A company based in British Columbia is set to open a new biorefinery, with hopes of utilizing seaweed in agriculture’s future. Cascadia Seaweed is gearing up to launch a project in Port Edward, situated approximately 15 kilometers east of Prince Rupert, B.C. The facility will convert locally grown kelp and seaweed into a liquid product known as seaweed-derived biostimulant, designed to enhance crop yields and increase resistance to stress factors like drought.
According to CEO and co-founder Michael Williamson, the nutrient-rich ocean waters off British Columbia, particularly in the north, provide an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality seaweed, which serves as the foundation for products like biostimulants. These biostimulants can be applied to the soil or plants through foliar spray to enhance nutrient absorption efficiency, leading to healthier plants and improved growth rates.
The biorefinery project in Port Edward is set to create new employment opportunities, including full-time, part-time, and contract positions, especially during planting and harvesting seasons. The choice of location was strategic, as the existing facility, originally used for fish processing, required minimal modifications to accommodate seaweed processing operations. Cascadia Seaweed initially started its operations on Vancouver Island in 2019 before expanding to Port Edward, which offers convenient access to the Port of Prince Rupert for international shipping and rail lines for product distribution to the United States.
Williamson highlighted the significance of the location’s transportation links, facilitating the company’s sales primarily in the United States, particularly in California and the U.S. Midwest. With a workforce of approximately 25 individuals, including technicians, engineers, harvesters, and scientists, Cascadia Seaweed aims to have the plant fully operational in the coming months.