As part of the unique partnership announced today, SAF will fund research at the University and provide graduate scholarships for students to help them pursue a career in agriculture.

Sunday McKay from the Melbourne School of Land and Environment, the first scholarship recipient, will dedicate her PhD research to exploring the potential risks and benefits of various climate change scenarios on the profitability of agriculture in Australia.

Ms McKay says the industry is facing complex challenges to its operating environment.

“My study will address how we provide food security in the future while finding ways to reduce the industry’s net carbon footprint,” she says. “I will present policy alternatives for curbing carbon emissions that won’t limit food production or restrict gains in agricultural productivity.”

Professor Snow Barlow, an internationally recognised researcher in the area of climate change impacts on agriculture, and Sunday’s supervisor says this is an exciting partnership for the University.

“We will work together to position agriculture for the future by applying up to date research, and training the next generation of agricultural scientists and practitioners,” he says.

The Executive Chairman of SAF, Arthur Apted says population growth and declining arable land has stimulated investor interest in the farm sector.

“SAF investors - AMP Capital Investors, the University of Melbourne Foundation, Mike Fitzpatrick, AUSCOAL Superannuation Fund, Australian Super, Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund and Christian Super – recognise the importance of such research,” he says.

“By undertaking joint research projects with the University, we can improve productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We expect higher returns on well-researched practises.”

“SAF will be better able to assess and apply the best research across the full range of disciplines impacting farms productivity and sustainability.”

Frank Delahunty, the Managing Director of SAF says the collaboration not only fosters high quality agricultural research but also aims to inspire the next generation of agriculturists.

“By working with the University’s students and researchers, we will develop a stronger pool of talent for employment in the agriculture sector,” he says.