Cascadia Seaweed, a British Columbia-based company, is gearing up to introduce seaweed as a significant player in agriculture’s future with the imminent launch of a new biorefinery in Port Edward, situated approximately 15 kilometers east of Prince Rupert, B.C.
The upcoming project will process locally cultivated and harvested kelp and seaweed into a liquid product known as seaweed-derived biostimulant. This product aims to assist farmers in enhancing crop yields and fortifying resilience to environmental stresses like drought. CEO and co-founder Michael Williamson highlighted the nutrient-rich ocean waters of British Columbia, particularly in the northern region, as conducive to growing high-quality seaweed, which serves as the foundation for premium products such as biostimulants.
These biostimulants can be applied to plants through soil incorporation or foliar spray to enhance nutrient utilization efficiency, as explained by Williamson. This process facilitates better absorption of fertilizer products by plants, fostering healthier soil and promoting faster and larger plant growth naturally.
The new plant is expected to create numerous employment opportunities, including full-time, part-time, and contract positions, particularly during planting and harvesting seasons. Williamson stressed that this venture will serve as a sustainable economic contributor to the northern region. The company repurposed an existing facility designed for fish processing in Port Edward for seaweed processing, leveraging its proximity to the Port of Prince Rupert for international shipments and access to rail lines for distribution to the United States.
Founded in 2019 on Vancouver Island, Cascadia Seaweed’s expansion to Port Edward strategically positions it to reach markets in the United States, primarily California and the U.S. Midwest, where a significant portion of their products are currently sold. With a workforce comprising technicians, engineers, harvesters, and scientists totaling around 25 individuals, the company is on track to have the plant fully operational within the coming months.