Two rising stars in Australian horticulture – Yumeng Chen and Jackson Boardman - have today been awarded prestigious Nuffield Scholarships, supported by Hort Innovation, to explore cutting-edge technologies and global best practices that could reshape the future of the Australian horticulture industry.  

The Nuffield Scholarship program is a globally recognised initiative that empowers emerging agricultural professionals to undertake international research and bring back insights that strengthen Australian industries. For horticulture, it’s a vital investment in future-ready leadership, digital transformation, and sustainable growth. 

Brett Fifield, Chief Executive Officer, Hort Innovation, explained why programs like the Nuffield Scholarship are important for the industry: “The Nuffield Scholarship is a powerful way to build capability and encourage fresh thinking in horticulture. By supporting emerging leaders, we’re investing in the future of our sector - one that’s innovative, resilient and globally competitive.” 

Meet the 2026 Hort Innovation-supported scholars: 

Yumeng Chen, vegetable industry: Yumeng is passionate about the potential of digital twins to transform horticulture. Currently working at Fragapane Farms, Yumeng brings deep expertise in supply chain management, international logistics, and digital innovation. Her scholarship will explore how virtual modelling can optimise production systems and decision-making in vegetable farming. 

Jackson Boardman, avocado industry: Jackson Boardman represents the next generation of avocado growers. He also runs his own drone business and will use his scholarship to investigate the expanded application of drone technology in avocado farming systems. His research will focus on how drones can enhance productivity, precision, and sustainability in orchard management - bringing cutting-edge tech to one of Australia’s fastest-growing horticulture sectors. 

“As Yumeng and Jackson prepare to embark on their Nuffield international journeys, we look forward to learning from the insights they bring back to strengthen Australian horticulture. Their work will help shape a smarter, more sustainable future for growers and the communities they support,” concluded Fifield.  

The Nuffield Scholarships project (MT22003) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the apple and pear, avocado, vegetable, onion, raspberry and blackberry, and turf research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.