Young people seeking a career in beekeeping are being encouraged to apply for this year's Ron Mossop youth scholarship, sponsored by Mossop's Honey and Apiculture New Zealand.
The scholarship, set up three years ago as a way of giving young people the best possible start in the apiculture industry, includes $2000 towards best practice training and/or set-up costs, membership of Apiculture New Zealand for a year, and attendance at the industry's national conference in the year of the award.
Last year's recipient, Jess Curtis, said the scholarship had allowed her to get a head start in her chosen career, and provided important connections within the industry.
"It allowed me to get stuck in and set up with everything I needed to begin my journey," she said.
Jess is currently enrolled in the ApiNZ Apprenticeship in Apiculture scheme, and is working alongside Taylor Pass Honey, in Wanaka. Her long-term goal is to establish a thriving boutique honey business on her family farm that can be used as a base to educate customers about the importance of beekeeping and sustainability.
