Budding scientists will not want to miss the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) display at this year’s Perth Royal Show.
This year’s interactive trail will guide visitors through DPIRD’s science and innovation initiatives helping Western Australia’s valuable agriculture industries to grow and thrive.
Little visitors can become a scientist for the day by donning a laboratory coat and glasses, as they wander through the fun and interactive educational display.
DPIRD Primary Industries Development Deputy Director General Cec McConnell invited show visitors to drop into DPIRD’s Paddock to Plate display and discover more about the science behind the food we eat and the clothes we wear.
“Science is integral to how we grow and supply our food from helping to create healthy soils that grow healthy food, through to packaging innovations as food reaches the supermarket shelves,” she said.
“DPIRD scientists work with farmers and across the supply chain to get good nutritious food from the paddock to the plate, while looking after our environment.
“I really encourage Royal Show visitors – young and not so young – to visit the DPIRD display and get an insight into DPIRD’s science and research work that supports our farmers who produce our food.”
Little scientists will be able to look through real microscopes to get a close-up view of special grass grown for sheep feed and learn how DPIRD’s FEED365 initiative is helping farmers grow healthy, green plants all year round for livestock.
Another part of the trail will explain how science is being used to improve the soil used to grow grain crops, alongside a ‘lift the flap’ game to match various grains with everyday foods.
Science of the senses will be explored on the apple station, where visitors will draw on their sight, sounds and smells to provide feedback on fruit samples – similar to DPIRD’s sensory testing used to create new and tasty apple varieties.
After completing the trail, ‘scientists’ will be able to get a stamp and a selfie wearing their lab coat and glasses.
DPIRD’s Paddock to Plate display will be in the Centenary Pavilion, located on the eastern side of the showgrounds, near Gate 10 at the Perth Royal Show on 27 September to 4 October 2025.
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