Geoff Dean

Geoff has a broad background in agricultural RD&E ranging from variety evaluation, agronomic practices and sustainability of farming practices. This has allowed a broad understanding of the complexities of farming systems and integration of cropping and grazing systems. He is currently involved with projects improving soil health in Tasmania and the Pacific. An important aspect of Geoff's career is a good rapport with industry and the farming community which has led to high adoption rates.

Notable achievements to date include:

Research and development of broad-acre raised bed farming systems in Tasmania
Key to the introduction of dual purpose wheat and commercialisation of new niche-market crop options including lupini beans, marrowfat peas, French green lentils, adzuki beans and fodder peas
Developed a high yielding cereal rye variety to control erosion in SA, still being grown 25 years later
Increased alkaloid content in thebaine poppies by 25% with the use of plant growth regulators
Established and managed rice production, milling and marketing in a major national project in PNG
Established a branch of the farming systems group, Southern Farming Systems in Tasmania and village extension networks in parts of PNG and Fiji