About

Michael is a Research Officer in the Climate Application team of NSW Department Primary Industries and currently leads a small, dedicated team in the Beyond Fossil Diesel project on behalf of the department and the NSW Decarbonisation Hub. Michael is based at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute where he has been based since 2009 and owns/ managers a hydroponic strawberry farm which fills every other hour of each day.

Michael has a Degree in Applied Science, Systems Agriculture from the University of Western Sydney- Hawkesbury, a Postgraduate Diploma of Education from the University of Western Sydney- Nepean, a Postgraduate certificate in Climate Change for Primary Industries with the University of Melbourne and qualifications in accountancy. Michael has extensive experience in agricultural extension and adult education and uses these skills to communicate research findings and their implications to the agricultural sector to which he has a strong affiliation. Since moving into a research role in 2013 Michael has led 6 externally funded projects with a combined budget of over $8.2 million, most recently exploring clean energy and energy efficient solutions for agriculture from which emerged the Beyond Fossil Diesel project. The project aims at helping farmers and heavy plant operators in mining and construction find a practical solution to decarbonisation through the combination of practical electrification and renewable green fuels. The Beyond Fossil Diesel project is currently demonstrating both electrification and the use of both green hydrogen and renewable diesel (NESTE HVO 100) in its bespoke P2X Express and H2 Cuts rigs which have become a regular attendee and must-see site at the agricultural field day events in NSW including the Deniliquin Ute Muster. The project team are committed to the challenge of identifying practical solutions for farmers to decarbonise key agricultural inputs such as diesel, fertiliser, and agricultural chemicals.