RENOWNED West Australian plant scientist Professor Mick Poole is the recipient of the 2010 Farrer Memorial Medal for his outstanding contribution to agricultural research in Australia.
Industry & Investment NSW (I&I NSW) Director-General and Farrer Memorial Trust Chairman, Dr Richard Sheldrake, today announced Professor Poole as the prestigious award recipient.
Dr Sheldrake said Professor Poole’s award recognises his many years of national science leadership and his cutting edge research on tillage systems, salinity control, sustainable cropping, weed issues, crop production and water use efficiency.
“Over the last 45 years Professor Poole has made a significant contribution to meeting the challenges of advancing plant crop production in a sustainable long-term manner,” Dr Sheldrake said.
“Professor Poole has played a major part in massive agriculture production changes since his early days as a Pasture Research Officer with the WA Department of Agriculture back in 1965.
“He is currently a CSIRO Fellow and a Professorial Fellow at UWA, and was previously the head of the CSIRO Centre for Mediterranean Agricultural Research and a Program Leader in CSIRO Plant Industry.
“Mick has been chair or board member on a range of influential agricultural committees, centres and working parties including chairing the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s board research committee and the Australian Plant Industries Committee.
“He has published more than 85 scientific papers, technical reports and journal articles and made numerous conference or workshop presentations.
“Professor Poole has made a substantial lifetime contribution to agricultural science, in particular agricultural research, and is a very worthy recipient of the 2010 Medal.”
The medal presentation ceremony will be held in Perth on 23 February 2011 to coincide with the 2011 Crops Update. Professor Poole will deliver an Oration following the presentation.
The Farrer Memorial Medal was established in 1911 to perpetuate the memory of William Farrer and to encourage and inspire agricultural scientists. William Farrer was a former employee of the NSW Department of Agriculture.
The Medal is awarded annually to a person who has provided distinguished service in agricultural science in the areas of research, education, extension or administration.
