Queensland agronomist Tessa Dimond will gain a global perspective on how Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) affect Australian grain prices and access to international markets.
Through a Nuffield scholarship, Tessa will travel from St George to the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, China, Indonesia and countries in Europe during the 12-month program.
She hopes to share best-management practices, global trends and leading-edge technology with Australian growers.
A broadacre and irrigation agronomist at AGn Vet Rural in St George, Ms Dimond has worked in the agriculture industry for 12 years.
She says following label directions, spray quality and drift are cornerstones of protecting access to chemicals however the same attention is not paid to chemical residues, including MRLs.
“There is an opportunity to better understand international MRL requirements, which are part of the final commodity and market requirements and how these have reformed chemical application and stewardship globally.”
Ms Dimond said the $30,000 Nuffield Scholarship – the first supported by GrainCorp – will assist her professional goal of helping the agriculture industry strive for greater sustainability.
“I believe opportunity lies in building awareness of how grower application of chemicals not only impacts commodity pricing and access to international markets, but also the international reputation of Australian grain and the future sustainability of our grains industry.
“I’m also passionate about continuing to bridge the gap between the agricultural industry and our metro consumers, or risk losing our social licence to operate.”
The Leader of The Nationals and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has congratulated Ms Dimond on being awarded the prestigious 2023 Nuffield Scholarship.
Mr Littleproud said funding research by knowledgeable outback Queenslanders would significantly help aid industry in rural Australia.
“Funding research for outback Queensland is essential for helping us gain a better understanding on how to shape the future of agriculture,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I would like to sincerely congratulate Ms Dimond for her achievement and I look forward to hearing about the results of her research.”
Ms Dimond was one of 19 recipients named as 2023 Nuffield Scholars.
The scholarships are awarded annually to allow the study of agricultural-related topics.
Queensland’s 2023 Nuffield Scholars:
* Regan Lynch from Hughenden. Regan will explore ways to improve farm biosecurity attitudes and practices in the Northern Australian beef industry.
* Aimee Snowden currently works in Rockhampton and will study agriculture education models that drive immersive experiences and engage curious minds.
* Miriam Villen King from Bargara will study sustainable approaches to growing walnuts in Australia.
* Jarrod Cook of Stamford has been awarded the Northern Pastoral Scholarship and will study the best methods to prepare cattle for feedlot entry to optimise performance.
