Find-A-Pest
Project start: 21 February 2020
Project completed: 1 November 2021
MPI funding: $255,445
Industry funding: $136,000
Industry partner: Scion
Region: Nationwide
The Find-A-Pest app, which enables members of the community to participate in biosecurity surveillance of biosecurity pests and environmental weeds, is now widely used by industry and regional councils. Its functionality was improved through the SFF Futures project. The project is now directed by a governance group that includes MPI, regional councils, the Department of Conservation and primary sectors. App development and an engagement coordinator is supported by ongoing funding from central and local government agencies and primary sectors to ensure that Find-A-Pest is available as an early reporting and information tool for biosecurity surveillance in New Zealand. The app can be found at Findapest.nz or downloaded from the Apple and Android app stores.
Hieracium biocontrol
Project start: 5 March 2020
Project completed: 15 January 2021
MPI funding: $103,000
Industry funding: $19,991
Industry partner: Hieracium Biocontrol Group, Landcare Research New Zealand Limited
Region: Nationwide
This project assessed the success of biocontrol agents for Hieracium weed that were introduced 20 years ago. Two of the 5 biocontrol agents previously imported are spreading well. However, there is no evidence that Hieracium densities have reduced, except in areas where land management initiatives such as fertiliser application and irrigation have favoured productive species.
A novel approach to probiotics for production animals
Project start: 23 October 2019
Project completed: 5 October 2020
MPI funding: $24,000
Industry funding: $41,900
Industry partner: BioBrew
Region: Nationwide
BioBrew aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of probiotics for lambing to provide farmers with a means to reduce the use of anthelmintics (antiparasitic drugs), while maintaining production and profitability.
