31
NEW ZEALAND BEEKEEPER, MAY 2017
BUSINESS/RESEARCH
AGRISEA GETS GRANT TO STUDY BEES’ NUTRITIONAL NEEDS
Abridged media release from AgriSea NZ Seaweed Ltd, 7 April 2017
It may well be the biggest thing to come out of Paeroa since L&P. Paeroa-based biostimulant company AgriSea NZ Seaweed Ltd has just been awarded a project grant from Callaghan Innovation for $74,000. The grant will go towards research and development of their bioactive products and the nutritional needs of honey bees.
“This grant recognises the innovation happening at AgriSea and will continue to grow our R&D capabilities,”said Agrisea general manager Tane Bradley.“To date there is limited scientific data around the nutritional needs of the honey bee so this is really important.” AgriSea’s organic products, which are derived from a unique fermentation process of a sustainably harvested species of native New Zealand seaweed (ecklonia radiata), are in-demand from customers in the dairy, horticulture, viticulture, equine and dry stock industries. Apiculture—or bee keeping—is also an industry which is using AgriSea’s range of specialist products. “Our Bee Nutritional range is proving hugely popular with New Zealand commercial beekeepers,”said Mr Bradley.“It contains all 10 of the essential amino acids along with a complex natural array of vitamins and minerals. We brew it with essential herbs for up to 90 days and provide it in an available form that can be easily consumed by honey bees.” Mr Bradley said feedback from beekeepers and industry partners indicated that the products improved the health, disease resistance and honey production of the bee population, and the Callaghan Innovation project grant would enable further product enhancement and enable scientists to gather data to prove its benefits. Dr Mark Goodwin, the head of Plant & Food Research’s bee unit, will lead the inquiry along with a team of scientists from University of Auckland. Mr Bradley said that AgriSea had a long history of self-funded research and innovation, and he welcomed the opportunity to expand their research capabilities and expertise. continued...
Made with FlippingBook Annual report