levy body Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) hosted representatives from Beef and Lamb New Zealand Ltd (BLNZ), for a series of meetings between two of the world’s most important lamb-producing nations. On Thursday (Feb 2), BLNZ


A B E R Y S T W Y T H UNIVERSITY has seen another increase in the number of applicants for its entrance exam scholarships held on Tuesday (Jan 31). The examinations are being held


across a series of educational centres and institutions in more than 12 different countries. Applicants from Romania, Italy,


France, Hungary, Sweden and the USA are among those who have travelled to Aberystwyth to sit the annual scholarship test. They will also be given an


opportunity to tour campus, to see for themselves the excellent facilities on offer and to meet departmental staff. Designated examination centres


have also been set up in Poland, Bulgaria and Hungary. Other students are sitting the


examination under supervision in international schools in Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain,


Singapore, Sweden and the USA. Entrance Scholarships can be


worth up to £2,000 a year and include an unconditional offer for prospective students. The grants and offers are awarded


based on the results of two 1.5-hour exams set by the university and can be held for any undergraduate degree scheme. Kylie Evans, Academic Awards


Officer at Aberystwyth University, said: “We are pleased to see so many applicants for our entrance exam scholarships this year. The level of interest in our courses reflects our reputation as a research-led university where students can learn and live in an exceptional environment. “We understand the costs involved


in studying for a degree and our range of scholarships, awards and bursaries can help ease the financial burden for students so that they can focus on their studies.”


Director Andrew Morrison and Europe Regional Manager Ben O’Brien will represent the New Zealand lamb industry in talks with their Welsh counterparts at HCC headquarters in Aberystwyth. As well as holding talks with HCC


executives and Chairman Dai Davies, there will also be an opportunity for BLNZ’s representatives to meet farmers’ leaders. The meetings take place against


a backdrop of uncertainty regarding the future of international trade following Brexit. Under current rules, New Zealand can export up to 228,000 tonnes of sheepmeat to the EU free of tariffs. At present, around half of New Zealand’s European lamb exports come to the UK. “We are pleased to welcome


Andrew Morrison and Ben O’Brien to Wales, and to provide an opportunity for farmers’ organisations to raise issues of concern to their members,”


HCC Chairman Dai Davies: ‘This is an uncertain time for the industry’


said HCC Chairman Dai Davies. “This is an uncertain time for


the industry,” he added. “The major issue over which both parties will want clarification in the coming months is how much of the current EU quota allocation for New Zealand lamb will be taken up by the UK after Brexit, and how much by the rest of Europe. Wales’ agricultural industry must also have a strong voice in any future trade discussions between the UK and New Zealand Governments. “Of course, the PGI Welsh Lamb and New Zealand Lamb brands are


in competition in the UK market and in many other parts of the world,” explained Mr. Davies. “However, there are also areas where Wales and New Zealand can co-operate, particularly in emerging markets overseas. Our complementary peak seasons can help build a year-round demand for lamb in new territories. “I look forward to a constructive


dialogue with our colleagues from BLNZ, and to building understanding as our industry looks to navigate these uncertain times,” said Mr Davies.


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