2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship winners announced

Twenty-two scholars have been awarded the 2023 Horizon Scholarship, an initiative supported by seven Research and Development Corporations (RDC’s), along with Kalyx Australia, Baiada Poultry, Southern NSW Innovation Hub and Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (MBCRC), to develop the next generation of rural leaders.  

The Horizon Scholarship provides scholars with a $10,000 bursary over two years, thanks to ongoing support from industry sponsors. As part of the program, students also attend an annual four-day professional development workshop and complete two weeks of industry placement each year, all of which is covered by the support of their sponsor. The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program provides the next generation of leaders with opportunities to kickstart their leadership skills and expand their networks.

John Harvey, AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, congratulated the 22 students from across Australia on their success and welcomed these future rural leaders to the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program.

“Congratulations to our 2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship recipients, whose exceptional passion, ambition, and commitment to agriculture has distinguished them from a talented pool of applicants. We are so appreciative to our industry sponsors for their investment in supporting the next generation of rural leaders,” said Mr Harvey.

Students are carefully paired with industry sponsors that align with their career aspirations and industry experience. Support from sponsors is key to the program’s success and assists students to network with industry leaders and learn new skills relevant to a career in their chosen field.

2023 sponsors include Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), Kalyx Australia, Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (MBCRC), Baiada Poultry, Southern NSW Innovation Hub, Australian Eggs, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Hort Innovation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), AgriFutures evoke^AG., and the AgriFutures Export Fodder, Thoroughbred Horses, Rice, Pasture Seeds and Chicken Meat Programs.

Mr Harvey thanked the Horizon Scholarship sponsors and acknowledges their significant contribution to the program, particularly in offering student’s valuable exposure to the agricultural sector.

“The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program would not be possible without our sponsors. The diversity of industry sponsors reflects the desire across the board to focus on our future leaders who will build prosperous and sustainable rural industries of the future.

“I encourage scholars to make the most of the fantastic opportunities their industry sponsors provide. They will be able to collaborate across rural industries, participate in valuable work placements and attend workshops that will open doors to a successful career in their chosen field,” said Mr Harvey.

All students involved with the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program will attend a four-day workshop in July focused on leadership and personal development. The workshop will feature special guest speakers and industry experts, while additionally providing the opportunity to network, meet sponsors and discuss innovations and challenges in the agricultural sector.

For more information on the Horizon Scholarship, visit: agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/horizon-scholarship/ 

2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program cohort (in alphabetical order):