Jan 28, 2021

Crop protection scholarships set by Belchim USA, crop consultants’ group

Wilmington, Delaware-based Belchim Crop Protection USA (Belchim USA) has announced it has awarded two $1,500 scholarships to Forest Hanson, a junior at North Dakota State University, and Cristina Griffith, a senior at Mississippi State University.

The two scholarships are part of the annual Belchim Crop Protection scholarship program in association with the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants (NAICC).

By investing in students’ development at a grassroots level, Belchim USA hopes to encourage and grow the future leaders in agriculture, ensuring they receive the best formal education while nurturing their passion for the industry. Belchim USA’s support of the NAICC and sponsorship of the Foundation for Environmental Agriculture Education (FEAE) recognizes students destined to raise the bar in agricultural science for the future.

“We are dedicated to the improvement and betterment of the industry and what better place to start than ensuring that the new boots in the field are armed with the latest knowledge and most cutting-edge advancements in agriculture,” states Tom Wood, General Manager, Belchim USA. “Notably, we have seen recipients of our scholarships rise through the ranks in their fields, and this year’s ‘crop’ is no different. They are deeply passionate students already making an indelible mark on the industry, and we look forward to watching their progress in our field.”

The first scholarship awardee, Forest Hanson, grew up on his family farm, which produced barley, wheat, soybeans, and Canola. It is here where his passion for the crop and weed science side of agriculture took root. Once he has completed his MS degree at North Dakota State University, where he is currently a junior, Forest is eager to combine his interest in crop protection, and detailed research results trials to drive enhancements in future crop protection.

The second awardee Cristina Griffith, a senior at Mississippi State University (MSU), is studying Agribusiness and Agriculture Engineering and is keen to add a master’s degree. Once she has graduated, she is looking to apply precision agriculture concepts to small and large farmers with a particular focus on international agriculture development through the principles of economics, precision agriculture, and extension education. She is currently working with Dr. Johnson at MSU, where they are conducting an undergraduate research project to understand how to improve farming in Mississippi and eventually apply these methodologies to other parts of the world.

“These two recipients have exactly what Belchim is looking for in the next generation of agriculture specialists. We are sitting at the precipice of some exciting and some equally daunting changes to agriculture as a whole. We need to embrace new techniques and new approaches and use the data we have to make informed decisions about our industry. What better place to find the resources to help us spearhead these advancements in agriculture than amongst our youth,” ends Wood.

 Belchim Crop Protection NV (Belchim) empowers farmers through innovative crop protection products and high-end technical support. Founded in Belgium in 1987, it is a global company who expanded its presence in the USA, in 2017.  With innovative products, a high level of technical support and a focus on development, registration and commercialization, Belchim offers unique agrochemical solutions for today and tomorrow.

To learn more about Belchim Crop Protection USA, visit www.belchimusa.com.