“There were so many young people in this category doing amazing things, like looking at making alternative plastics, looking after our oceans and promoting community sustainability projects,” Ms Molesworth said.

“Any of them would have been a well-deserved winner, so I’m humbled that my work was recognised in such a way.”

Her work in sustainability has already earned a number of accolades include being a finalist for NSW Young Australian of the year, 2015 Young Farmer of the Year, and the 2017 NSW/ACT Young Achiever award for ‘Environment and Sustainability.’

“I really want to use this award to further promote the work young people are doing in the agricultural industry. We are punching above our weights in showcasing what is possible with technology and innovation.”

Studying her PhD at Deakin University looking at cotton and crop production here in Griffith and maize crops in Cambodia, she looks at soil fertility, water management, recycling and reusing agricultural by-products.

“I think the cotton industry in Australia is productive and forward thinking, looking at the latest science to get more crop per drop,” Ms Molesworth said.

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“We use 90 per cent less chemicals in cotton than 10 years ago, which shows huge advances. It can be seen right across agricultural industries.

“Agricultural sustainability isn’t a fashionable catch-cry, it is something we take very seriously,” she said.

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