Before sustainability became a significant part of business and regenerative agriculture was widely understood, AgriSea was already at work on its climate-friendly biostimulants. In 1996, co-founders Jill Bradley and Keith Atwood left behind their Government jobs to experiment with a garage-brewed seaweed solution. That leap of faith has grown into a powerhouse of agricultural innovation, pushing the limits of what’s possible in biotech, farming, and marine ecosystem regeneration.
Back then, synthetic fertilisers and chemical-heavy farming were the norm, making AgriSea’s nature-based approach a bold outlier. The business invested in harnessing seaweed’s natural ability to regenerate soil, strengthen crops, and improve animal health, remaining steadfast and driven by the belief that working with nature held the key to a more sustainable future.
Nearly three decades later, that same commitment is reshaping industries, with AgriSea’s seaweed biostimulants trusted by dairy farmers, beekeepers, viticulturists, and horticulturalists across New Zealand and the world.
A proudly family-owned business, AgriSea is blending indigenous knowledge with world-class innovation. Clare Bradley, AgriSea’s Chief Executive Officer says, “For us, it’s about kaitiakitanga - honouring our role as guardians of the environment and ensuring that everything we do creates lasting impact.”
This ethos extends beyond sustainability and is about embedding integrity and responsibility at every level of the business. AgriSea hand-harvests Ecklonia radiata seaweed that has washed ashore, ensuring that 30% is left behind to preserve the on-shore micro-ecosystem it supports.
This considered sourcing aligns with AgriSea’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its vision for a regenerative future. It also reflects why its collaboration with GreenWave, a US-based non-profit dedicated to regenerative ocean farming, was a natural fit. Together, the two organisations are working to build sustainable seaweed value chains in North America, ensuring fair economic returns for farmers while advancing ocean conservation.
This international partnership demonstrates how AgriSea has focussed on leveraging its entire value chain to unlock game-changing possibilities. This includes collaborations with leading research institutions, Callaghan Innovation and Scion, developing new products like ‘nanocellulose’ – a breakthrough material poised to replace plastics, petroleum-based chemicals, and synthetic additives. With applications in wound healing, filtration systems, and sustainable packaging, nanocellulose is set to transform industries worldwide.
AgriSea’s Chief Innovation Officer, Tane Bradley, says that as the business has expanded, its decision to join the FernMark Licence Programme was a natural fit and a partnership where authenticity meets opportunity.
“As a business that blends Māori knowledge with cutting-edge innovation, we see the FernMark as a reflection of our values. It strengthens New Zealand’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable technology while signalling to international markets that AgriSea is part of an ecosystem of standout New Zealand businesses, recognised for their excellence and integrity,” says Tane.
While the FernMark boosts the company’s credibility on the world stage, AgriSea, in turn, reinforces what the FernMark stands for – innovation, stewardship, and world-class expertise. It’s more than a certification; it’s a shared commitment among businesses that are shaping New Zealand’s identity as a hub of ingenuity.
“For us, the FernMark is a symbol of trust, backed by businesses that are pushing boundaries,” says Clare. “Every company that carries it plays a role in strengthening New Zealand’s reputation on the global stage. We’re proud to be part of a community that uplifts each other while proving that innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand.”
AgriSea remains driven by its core ethos – creating real, measurable impact for people and the planet. Every decision, from product development to international expansion, is made with long-term benefits in mind. Whether pioneering biostimulants for agriculture, or transforming the way industries think about sustainability, AgriSea is proving that business can be a force for good.
As AgriSea looks ahead, its focus is clear: continue to innovate, expand its global reach, and redefine what’s possible in regenerative technology.