Dr Mary Cole Wins Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

[Publication date: 8 March 2025]

I am humbled but feel vindicated that my approach to sustainability is justified and recognised. The Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides a platform that gives me the confidence to pursue biological farming practices with even greater determination.

A Recognition of Lifelong Work

This recognition justifies what I have been pursuing for 45 years. We must care for the soil, remove synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides from agriculture because these are killing the soil, and making animals and people very unhealthy.

Through this award, I can continue assisting farmers in:

  • Reducing input costs
  • Maximising productivity
  • Having courage for succession planning
  • Getting some free time for their families

I hope it allows those that have not been introduced to biological farming to look again and see that it is the future of our planet that we are talking about and the future being left to our children. I feel confident to keep doing what I have been doing!

Creating a Legacy

I plan to use the prize money to produce a lasting legacy in the form of a film where farmers who have transitioned to biological farming tell the story of their journey, the trials and successes, and how it has changed their lives.

Lived experience is what is most transformative – not talking heads! This documentary will be available long after I am compost. My legacy to the future.

About the Award

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses, and communities. The award provides a platform and resources to women who are making a difference in rural Australia.

As the Victorian winner, I will represent our state at the National Awards in September at Parliament House in Canberra, where the national winner will receive $20,000 to further their work.

Media Coverage

My award has been featured in several publications:

This section will be updated as new coverage becomes available.

Dr Mary Cole is the founder of Agpath, a biological farming research and education centre based in Garfield, Victoria. She has over 45 years of experience in plant pathology and regenerative agriculture practices and currently serves as the 2024 Cardinia Shire Senior Citizen of the Year.