It was the decade-long Millennium drought on Anika's family's farm that spurred her interest in climate change, and led her to ask, "How are we going to feed a rapidly growing global population well, in a climate challenged world?" With a passion for rural communities and healthy ecosystems, she is committed to help create sustainable and vibrant farming landscapes now and for the future. Anika is a recognised thought-leader of agro-ecological systems resilience, has a PhD in international agriculture and environmental management, and is a prominent spokesperson driving the conversation on rural climate solutions.

Anika founded Climate Wise Agriculture in 2014 as a knowledge sharing platform for climate change as it relates to food systems around the world, and runs various outreach activities through it. She also helped established Farmers for Climate Action alongside a group of passionate farmers wanting to see positive change, and this movement is now a national network of over 6,500 Australian farmers leading on climate solutions. With a strong belief in the necessity to ensure the widest number of people understand the science of agro-ecosystem management, especially in a climate change context, Anika is passionate about connecting and educating. She has conducted research with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research on various projects, and communicates daily with agricultural and research peers around the world.

Anika's dedication to raising awareness of climate change impacts on farms, and most importantly, what action can be taken to reduce emissions and adapt to changing conditions has gained her widespread notability. Her career has taken her around the world to every continent (including Antarctica), meeting with farmers, global leaders and royalty. She is also the author of the book, Our Sunburnt Country. With an ethos to inform, engage and empower, Anika believes in working collaboratively to share ideas and find solutions.

Her commitment to agriculture and climate advocacy has been well recognised. Anika was named the 2015 Young Farmer of the Year, the 2017 Young Australian of the Year NSW Finalist, and 2017 NSW Young Achiever Award for Environment and Sustainability. In 2018 she was awarded the Green Globe Awards Young Sustainability Champion, the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Award for Agricultural Innovation, and the 350.org Heroes of a Low-Carbon Economy Youth Champion. In 2019 she was recognised as a Future Shaper by InStyle and Audi, and a Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review. In 2020, she was awarded the Emily Hensley Award for service to the community and upholding social values.