Tessa Dimond

Queensland agronomist bridging the gap between domestic and global markets

Queensland agronomist Tessa Dimond will gain a global perspective on how Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) affect Australian grain prices and access to international markets.

Tessa is a broadacre and irrigation agronomist at AGnVet Rural and has worked in the agriculture industry for 12 years. She says following label directions, spray quality and drift are cornerstones of protecting access to chemicals. These topics are frequently covered in industry updates.

“There is an opportunity to understand international MRL requirements and how these have reformed chemical application and stewardship globally,” Tessa says.

“Opportunity lies in building awareness of how agronomist recommendations and grower application of chemicals impact commodity pricing, access to international markets, the reputation of Australian grain and sustainability of the grains industry into the future.”

Through her Nuffield Scholarship, Tessa hopes to build awareness of the importance of MRLs on the international market and to share global best management practices, trends and leading-edge technology.

She says the scholarship will support her in her professional goals of continuing to gain agronomy knowledge, bridging the gap between industry research and growers, and helping the agriculture industry strive for greater sustainability.

“I am also passionate about continually building trust between the agricultural industry and our city consumers, or risk losing our social licence to operate,” Tessa says.

Her area of study supports the GRDC Research, Development and Extension Plan 2018-23, including its aims to improve market access for Australian grain and increase/maintain its price.