Professor Mike Rose, director, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)
Research into sustainable agriculture in Tasmania is set to benefit from a $482,000 donation from the JM Roberts Charitable Trust, established by the late orchardist and farmer John Roberts. The funding will support projects at the University of Tasmania’s Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) and provide Nuffield Australia scholarships for young Tasmanian farmers.
Since 2020, the Trust has contributed $20,000 annually to TIA projects promoting environmentally responsible farming. Starting next year, funding will increase to $31,500 per year for five years to further advance sustainable agriculture initiatives.
This year, the Trust awarded $20,000 across three projects, including research on codling moth monitoring in apple orchards, water-stress impacts on pyrethrum roots, and rapid screening methods for soil-toxicity-resilient crops. An additional $65,000 will support the JM Roberts and TIA Nuffield Scholarship, which aims to develop leadership in sustainable farming.
“John Roberts devoted his life to farming and environmental stewardship,” said Brian Faulkner, Trustee of the JM Roberts Charitable Trust. “We are pleased to expand our support for projects that enhance the sustainability of Tasmanian agriculture.”
TIA Director Professor Mike Rose welcomed the funding, describing it as a boost for innovation and practical research that could transform the region’s agricultural practices.
