Scholarships spark innovation and growth in Australian agriculture

A new report from Nuffield Australia shows that almost 90% of alumni have enhanced their farming systems and boosted production after completing the prestigious scholarship.

The Nuffield Australia Impact Report 2025 highlights the powerful role the Nuffield program plays in driving innovation, leadership, and new business opportunities across the sector.

Nuffield Australia CEO, Jodie Redcliffe, says the report demonstrates Nuffield scholarships deliver strong, tangible outcomes for participants both on- and off-farm.

“We heard 87% of scholars saw an improvement in their farming systems and production, while 71% improved their ability to generate more income,” Ms Redcliffe said.

“Additionally, 70% started new businesses or organisation, and 68% adopted new brands, products or innovations.

“Behind these figures are people who are creating jobs, investing in regional communities and increasing the productivity of Australian agriculture,” she said.

The assessment also found that almost half of alumni were more likely to undertake further study following their scholarship, reinforcing the program’s role in fostering lifelong learning and leadership.

Further, 95% of scholars reported that their professional networks and access to industry expertise expanded as a result of the program — an endorsement of its impact on building industry-wide collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Investors and industry leaders interviewed for the report said the program cultivates candidates for leadership positions, introduces new perspectives through cross-sector networking and helps with the dissemination of agtech and new innovations.

“Nuffield is about broadening (scholars’) scope, broadening their minds, and exposing them to other ways of thinking and doing things,” Fiona Simson, Vice President of the World Farmers’ Organisation said when interviewed for the report.

The research also identified areas where the organisation can improve, which Ms Redcliffe said will help steer Nuffield Australia’s future course.

“Our motivation for the research was to understand how we have, and can continue to, provide value for Australian agriculture. We look forward to enhancing diversity in our organisation and scholarships, keeping pace with the needs of agriculture through increased extension practices, and strengthening our communication activities.”

You can read the full report here.

For 75 years, Nuffield Australia has connected agricultural leaders through its flagship experiential learning program – enabling the sharing of knowledge that creates a sustainable and profitable food and fibre industry. Steeped in tradition but driven by new ideas, our mission is to build capacity. We equip our scholars with the tools, insights, and global networks they need to adapt to changing climatic and market conditions in agriculture.

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