A British Columbia-based company is set to inaugurate a new biorefinery focusing on utilizing seaweed for agricultural purposes. Cascadia Seaweed is gearing up to launch a project in Port Edward, situated approximately 15 kilometers east of Prince Rupert, B.C. The initiative involves processing locally cultivated kelp and seaweed into a liquid solution known as seaweed-derived biostimulant, intended to enhance crop productivity and resilience to environmental stresses like drought.
According to CEO and co-founder Michael Williamson, the nutrient-rich waters off British Columbia, particularly in the northern region, provide an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality seaweed. This quality seaweed serves as the basis for producing beneficial products such as biostimulants. The biostimulants can be incorporated into the soil or applied directly to plants through foliar spray, enhancing nutrient absorption efficiency and promoting healthier soil conditions, resulting in accelerated plant growth.
The establishment of the plant in Port Edward is expected to generate new employment opportunities, including full-time, part-time, and contractual positions, particularly during planting and harvesting seasons. The strategic selection of Port Edward was facilitated by the presence of a pre-existing facility designed for fish processing, which was easily repurposed for seaweed processing. Cascadia Seaweed, which originated on Vancouver Island in 2019, expanded its operations northward to Port Edward, leveraging the proximity to the Port of Prince Rupert for international shipments and access to rail networks for distribution to the United States.
Williamson highlighted that the company’s product is predominantly marketed in the United States, particularly in California and the U.S. Midwest, with plans to utilize the transportation infrastructure in Port Edward for efficient distribution. Cascadia Seaweed currently employs a team of approximately 25 professionals, including technicians, engineers, harvesters, and scientists. The company aims to have the plant fully operational within the next few months, marking a significant step towards integrating seaweed-based solutions into agricultural practices.
