Garvoc farmer Daniel Meade is on a mission to boost agriculture industries in Australia.
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The most recent Nuffield scholar will investigate the importance of agriculture to a range of rural communities across the globe.
The associate WestVic Dairy board member was one of three Victorian recipients, announced at Adelaide’s 2016 Nuffield Australia National Conference in September.
Mr Meade and other scholars are required to undertake extensive and diverse international research next year, with the use of a $30,000 bursary.
He will leave his wife Micheala, two young children and their 125 hectare heifer-rearing business to travel the United Kingdom, the United States, India, China, Canada and New Zealand on a 16-week program.
“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I’m feeling very honoured.”
Mr Meade said he had his wife, his off-farm employer Grass Growers and past scholars to thank for encouraging him to take the opportunity and apply for the William Buckland Foundation-supported program.
“I’m making the most of it and sharing all information gained,” he said.
He said he planned to closely examine successful agricultural bodies across the world and the learning opportunities that could be applied back home.
Mr Meade said he would be “truly delighted” if his research could result in some farmers earning an improved income, fairer contracts or better conditions.
“This then flows on to their rural communities to benefit more broadly,” he said.
“My report will be available to all the industry bodies in Australia to help them learn how other countries succeed in this area.”
Mr Meade now joins previous recipients Roma Britnell – South West Coast MP – and United Dairyfarmers Federation president Adam Jenkins as a south-west leader and agriculture representative.
“I’m only at the beginning of the journey but already I would encourage others in the south-west to look into it and apply,” he said.
Victorian Nuffield Chairman David Drage said the research topics of the Victorian Scholars were so varied they would present a very diverse range of findings upon their return.