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Climate-smart crops could soon become a reality, says Parwinder Kaur .

A research associate at the Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA), Dr Kaur says that her research will help to determine the genes in clover that control such traits as methane release potential.

She aims to develop new methods, with the assistance of a multi-disciplinary team, for plant breeders to identify environmentally-friendly subterranean clover, a key pasture species in Australia. Grazing animals' emissions contribute an enormous amount to Australia's carbon footprint. Dr Kaur's research will aid in identifying genes which control vital traits in this species, by sequencing the complete genome.

As the winner  of the Meat and Livestock Science and Innovation Australia Award, she will initiate a collaborative research program with Japan. Dr Kaur is thrilled to have received one of the Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The award grants up to $22,000 to each researcher exploring a developing scientific issue or innovation over a period of 12 months.

The 2013 Recipients were selected from a competitive field of applicants up to 35 years of age , who is studying or working in the rural industries. They were awarded on 5 March 5 in Canberra.

The awards are coordinated by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), and each category is supported generously by primary industry organisations.