2025 Horizon Scholarship cohort revealed

As Australian agriculture navigates a number of opportunities and challenges such as workforce, climate change and rapid digital transformation, AgriFutures Australia’s Horizon Scholarship Program is investing in the next generation of leaders with the skills and passion to tackle such issues head on.

Announcing today its 2025 cohort of 21 ambitious students across Australia, the program is strengthening the future of regional and rural Australia by cultivating emerging talent ready to drive innovation and change across the sector.

Since its inception in 2010, the Horizon Scholarship Program has supported more than 240 students and played a key role in addressing workforce challenges across the sector, with several scholars going on to start their own ventures.

Backed by industry partners, and by fostering leadership, research and innovation capabilities, the program continues to strengthen the resilience, productivity and long-term sustainability of Australian agriculture.

Reflecting on her experience as a 2018 and 2020 Horizon Scholar, Indiana Rhind, Founder of agricultural consultancy Demeter Engineering, 2025 evokeAG. Groundbreaker and phD student says the program has played a pivotal role in shaping her work.

“The AgriFutures Horizon Program has made a lasting impact on my career. It gave me the skills and confidence to succeed in the professional world through its amazing workshops and introduced me to a network of driven, supportive peers I’m still in contact with today.”

“Those connections have opened doors for me – I would not know half the people in the industry today without the Scholarship,” said Indiana.

Horizon Scholar and alumni Jack Mooney also reflected on the impact the program has had on his career.

“The Horizon Scholarship gave me invaluable exposure to industry leaders and experts across the agricultural sector. The mentorship and support I received from experienced professionals and invitations to international events enabled me to gain real-world experience, clarity on my career direction, and the confidence to take leadership roles.”

“My advice to other Scholars is to say yes to every opportunity, be open to learning, and stay connected. The relationships you build are just as powerful as the skills you gain,” said Jack.

Each scholar receives a $10,000 bursary over two years to support their studies and living expenses, along with access to a unique program of professional development, industry networking and work placements with an industry sponsor.

The 2025 Horizon Scholarship sponsors include Australian Eggs, Baiada, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Dairy Australia, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Hort Innovation, Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre, Meat and Livestock Australia, and Riverine Plains.

The 2025 cohort will come together face to face in July for a five-day workshop in Canberra, held in conjunction with the AgriFutures Stakeholder Summit. The event will feature guest speakers, industry experts, and networking sessions that will expose scholars to the latest innovations and challenges in the sector.

Media enquiries:  

Ingrid Lee-Scott
Dentsu Creative Public Relations

0410 047 767