University of Western Australia
A UWA graduate has won a 2020 Churchill Fellowship, a prestigious award funding recipients to investigate global issues about which they are passionate, for the betterment of themselves, industry, the community and Australia.
Primary Industries Trade Manager at the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), I-Lyn Loo, will use her award to examine the commercial drivers behind regenerative agriculture and what motivates consumers to pay a premium price for products grown via a holistic farming system.
"When the borders reopen, I intend to visit the United States and Europe to visit businesses and government organisations to learn more about the financial incentives and mechanisms behind valuing regenerative agriculture."
I-Lyn Loo, Primary Industries Trade Manager, WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
At its heart, regenerative agriculture provides a way for the sector to sustainably address many of the environmental impacts – such as clearing and greenhouse gas emissions which are important for the long-term production of our food supply,” Ms Loo said.
“When the borders reopen, I intend to visit the United States and Europe to visit businesses and government organisations to learn more about the financial incentives and mechanisms behind valuing regenerative agriculture.
“I am excited to learn from these thought leaders why their purchasing and marketing approaches have been shaped to focus on regenerative agriculture practices.”
Ms Loo will share what she has learnt with her department and WA industry to encourage the uptake of regenerative agriculture practices.
Prior to her current role – where she leads the Primary Industries Trade Team with a focus on promoting WA’s agrifood industries globally – Ms Loo was principal policy adviser to Minister for Agriculture and Food Alannah MacTiernan for more than two years, advising the Minister on a diverse range of agriculture and food policy matters.
Born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, Ms Loo swam competitively as a teenager and represented Malaysia in several international competitions. She first came to Perth as a Year 12 student and was awarded the Dux of her college at the completion of her studies.
She graduated from UWA in 2001 with first class honours in Environmental Engineering and also holds a science degree specialising in Physics. Ms Loo started her working life as an operational meteorologist in Singapore, following professional training and qualification in Wellington, New Zealand.