New Fertilizer Is Squid-Based

New Fertilizer Is Squid-Based GreenFlow Corp stands out as an innovator, producing Squid Juice, a unique fertilizer made from repurposed leftover calamari-processing byproducts. It’s the only company producing this type of product in Canada and the sole commercially available option in the U.S. “We repurpose leftover squid into certified organic, sustainable fertilizer that doesn’t just provide nutrition but is a natural defense, pesticide, fungicide and insecticide,” says Sammy Prantera, GreenFlow’s Director of Sales. The largest squid fishery on Massachusetts’ East Coast processes Atlantic Ocean squid into calamari and, on-site, converts byproducts into high-value organic fertilizer. It partners with GreenFlow Corp under an exclusive manufacturing agreement. Forty-eight percent of a squid is used for calamari, while the remaining 52%, once considered waste and thrown back into the ocean, is now fully repurposed through a low-heat enzymatic process to produce a liquid concentrate. “The liquid is full of nutrients, but we add potash to make a 2-2-2 organic fertilizer,” Prantera explains. “Most of the benefits are the squid nutrients, but we want the NPK balance, so we make the potash addition.” A key differentiator of Squid Juice is the rare form of chitin in the fertilizer. Derived from the squid pen, this beta-chitin is more bioavailable and fast-acting than the crystalline chitin found in crabs or shrimp. This capability makes it an effective foliar with easier access to the soil than chitin derived from harder crystalline structures. “Bio stimulants are a new trend in the last 5 years of farming, and Squid Juice is the only water-soluble, bioavailable form of chitin on the market,” Prantera explains. “Chitin increases yield, flavor, brix and terpenes for overall quality and strengthens a plant’s defense mechanisms, including stress, drought and pest and fungal suppression.” Squid Juice liquid fertilizer isn’t only safe, requiring no special safety equipment, but it also enhances biodiversity. GreenFlow supplies over 100,000 gal annually, primarily in 1,000-liter totes sold by the truckload to dealers who serve individual growers. Their distribution network reaches nearly every state, serving horticulturists, vineyards, orchards, fruit and vegetable growers, and large-acreage cash crop farmers. “Farmers can apply the all-purpose concentrated liquid fertilizer from germination to harvest as a drench, in-furrow as a liquid starter, and as a foliar spray application. It’s a dynamic product for different areas, seasons and crops.” Efficacy trials with colleges and farm partners are ongoing to assess benefits beyond nutrition, including chitin’s impact on pests and diseases. The product is OMRI Listed and CDFA Certified in the U.S. and Ecocert Certified in Canada for organic use. One gallon treats about one acre, and at $16 to $17 per gallon, GreenFlow’s Squid Juice fertilizer offers an environmentally friendly and effective solution for modern agriculture. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, GreenFlow Corp, 195 King St., Unit 106, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2R 3J6 (ph 289-454-5462 or 888-552-3651; info@greenflowcorp.com; www.greenflowcorp.com).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.