Isabelle Duff, a passionate advocate for agricultural innovation, is harnessing her scientific background to drive genetic advancements in the farming sector. Growing up in a farming family in Australia, Isabelle describes her childhood as filled with exploration and curiosity, following her father around their mixed farming operation. This early exposure to agriculture sparked her desire to understand the science behind farming practices.
She pursued a Bachelor of Advanced Science and Commerce at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), majoring in Genetics and Accounting. While her family raises sheep, cattle, and crops, Isabelle aims to introduce innovative genetic research that could potentially transform the industry.
Before entering university, Isabelle dedicated a gap year to working full-time on her family’s farm, deepening her knowledge of animal health and land management. Recognizing the importance of bridging research and practical applications, she sought opportunities that would allow her to implement scientific advancements on commercial farms. Her goal is to make these innovations accessible and cost-effective for Australian producers.
Hands-On Experience and Industry Support
In addition to her academic pursuits, Isabelle gained valuable experience at a vertical spinach farm in Sydney. This role gave her firsthand exposure to agricultural technology and problem-solving in a startup environment. “It was chaotic, but I thrived on it. Turns out, startups and farming have a lot in common,” she noted.
Receiving the Horizon Scholarship from AgriFutures Australia has had a transformative impact on her career trajectory. The scholarship provides financial support, mentorship, and industry placements to help young leaders like Isabelle accelerate their professional development in agriculture. “I met a Horizon Scholar at an agricultural conference when I was eighteen. She told me all about it, and it sounded amazing, so I wrote ‘apply for Horizon Scholarship’ in my notes and waited four years. Now, I’m here, and it’s everything I hoped for,” Isabelle explained.
Dallas Pearce, Project Manager of evoke AG. and Global Innovation Networks at AgriFutures Australia, emphasized the scholarship’s significance: “This unique program not only helps scholars develop practical skills but also opens doors to diverse learning opportunities. It’s a career accelerator with a high conversion rate into employment, setting scholars up for long-term success.”
Shaping the Future of Agriculture
Isabelle’s background and determination position her as a future leader in the agriculture sector. Pearce remarked, “The Horizon Scholarship will further enhance her skills and experiences, allowing her to make significant contributions to the industry. We are confident Isabelle will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture through her expertise and innovative mindset.”
AgriFutures Australia is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will drive the prosperity of Australian rural industries and communities. The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship is available to students pursuing an agriculture-related undergraduate degree or a Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths/Finance (STEM) degree with relevant majors aligned to agriculture. Applications for the 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship are currently open, with a deadline of January 26, 2026.
