Lincolnshire-based MJP Supplies, who distribute the Algifol seaweed-based biostimulant within the UK, is expecting a mass of interest at the Midlands Machinery Show, after sales increased 33% since last year’s Show.
Algifol is derived from brown algae, which is dried and refined. The result is a natural liquid and trace elements, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, polyuronides and growth-regulating plant hormones.
“For farmers, the 12 months since last year’s Midlands Machinery Show have been some of the most challenging ones ever,” said Marcus Palmer, MJP Supplies owner.
“The pandemic, followed by the invasion of Ukraine, has caused fertiliser prices to skyrocket. Then we have the drought conditions over the summer. I think all of these things have resulted in considerable interest in sustainable farming and driven people to seek out biostimulants such as Algifol. It’s not only new customers behind the surge in sales. We’ve also benefited from lots of repeat orders from growers who have seen the benefits of using Algifol first hand.”
John Carney, of Carney Agricultural Services, has recommended Algifol to clients since 2018. He said: “We have sold seaweed products to farmers and growers for over 40 years and have always kept to products that are sourced solely from the correct plants and extracted without losing natural ingredients.
“We supply Algifol to our customers as a nutrient enhancer to the minerals already available to the plant. Biostimulants are best used before ‘fire-engine’ remedies are needed and are applied regularly during the growing season. Algifol is proven to be very safe when added to other pesticide products.
“Over the years, we have noted that any stresses that plants are put under are greatly alleviated where Algifol has been applied. The green canopy GAI is very apparent. It enhances what is already there in the plant. This is particularly so with fruit growing, where the evidence of quality is easily visible. Where any quality measurements such as tuber size, sugar content or grain specific gravity are made, Algifol has always been shown to be an essential ingredient.”
For more information, visit mjpsupplies.co.uk or visit Mr Palmer at the Midlands Machinery Show, on Stand 5 in JCH2.