Aussie Agronomist Tony Rinaudo Wins Global Peace Prize for Pioneering Regeneration Technique

Tony Rinaudo, a Victorian agronomist and principal climate adviser for World Vision, has captured international attention after winning the prestigious Luxembourg Peace Prize for his pioneering work in regenerative agriculture. Rinaudo’s approach, known as Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), has not only transformed landscapes across Africa but is increasingly being recognised for its potential to impact Australia’s own environmental challenges.

Australian Innovation with a Global Impact

The roots of FMNR reach back to the 1980s, when Rinaudo began experimenting with this technique while working in Niger, West Africa. At the heart of FMNR is a deceptively simple philosophy: rather than planting new trees, the method involves selecting and protecting stems that sprout from dormant tree stumps or seeds remaining in degraded soil. These stems are pruned and nurtured, allowing forests to regenerate naturally.

Although Rinaudo’s work began abroad, his Australian origins and continued advocacy have positioned the country as a source of global environmental leadership. The recognition from the Luxembourg Peace Prize underlines not only the international significance of his work but also the innovative spirit emanating from regional Australia. His success serves as a testament to the depth of scientific expertise and the global reach Australian agronomists can achieve.

FMNR’s Relevance for Australian Farming

In the interview, Rinaudo shares how FMNR has revolutionised farming in Niger, catalysing economic and social change. Results are visible within the first year: trees grow rapidly from stumps, reducing extreme temperatures, wind speeds, and restoring organic matter to the soil. These improvements enhance the microclimate, increase soil fertility, and lead to higher crop yields and farmers’ incomes. Crucially, the method has restored hope to communities struggling with poverty and food insecurity.

Yet, the question remains: could FMNR work in Australia? According to Rinaudo, while no large-scale commercial adoption exists yet, there are pockets of individual farmers practising FMNR on a small scale. The context in Australia is different—the high cost of labour and the sophistication of farm mechanisation mean practices must be adapted accordingly. However, Rinaudo is optimistic that restoration efforts could target areas not cultivated for crops, such as farmland borders, creek lines, and rocky outcrops. Such adaptation would offer significant environmental benefits, including reducing temperatures, improving wind protection, and restoring native biodiversity.

Spreading Awareness and Implementation

One key challenge for wider adoption in Australia, Rinaudo notes, is the need for greater education. Australian farmers are generally receptive to environmental innovations, evidenced by successful soil management and water conservation programmes. FMNR joins a suite of practices that offer both economic and ecological benefits, and with increased awareness, its uptake could expand to more communities across the nation.

FMNR’s global expansion is rapid. Through World Vision programmes, Rinaudo’s approach is taking hold in forty countries, with a bold goal: to restore a billion hectares of degraded land by 2033. Australia’s involvement, both in hosting one of the world’s leading FMNR advocates and as a site for further experimentation and adaptation, puts it at the centre of the movement for environmental regeneration and peace.

An Australian Agronomist Driving Change

The story of Tony Rinaudo is one of perseverance and vision. He recalls being dubbed the “crazy white farmer” when local communities first struggled to grasp his ideas. By working alongside local volunteers and demonstrating tangible results—from improved crop yields, reduced distances for collecting firewood, and the return of wild foods—FMNR spread neighbour to neighbour, transforming lives and landscapes.

For Australians, Rinaudo’s journey is a powerful reminder of the global responsibilities and opportunities that come with stewardship of the land. His Luxembourg Peace Prize stands as recognition of Australia’s contribution to environmental innovation, while his methods hold promise for a sustainable future, both at home and abroad.