About Us
The Council
The Council is made up of those Universities in Australia that offer a degree course in agriculture and related areas and/or provide higher degree studies for scholars undertaking agricultural research. In Australia there are currently seventeen such Universities, spread across every State and located in both metropolitan and rural locations. Two New Zealand Universities are also members.
What We Do
The ACDA meets twice yearly, with additional meetings as required. There is regular interaction online. Its charter is to promote the cause of agriculture and encourage prospective students into a career in this area. The Council is the peak body and represents issues of common interest as it affects agricultural activities in universities. it cooperates on projects of mutual benefit.
It links and works with relevant government agencies and industry organisations to improve the performance and sustainability of Australian agriculture and to raise the overall education level of the sector.
History
The Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture was constituted officially in June 2007.
It was brought about by an urgent need to increase enrolments in agriculture and provide graduates to meet a strong and growing employment market onshore and offshore.
There was also an identified need to have a unified voice representing the interests of university agricultural education providers. There was a realisation that more could be achieved together in this and other areas than could be achieved by any one university working in isolation.
The Executive
The Executive of the Council is composed of distinguished academics from renowned universities, showcasing their dedication to advancing agricultural education, research, and collaboration:
President
Professor Chris Guppy (University of New England) specialises in soil fertility and contributes his academic expertise and administrative acumen to the Council’s operations, ensuring the smooth execution of its goals.
Vice-President
Professor Giovanni Turchini (University of Melbourne) is Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences and an internationally recognised researcher in aquaculture nutrition and sustainability. He brings experience in academic leadership, research strategy, and cross-institutional collaboration to his role on the Council.
Immediate Past President
Professor Sarita Bennett (Curtin University) is a seasoned academic with expertise in sustainable agricultural development, agricultural systems, and the impact of genotype by environment interactions on crops such as pulses, canola, and cereals. With a PhD in Plant Ecological Genetics from The University of Birmingham, she brings a deep understanding of crop-disease interactions and abiotic stresses to her leadership role.
Secretary/Treasurer
Associate Professor Jeff McCormick (Charles Sturt University) is in the School of Agricultural, Environmental, and Veterinary Sciences. With over nine years at Charles Sturt University and a focus on agronomy, he brings extensive experience in agricultural education and research to his role.
