When you head to the shops to collect that perfectly shaped cherry, super crunchy apple or juicy nectarine, today’s guest worked behind the scenes to achieve that top quality. She’s the person growers call when they have a problem with pests, soil and even the changing climate. Jessica Fearnley is a young and emerging scientist who just loves agriculture. Her work has now earned her the coveted Rural Achiever Award presented by the Rural Agricultural Society of NSW. Today we discuss:
What Jessica loves most about the land.
Jessica’s role is to help farmers produce better fruit and some of the challenges they are facing right now.
Currently, she is focusing on traceability and vulnerability assessments to safeguard the industry.
Climate adaptations and the ways our farmers are dealing with climate change.
The impact Jessica’s high school biology teacher had on her career path.
Her honours project was spent investigating the use of fertilisers in soil. A topic she loves.
Winning the Rural Achiever Award and, how she came to be involved.
The temperate fruits in which Jessica specialises to improve quality standards.
Expectations from overseas markets and creating uniformity in the product.
The impact Jessica has felt as a result of her work with international farmers.
Jessica’s favourite part of working in agriculture is the people she has met.
The unexpected positive events to occur throughout Jessica’s career.
The most common misconception about the work she does.
Ultimate dream for the Future.
We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.
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