September 01, 2022
Seaweed soil treatment in science challenge
A Māori company that turns seaweed into products that improve plant and animal well-being has received backing from the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge for research to prove the effectiveness of its methods for revitalising the taiao.
Paeroa-based Agrisea is part of the Rere ki Uta, Rere ki Tai project, which has been given $2.7 million to research soil quality across 10 Waikato and Bay of Plenty farms.
Chief executive Clare Bradley says soil is the basis of Aotearoa’s economy from farming to forestry and keeping it healthy should be a priority.
Rather than beat up formers for excessive use of fertilisers, she wants to show them alternatives.
“That’s what we’re trying to do, is say we’ve got an opportunity as Aotearoa to help and still provide the best food and we can di it in a way that looks after the environment, that looks after our people and can create good value as well from it,” Bradley says.