Our team are firm believers in the use of seaweed applications to promote plant health and to build resilience against weather extremes in the vineyard. We’ve been using Tory Channel Natural Kelp for the past seven years and are pleased with how our vines have performed over this time.

It’s become an integral part of our vine nutrition programme. We’re also very conscious about our environmental impact, and we’re delighted that we can source a local Marlborough product, and we know exactly what has gone into its production.

- John Flanagan, Viticulturist, Cloudy Bay Vineyards

“I am a keen proponent of using seaweed in the vineyard. A lot of commercial products in New Zealand contain three seaweed varieties sourced from overseas, which are - Ascophyllum Nodosum, Laminaria and Sargassum. These are good seaweeds, but I believe that when they are processed and heated over 35 degrees C they lose amino acids, proteins, vitamins and probably most of the auxins and gibberellins. Also you pay for the water and the shipping of the water when it is reconstituted.

Some of the common New Zealand seaweeds, Eklonia Radiata, Macrocystis Pyrifera, Undaria Ulva and Durvillaea, which contain as many plant growth stimulants and are as nutrient-dense as the overseas varieties, are used in New Zealand made products using natural fermentation extraction methods.

I particularly like the Tory Channel Natural Kelp product, (which contain the Macrocystis, Undaria and Durvillaea), because it is harvested locally in a sustainable way, it is chopped and fermented and filtered and that’s it. It is not heated, it is not diluted, and the price is excellent compared to anything else on the market.”

-Ged Boekholt, Viticulturist

“Seaweed has been a staple in my spray programs for many years. The benefits of seaweed are well documented for viticulture, and I believe that the Tory Channel Natural Kelp is as good as any product on the market today. The main attractiveness of the product for me is that it is locally sourced, from the pristine waters of the Marlborough sounds. Knowing where the product is sourced provides reassurance that we know we are getting a high quality product. Also, the convenience of a door-to-door delivery service, and the ability to order just the right amount, as needed, cannot be understated.

A reduced carbon footprint associated with [minimal] transport of the product, is a big positive. With an ever increasing focus on sustainability, the Tory Channel Natural Kelpethos; of reducing transport miles, and landfill waste [through recycling old containers], aligns very well with both my personal and operational philosophies. I am always very aware of any impact my vineyard operations have on the environment, and am constantly looking for areas to have a positive impression on the environment. Use of Tory Channel Natural Kelp is one aspect of our operation that contributes towards this.”

-Matt Duggan, Technical Viticulturist

“I have used Tory Channel Kelp seaweed extracts for the past 6 years and always found them excellent. We switched initially to reduce costs but found that the benefits were so marked that (we) dropped other nutrition products and increased our frequency of application of Kelp tea. I recommend Tory Channel Kelp to the reader and will be happy to discuss its use in the field.”

-Matt Oliver, Consultant, Biologic Soils

Please click here to read Matt's full document covering the role of Seaweed in Viticulture, the benefits of Tory Channel Kelp, application rate and frequency and his personal experience with the product.

“I have used Tory Channel Kelp seaweed extracts on all our managed vineyards at JTC Viticulture Ltd for the last three years with good results. The benefits of seaweed applications are undisputed but what I really like about Tory Channel Kelp is that the product is locally produced.

We are dealing direct with the producer as opposed to a merchant and not only are there significant cost benefits but we have the reassurance that our kelp is delivered on time and we always have the quantity that we need. There is complete flexibility around the volume of kelp supplied and the configuration of the packaging. Tory Channel Kelp is a great example of good old fashioned Kiwi service backed by excellent product.”

-Melissa Tripe, Viticulturist, JTC Viticulture Ltd

“Having used Tory Channel Kelp products over the last ten years in a number of organic viticulture and horticulture operations it is evident the many benefits that of Kelp on all of the crops receiving applications. As a key component in my management plans I have relied upon Tory Channel Kelp to help foster disease resilience and balanced plant growth. Some other key principles that also resonate with me is that Tory Channel Kelp is farmed, freshly harvested and made locally in Marlborough, re-fills or re-uses containers cutting down on waste plus provides a wide range of minerals and nutrients for the plants and soil.

Tory Channel also has provided a flexible service where upon request the addition of biodynamic preparations to the fermented brew has been certified. I have found that the fermented Kelp keeps it’s fresh odour and that there are few solids left in the bottom of the container.

I plan to be using Tory Channel Kelp on the different crops that I am growing for many years to come.”

-Colin Ross, Organic Horticulturist, Marlborough

These words were written by Colin Ross, who is no longer with us. Colin gave Mick a great deal of advice, for which Mick is eternally grateful and respects gratefully to this day.