Australian agriculture has a lot to offer.  One of our key strengths is being able to offer research and development expertise to developing countries either through access to agriculture’s bright or on ground international research and development projects

The majority of people in less developed countries live in rural areas and are dependent on the land for employment and their food security. Many of our Young Farming Champions have spent time working side by side with farmers in developing countries and some like Anika Molesworth have made it their life work

Australian farmer Anika Molesworth working with farmers in Cambodia on sustainable farming practices. Photograph: CARDI (Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute)

The Crawford Fund is an Australian organisation who have acknowledged that support for agricultural research is one of the most effective ways that Australia can assist in  developing countries (their farmers, their environment and their economies) and foster mutual understanding.

As part of the Fund’s efforts to encourage young people in their study, careers and volunteering in international agricultural research, the Crawford Fund offer conference scholarships to young Australians with a genuine interest in international agricultural development, to attend the Crawford Fund conference in Canberra.

“The Crawford Fund Scholars program connected me to world-renowned researchers in international agricultural development, and has challenged and inspired my thinking and my work life. The experience has reinforced to me the meaningful career of agricultural research and development, and has motivated me to find out more about farming in other countries and to push the comfort-zone boundaries.” Anika Molesworth

Like Anika former conference scholars confirm this is a unique learning, networking and mentoring opportunity.  The scholars are involved in two ½ days of activities in addition to the conference; engage with keynote speakers, experienced Australian agricultural researchers and educators, and other passionate young people who have experience overseas in developing countries as researchers, volunteers or mentors.