Let's re-frame how we understand our relationship with nature.
Dr David Low – Co-Founder
David Low is qualified with a PhD in Scientific Communication (Australian National University, 2003) and is a Master of Environmental Science (Monash University, 1992). He became interested in the environmental issues related to pesticides after working for Monsanto and talking with people who were concerned with the health and environmental effects of the chemicals they were using. He realised that, instead of killing with chemicals, inconvenient life such as weeds or insects can instead be used as a resource, for example, many so-called weeds can be used as sillage to feed stock or as a living tool to revitalise soil and beneficial insects provide free pest control. Where there is biodiversity, there are fewer pest problems. So began David’s enquiry into the financial and environmental benefits of working with nature to prevent pesticide pollution. email
Zheljana Peric – Co-Founder
Zheljana is qualified with a BA in Social Science (Monash 1998) and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Monash 2004). She became interested in pesticide reduction because she noticed the ‘war talk’ used in conjunction with pesticide use. “People were talking about plants and insects as if they were an enemy. I believe that nature can be used beneficially, to produce income and to provide a safe ecosystem for natural biological control.” Click here to read Zhelajna's latest paper titled, "Plants talking and what we here".
Nam Truong - Student Intern
Nam is currently undertaking his Master of Sustainability at Monash University. He has been involved in weed management since 2010 when he began working in grassland conservation on the basalt plains west of Melbourne. He found that it was good and meaningful employment. However, the volume of herbicide which is applied in conservation works has inspired Nam to return to university and to seek out opportunities to reduce herbicide usage. Nam began his internship with the Australian Pesticide Reduction Network in June 2014 and also works as a commercial gardener.
Dr Fred Pollnac – USA Representative
As part of the Weed and Invasive Plant Ecology and Management Group at Montana State University, USA, Fred received his MS degree in Land Resources and Environmental Science in 2007 and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Ecology in May 2012. He has worked on a variety of research projects related to weeds, including studies of: 1) their diversity and distribution in organic vs. conventionally managed wheat fields, 2) the dispersal of weed seeds via motor vehicles, and 3) the effects of environmental factors related to elevation on an invasive species in a mountainous region of the USA. Fred grew up in a rural area and has always been interested in how humans interact with the natural environment which has fuelled his interest in sustainable management of both agricultural and natural areas. He sees weeds and climate change as two of the biggest challenges for future management in these areas. email
Dr Charles Merfield - New Zealand Representative
Charles ‘Merf’ Merfield originally studied commercial horticulture in the UK before managing organic vegetable farms in England and New Zealand for six years, which was responsible for his interest in non-chemical weed management. He then undertook his M.Sc. and PhD at Lincoln University in NZ, on agroecology, biological control, vegetable seed production and included re-inventing the direct-fired steam boiler for use in farming. He also worked in Ireland for two years leading organic research and extension with a three-month sabbatical in the NW USA on weed management. On his return to NZ he established the BHU Future Farming Centre, which is dedicated to the science and extension of permanent and whole-system agricultures and horticultures with a focus on providing practical outcomes for farmers and growers. email
