Monday, 28 November 2022 11:28

EPA back at Fieldays

Written by  Staff Reporters
The Environmental Protection Authority are heading back to the National Fieldays later this week. The Environmental Protection Authority are heading back to the National Fieldays later this week.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) says it aims to highlight innovation and empower people to act now in the interests of the planet with its Sharing Shed exhibit at this year’s National Fieldays.

At the exhibit, the EPA will be offering free haircuts from performance artist and hairdresser Jason Muir in exchange for a chat about environmental protection, innovation and the future of the agricultural sector.

The EPA’s general manager engagement, Paula Knaap says the organisation wants to better understand the challenges facing the agricultural sector, the actions people are taking to protect the environment, and their vision for the future.

“It’s everyone’s job to protect the environment, and the time to act is now – we can’t leave these challenges for future generations,” Knaap says.

“Environmentally sustainable farming practices are part of the fabric of good farming business today and into the future.

“We’d love you to come and see us at Fieldays and help us to shine a light on the inspiring work and innovation that we know is happening in the agricultural sector,” she says.

A key feature of the exhibit is a community science programme which provides insights into the diversity of life in local waterways.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is the tiny traces of genetic material left behind as living things pass through water or soil. It is a rapidly evolving technology that offers potential to inform environmental decision making.

The EPA’s latest initiative sees the organisation pairing with NZ Landcare Trust and Wilderlab to offer rural catchment groups across New Zealand the opportunity to undertake eDNA projects to establish baseline data on ecosystem health, compare sites, and track changes over time.

“This is a fantastic programme putting science and knowledge in the hands of our communities, empowering them to care for their environment,” says Knaap. “We are inviting visitors to Fieldays to come and learn more about this initiative – and about the new opportunities tailored towards rural communities.”

The EPA’s Sharing Shed exhibit will be in the main pavilion at sites PC39 and PC41 from 30 November to 3 December.

More like this

EPA clarifies GMO definition, researchers happy

Researchers are celebrating an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) ruling that removes restrictions on the use of null segregants- descendants from genetically modified organisms but do not contain genetic modifications themselves.

Glyphosate use under review?

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is deciding whether there are grounds to reasses the use of the herbicide glyphosate in NZ.

Farmer resilience will be tested

OPINION: Perhaps Captain Bligh’s infamous line, “the beatings will continue until morale improves”, best summed up the mood of New Zealand’s weary agribusiness sector at Fieldays last year.

Numbers game

OPINION: And just like that, Fieldays is done for the year! That’s what Fieldays announced in a media release at the end of the four-day event.

Red for danger

OPINION: At the recent National Fieldays, it was noted that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her band of ministers avoided any Labour Party branding.

Featured

Vaccinate against new lepto strain

A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

National

Celebrating success

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole…

Cyclone's devastating legacy

One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it…

Machinery & Products

Factory clocks up 60 years

There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally…

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Cut with care

OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.

Bubble burst!

OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter