A British Columbia company is set to inaugurate a new biorefinery focusing on utilizing seaweed for agricultural advancement. Cascadia Seaweed is gearing up to unveil a project in Port Edward, situated approximately 15 kilometers east of Prince Rupert, B.C. This initiative aims to convert locally cultivated and harvested kelp and seaweed into a liquid product known as seaweed-derived biostimulant, which can aid farmers in enhancing crop yields and fortifying resilience against stress factors like drought.
CEO and co-founder Michael Williamson highlighted the nutrient-rich ocean waters off British Columbia, particularly in the northern region, as conducive to cultivating high-quality seaweed. He emphasized the potential of superior seaweed to yield valuable products such as biostimulants, which can benefit agriculture significantly.
The biostimulants are intended for soil application or plant foliar spray to enhance nutrient utilization efficiency in plants, according to Williamson. This process facilitates better absorption of fertilizer products by plants, leading to healthier soil conditions and promoting faster, larger plant growth naturally.
The establishment of the plant in Port Edward is expected to create numerous job opportunities, including full-time, part-time, and contract positions, especially during planting and harvesting seasons. The chosen facility, previously used for fish processing, required minimal modifications to transition into a seaweed processing plant, as stated by Williamson.
Originally founded in 2019 on Vancouver Island, Cascadia Seaweed’s expansion to Port Edward was strategic due to its proximity to the Port of Prince Rupert for international shipments and access to rail networks for product distribution to the United States. The company primarily targets markets in the United States, particularly California and the U.S. Midwest, leveraging efficient transportation connections and intermodal transport systems for optimal reach.
With a workforce comprising technicians, engineers, harvesters, and scientists totaling around 25 members, Cascadia Seaweed aims to have the plant fully operational within the coming months, marking a significant step towards integrating seaweed into the agricultural landscape for enhanced productivity and sustainability.
