December 2007: Expansion Plan
The Wormtech Report No. 12      

Whakatane firm Wormtech NZ Ltd today announced an expansion plan which sees the firm launching into new markets and releasing new products, following the appointment last year of Stuart Pedersen as Marketing Manager.

“We cut our teeth in the kiwifruit sector, and in recent years have had success in the Marlborough grape industry” said managing director Greg Walker. ”Now we are moving into pasture and sports turf, as well as redoubling our efforts in our existing markets.  Our aim is to increase production and sales by 50% in 2008.”

Stuart Pedersen, who holds a degree in Agricultural Economics from Massey University, recently returned from extensive travelling overseas with his family and settled at Mt Maunganui.  He has been a shareholder in Wormtech since 2006, and has contributed to the firm occasionally since then.

Wormtech makes biologically active foliar feeds and soil conditioners from aged vermicast, which in turn is produced from pig farm waste.  The company’s catchphrase is ‘Win-Win Solutions’.

“In other words, we take one farmer’s environmental problem and turn it into products which can help other farmers - and at the same time solve another environmental problem” says Stuart. “That’s three wins actually!  Intensive, conventional farming often damages the biology and microbiology of the soil, which not only affects plant production and farm profit, but can also lead to excessive runoff and leaching of chemical fertilizers. 

“This is widely understood by farmers who, as responsible custodians of the land, generally want to move to more sustainable practices, so long as profitability is not harmed. Our pasture product is formulated to provide a permanent boost to soil life, improving soil oxygen levels, moisture retention, porosity, root development and nutrient uptake. 

“Better uptake of applied nutrients gives the farmer a choice – maintain fertilizer input and get better production, or reduce inputs for the same production.  Of course, we are not giving our products away, having spent a lot of time and effort developing them. But we aim to ensure that the benefits to the grower outweigh the costs, so that any wider environmental benefit is a bonus.  If the grower can see a benefit in gross margin per hectare, we’re in business.

“I’m really excited about the prospects for this business, which is a classic example of being in the right place at the right time."