World class researchers and scientists from NSW DPI joined international speakers at the 20th Australian Agronomy Conference in Toowoomba.
NSW DPI were well represented, with 12 researchers and scientists presenting at the conference.
Deputy Director General Agriculture, Kate Lorimer-Ward, said that this important conference showcases the best and brightest agronomy research from Australia and overseas.
NSW DPI staff attended the Australian Agronomy Conference in Toowoomba
“Our scientific capability, rigour and understanding of the unique constraints faced by Australia’s primary industries are highly regarded locally, nationally and internationally. NSW DPI is the highest ranked State government agency in the field of agricultural sciences in Australia. NSW DPI is unique because we conduct both fundamental research and applied research, adding value to our work with close linkages to extension through grower groups, consultants and Local Land Services. Our research strengths include strong collaboration with other research institutions, and multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex problems,” Ms Lorimer-Ward said.
Director Northern Cropping & Institute Director Tamworth Agricultural Institute, Dr Guy McMullen said that NSW DPI’s presenters provide valuable insights into current research and their potential impacts.
“Our Agronomy research was well represented at this conference, covering topics on integrated pasture systems, nitrogen management, spatial mapping tools and disease management, to name a few,” Dr McMullen said.
Dr Ehsan Tavakkoli presenting at the Agronomy Conference
“The theme of the conference focused on System Solutions for Complex Problems, which underpins the need to strengthen collaborations between practitioners and researchers from different backgrounds to address these increasingly complex problems and uncertainties.”
Director, Climate R&D, Dr Jason Crean, also highlighted that the conference featured the importance of the land sector in addressing climate change.
NSW DPI’s Professor Annette Cowie, Senior Principal Research Scientist - Climate, presented as a keynote speaker, covering the role of the land sector in meeting the net zero challenge of the Paris agreement.
Keynote speaker Professor Annette Cowie
“Professor Cowie is well-placed to deliver this information, being a lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report. The report identifies the key role that the primary industries sector can play in delivering carbon dioxide removal, including through soil carbon management and use of biochar,” Dr Crean said.
“Professor Cowie has published over 150 scientific papers on climate change issues in agriculture. Her research is applied in climate and land management policies, and she contributes to development of standards and regulations for sustainability assessment, land application of biochar, and carbon accounting at international, national and organisation levels.”
Professor Cowie’s keynote Meeting the Net Zero challenge: a key role for the land sector provided a powerful reminder of the importance of agriculture and the critical role it will play in achieving the climate stabilisation goals of the Paris agreement.
“Sustainable land management, that builds soil organic matter and controls land degradation, is a win-win-win for climate, land health and food security. The land-based solutions have great potential, but there is still an urgent need to reduce emissions in all sectors – the land cannot do it all,” Professor Cowie said.
“Reforestation, bioenergy and biochar are an important part of the climate solution. We need policy that simultaneously encourages sustainable land management, climate change mitigation, and climate change adaptation”.
The 20th Australian Agronomy Conference was held in Toowoomba, Queensland in September 2022.
