Charles Sturt University: An industry full of opportunity

The world of agriculture has become increasingly complex and sophisticated. Global demand for food and fibre products is continuously increasing. With new markets, emerging technologies, globalisation of trade, climate change and sustainability, comes new opportunities.

Australia’s agricultural industry needs passionate professionals who are ready to help navigate these future markets. Professionals like Anika Molesworth. Anika is a thought leader, keynote speaker and researcher in international agricultural development. She’s won many agricultural awards, including the 2018 NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Award for Agricultural Innovation. Anika is also a two-time Charles Sturt University graduate.

“I have an unwavering love for what I do. Rural Australia is so beautiful, yet so fragile. The people in these places are so resilient, yet so vulnerable. I have great conviction for my cause – to create truly sustainable and resilient food and farming systems. I want to see healthy landscapes supporting prosperous farm businesses and vibrant rural communities. My future depends on it, and so does the future of the next generation of farmers.”

Anika’s interest in agriculture and sustainability began after she witnessed a decade-long drought on her family’s sheep farm near Broken Hill in far western New South Wales. She later began a career seeking ways to build resilience in fragile farming systems and help rural communities stay vibrant.

“I wanted to make a positive difference to a sector I care deeply about. To do that I knew I would have to get the right skills in my tool belt.”

Anika studied both a Bachelor of Agribusiness and a Master of Sustainable Agriculture with Charles Sturt University. And it was these experiences that helped shape how she approached her career.

“My time with Charles Sturt equipped me with critical and creative perspectives. It fostered systems thinking and encouraged me to never stop exploring and questioning. I was given some fantastic abilities and a knowledge bank I’ve been able to take out into the world.”

As part of her master’s, Anika joined a project with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. She moved to the town of Savannaket in Southern Laos to develop her understanding of Southeast Asian farming systems. Her research included investigating how farms were adapting to climate change.

Anika’s interest in climate change saw her establish Climate Wise Agriculture. This is a knowledge sharing platform that helps to facilitate the transfer of information and skills regarding climate change and farming.

Anika also helped establish Farmers for Climate Action. The organisation is an alliance of farmers and leaders in agriculture who work to ensure Australia takes the actions necessary to address climate damage and supports the farming community. Since its launch, the group has built a tremendous network of supporters, run climate smart masterclasses and sent delegations to Parliament House to discuss best strategies for a bright farming future.

Are you ready to be part of a new era in agriculture like Anika? Discover Charles Sturt University’s wide range of agricultural and wine science undergrad and postgrad coursesFind out more.

 

Charles Sturt University is a valued partner of Future Farmers Network