Laura Davies
Global shocks such as COVID-19 and trade disruptions, including China’s ban on certain Australian agricultural exports, have exposed the risks of overreliance on a handful of markets.
Laura Davies, backed by a Nuffield Australia scholarship, is set to investigate how diversifying Australia’s export destinations can strengthen and future-proof the primary industries sector.
With a career spanning horticulture, seafood, and broader agribusiness, Laura brings deep expertise in international trade, market development, and agribusiness strategy. Originally from an arable farm in the UK, she holds a BSc in Agribusiness Management from Newcastle University and leads Davies and Daughter, a consultancy that supports producers across multiple sectors to access and grow international markets.
Laura’s professional background spans managing exports for horticultural producers of fruit and nuts, working closely with growers to meet market access requirements. Most recently, she led the successful market re-entry of Australian Rock Lobsters into China through the seafood peak industry body, driving collaboration between industry and government stakeholders.
Laura also drives capability development and collaborates with various government departments, agencies and other key stakeholders. Laura has served on national committees, including the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration and industry working groups, shaping policies and demand-driving initiatives that enable Australian products to compete and thrive in global markets.
Laura’s Nuffield research project, “From Risk to Resilience: How Export Diversification Can Future-Proof Australian Agriculture,” will investigate strategies to reduce risk and drive long-term growth by expanding beyond traditional trading partners. Her study will explore how other nations navigate trade volatility, strengthen industry advocacy, and develop collaborative export models.
Laura’s goal is to be an effective and enduring advocate for Australian agriculture globally.
Investor Information:
Nuffield Australia extends its heartfelt thanks to the alumni who have generously contributed to fund this scholarship. Their investment is a powerful recognition of both the potential impact on industry in pursuing this study topic, as well as the transformative impact of the Nuffield experience on the individual scholar.
In supporting the next generation of scholars, alumni honour Nuffield’s legacy of agricultural leadership and demonstrate the depth of their belief in the program’s impact.
