The David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) is offering funding of £2,500 in support of a protected ornamental growers study tour to the USA.

The support follows a successful application from the trip organisers, BPOA and HDC, for a DCF Sponsored Scholarship by Ball Colegrave. BPOA and HDC are planning a weeklong study tour of Eastern USA in February 2015 and the funding will support one or two young people on the trip.

The focus of the trip will be on well respected nurseries producing a wide range of bedding plants, other seasonal plants and pot plants. These include: Metrolina Greenhouses, one of the largest glasshouse facilities in the world, as well as Rockwell Farms, Whites Nursery, Bell Nursey and Lucas Nursery. Other visits include: the North Carolina Station University research facility and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

Michael Smith, of the BPOA Technical Committee, and W.D. Smith & Son director comments: “In the early days of my career I was lucky enough to be sent on a similar study tour.

"Visiting these nurseries was an inspiration to my career, as well as spending so much time with established growers on the tour. We want to give some young growers the same opportunity to help build a future for our sector."

The study tour is £1,449 per person based on two people sharing a twin room with single occupancy costing £1,749. 

Those interested in sending a young developing person from their team that have restricted funds should contact Michael Smith at michael@wdsmith.com with a proposal for candidate funding.

To simply book places on the study tour or for further information call 01509 618 810 or email holidays@uni-travel.co.uk.

The DCF Scholarship season opens in September 2014. For more details, go to www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk