EPA back at 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.