Reviews & Product Trials

Have the products been put through scientific/grower trials and what were the results?

Yes - during their development, under a major European R&D programme (ECLAIR) extensive field trials where undertaken by organic growers in the UK and Ireland. The results of that programme are published (and summarised in this website) but it is worth quoting a leading organic expert (under organic/Demeter conditions). He stated that -" 17 separate trials were completed and results are very encouraging with respect to yield, and to some extent protein increases where particularly winter wheat, spring barley and potatoes were concerned…it also appears that organic and biodynamic farms are capable of achieving more consistent yield benefits than conventional farms ".

With trials on glasshouse crops, an independent advisor to commercial growers (during trials of our product) commented

" the spray trials with anaemic Camellias provided spectacular results - I have taken several photographs…"

" I was sent in blind to the glasshouses to identify effects of seaweed treatment - two tomato houses and one strawberry - in all cases I easily identified the positive effects - grower is enthusiastic "

" the tests with tomatoes in Somerset clearly show benefits from the base product…greener, lusher, healthier plants.

A recent trial has been "secret independent trials" undertaken by the BBC Gardeners QuestionTime team, ahead of its visit to Orkney at Christmas 2004, when they reported very 'exciting' results (see FAQ item)"

Environmental Friendliness

After comments on BBC (Gardeners Question Time) and in the gardening press there has been considerable interest expressed about the 'green' properties of our product.

The base product is:

• pure, fresh organic from the clean seas of northern Orkney;
• sustainably managed and harvested, from a standing crop of over a million tonnes, renewing at many thousands of tonnes each year – we are harvesting a minute fraction of these natural renewal rates (see elsewhere on site);
• from one of the most rapidly growing, renewable plants in the world;
• total use of raw material – no waste;
• harvesting by small scale boats – avoiding significant impact on other marine life or users of these island seas ;
• activity compatible with other island activities, helping retain employment;
• where products use other specialist chemicals it reduces quantities required and improves efficacy.