Pasture researcher a worthy 2004 Farrer Memorial Medal recipient

Farrer Memorial Trust Chairman, Dr Richard Sheldrake, today announced Executive Director of the ATSE Crawford Fund and former Chief of CSIRO’s Division of Tropical Crops and Pastures, Dr Bob Clements, as the recipient of the prestigious 2004 Farrer Memorial Medal.

"The 2004 Farrer Memorial Medal recognises the significant impact of Dr Clements' work in agronomy and plant breeding, particularly tropical pastures, for which he has become an international authority," Dr Sheldrake said.

"Dr Clements joins a select group of distinguished scientists from around Australia in becoming a recipient of the Farrer Memorial Medal.

"Dr Clements is widely known for his research on plant breeding, genetic adaptation, pasture agronomy and genetic resources technology.

"The focus of his work has helped boost the viability of livestock industries in northern Australia through developing improved pasture species and identifying sustainable management systems.

"Among his most notable plant breeding achievements are Trifecta and Sequel lucerne varieties and the tropical legume, Cavalcade centurion.

"As Chief of CSIRO’s Division of Tropical Crops and Pastures, Dr Clements provided leadership and management for research and development projects in northern Australia.

"More recently, he led the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) with distinction, opening doors for Australian agricultural scientists in many Asian countries."

Dr Sheldrake said the Farrer Memorial Medal was established in 1911 to perpetuate the Memory of William Farrer and to encourage and inspire agricultural scientists.

Dr Clements, whose previous roles saw him working in Queensland and the Northern Territory, is now based in Canberra.

Dr Clements will receive the Farrer Memorial Medal in Brisbane on September 28 at the 4th Annual International Crop Science Congress.

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