Robert Arvier graduated with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours in 2012, during which time he went on exchange to Colorado State University to study agronomy and crop science. He then went on to complete his Master's degree in Agribusiness at the University of Melbourne.
Robert said a clear highlight of studying was his eight-month exchange.
“My period of exchange, which was enabled by the University of Tasmania, was an easy highlight,” he said.
“This incredible opportunity increased the depth of learning in a complex industry and gave insights only possible to gain outside of Australia.”
Robert said the degree was an essential entry point into the industry and further education.
“More broadly my view is that the Bachelor of Agricultural Science brought a healthy level of critical analytical skills that I use daily,” he said.
“Even as my career progressed into agribusiness strategy, I find that the more formative learnings and understanding from on-farm agronomy are invaluable in communicating key issues and solutions from paddock to board room.”
While studying, Robert worked as a research officer, then moved up to a production agronomist once he graduated. In 2014, Robert moved to Melbourne to work with a multinational agribusiness developing commercial strategies and environmental programs. This gave Robert further experience in agribusinesses across the EU, US and South America.
In 2019, Robert co-founded West Pine Ag and today manages all aspects of the organisations farming operations and leads consulting projects related to capital works, water, soil, energy, and environmental impact.
Robert said that the biggest issue facing agricultural businesses today is the rapidly changing climate and skills shortage.
“Agricultural science has a huge role to play in the coming decades to not only contribute to climate change and training, but also to bring value simultaneously from the producer to the consumer,” he said.
Robert said the sector remains hugely undervalued by industry and thinks that an accreditation scheme could ensure minimum professional standards are maintained.
“Beyond this, it is essential that we spend more time talking about and celebrating the wins of our industry whilst maintaining our credibility as effective land and natural resource managers,” he said.
“There are incredible achievements that we are simply not communicating effectively with policy makers or end consumers who ultimately dictate the direction and shape of our industry.”
Robert said he is excited and hopeful about the future of agricultural science in Tasmania.
"I’m hoping to see the discipline carve out a global niche in education specialties linked to the competitive advantages of Tasmania.” he said.
In 2017, Robert was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship where he completed a feasibility study into sugar beet production in south-eastern Australia. In 2023, he won the Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year award from the success of his thriving diversified farming business.