A British Columbia company is set to open a new biorefinery centering on the potential of seaweed in agriculture. Cascadia Seaweed is gearing up to launch a groundbreaking project in Port Edward, situated approximately 15 kilometers east of Prince Rupert, B.C. The initiative aims to convert locally cultivated and harvested kelp and seaweed into a specialized liquid product known as seaweed-derived biostimulant, designed to enhance crop productivity and fortify resilience against environmental stresses like drought.
Michael Williamson, the CEO and co-founder of Cascadia Seaweed, emphasized the nutrient-rich waters off the coast of British Columbia, particularly in the northern region, as conducive to cultivating high-quality seaweed. Williamson expressed optimism about the quality of the seaweed and its potential to yield valuable biostimulants.
The biostimulants will be integrated into the soil or administered to plants through foliar spray to enhance nutrient absorption efficiency and promote soil health, as per Williamson. This natural approach facilitates accelerated growth and increased plant size.
The upcoming plant is projected to create numerous employment opportunities, encompassing full-time, part-time, and contractual positions, particularly during planting and harvesting seasons, thereby serving as a steady economic contributor in the northern region. The facility in Port Edward, formerly utilized for fish processing, underwent minimal modifications to transition into a seaweed processing facility, according to Williamson.
Established in 2019 on Vancouver Island, Cascadia Seaweed expanded its operations northward to Port Edward due to its strategic proximity to the Port of Prince Rupert for international shipping and access to rail networks for product distribution to the United States. The company primarily markets its products in the United States, notably in California and the U.S. Midwest, leveraging the efficient transportation connections and intermodal transport for market advantage.
Cascadia Seaweed boasts a diverse team of approximately 25 professionals, including technicians, engineers, harvesters, and scientists. The company aims to have the plant operational at full capacity within the coming months.