Agriculture Scholar

2019/2021

“My purpose is to increase climate resilience through the increased adoption of climate-smart farming practices across Australia.”

“As a young professional I’m eager to learn from leading farmers and practitioners in this field. I want to better understand the practical skills of managing agricultural systems in a way that both improves the health of our natural capital, but increases profits and builds community resilience against climate change around Australia.”

George Chapman is one of our 2021 BBM Australian Industry Scholars. In 2019 he was awarded a BBM Global Industry Scholarship in agriculture, but when COVID shut down all international travel, we took the opportunity to offer him a chance to pursue professional and personal development here in Australia.

“My personal and professional commitment is to see a greater understanding and respect for the landscape and environment in which we so desperately depend on. We not only need to maintain but also increase Australia’s food and fiber production to meet the demands of our global future.”

“I believe the best way I achieve this is by going to working for 2-3 weeks on an array of regenerative farms in both QLD and NSW. I will learn from farmers who are passionate about their enterprises and associated management practices.”

“The key to the longevity and continued success of Australian Agriculture will depend on our ability to build soil health and store carbon into our soils.”

We’ve asked scholars like George to take every step to become practical, holistic leaders of the future who are aligned to the United National Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), supporting our vision of a sustainable, significant Australia.

“My commitment to regenerative agriculture predominantly aligns with the following SDG’s:

#2 – Zero Hunger – Regenerative agriculture focuses on the fundamental farming principles which help to increase soil fertility, reduce desertification and halt biodiversity loss. By 2030, we need to ensure we utilise sustainable food production systems that increase productivity and production, help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change and that progressively improve land and soil quality.

#13 – Climate Action: Through regenerative agriculture farmers are able to sequester large amounts of carbon into their soils via a range of holistic management practices such as rotational grazing, intercropping and applying compost onto farmland.

“As a globally renowned and prominent agricultural nation, we have to quickly find and further promote innovative and sustainable solutions for climate-smart food and fibre production.”

“I’m also directly aware of the critical function livestock plays in maintaining a healthy landscape and stable ecosystem. I believe the industry needs to increase awareness of the benefits and untapped potential of regenerative agricultural management practices.”

“These initiatives, if practiced properly, can re-build Australia’s top-soils, increase biodiversity and enable farmers to grow healthier, nutrient-dense food.”

We look forward to supporting purpose-driven industry leaders like George in their journey towards leading the future.

“Ultimately, I want to increase both my practical skills and knowledge of the specific management practices for improving regenerative farming systems.”