The Australian seaweed industry is small but is growing rapidly. Food products make up the vast majority of market value, followed by industrial extracts such as alginate and carrageenan, which are used in everyday food and personal care products. In addition to these uses, seaweed biomass is also used for animal feed, fertilisers, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products and biofuels. Momentum is building rapidly with new commercial players entering the space and there is significant need for targeted research to drive growth.
Seaweed AgriFutures Australia has announced a new project with the Australian Seaweed Institute to develop the blueprint for the emerging seaweed industry in Australia. The industry is forecast to create new coastal jobs, help to protect and regenerate waterways and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction.
4 min read
SEAWEED / 11.09.24 Opportunities for the commercial cultivation of a methane-mitigating seaweed species have been boosted through new research funded by AgriFutures Australia.
2 min read
SEAWEED / 17.07.24 Australia’s extensive temperate coastline and ancient land position it as one of the world’s most biodiverse regions for seaweeds. Featuring a diverse array of species, these marine organisms offer a rich composition of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, fatty acids, and minerals, earning them the moniker of agriculture’s ‘green gold’.
4 min read
SEAWEED / 24.11.22 Growing up in the unique environment of Coffs Harbour with the ocean on his doorstep and a Marine Science Centre nearby, it’s no surprise that Horizon Scholar, Luke Austin developed a passion for aquaculture, innovation and stewardship.
5 min read
The conventional approach to managing wild seaweed in Australia has been based around concerns there should be minimal disturbance to marine ecology. Seaweeds have properties...
Publication / 8 Pages
While there is considerable variation between different species, seaweeds are generally a good source of macro and micronutrients, rich in protein, carbohydrates, fibre, fatty acids...
Publication / 5 Pages
This project sought to build the business case and potential market for farmed seaweeds that can be used within pasture-based livestock systems, as a silage...
Publication / 6 Pages
Most often associated with Japanese cuisine, seaweed is packed with minerals and antioxidants and is now a common ingredient used by food manufacturers, chefs, restaurants,...
Publication / 2 Pages
Australia has the potential to create a $1.5 billion seaweed industry over coming decades. Seaweed farming could contribute significantly to Australia’s sustainable development agenda, but...
Publication / 72 Pages
Adrian Spencer sees a lot in seaweed. His recent research revealed that Australia has over 12,000 native species of seaweed and algae, and they contain bioactive health ingredients such as Omega-3 and collagen.
Podcast
Health food and vitamin companies wish to access quality local produce to ensure they continue to supply the highest-quality products with known provenance, and to...
Publication / 28 Pages
Just imagine that you've stumbled across a product or service that the world has been crying out for but just didn't know it. That perfectly describes Australia's seaweed industry.
Podcast
Australia has the skill set to develop both seaweed cultivating and harvesting industries. But a key challenge is the development of commercially focused research, development...
Publication / 44 Pages
The Australian seaweed industry is small but is growing rapidly. Food products make up the vast majority of market value, followed by industrial extracts such...
Publication / 44 Pages
The Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint outlines the three critical research, development and extension (RD&E) priorities from 2020-25. The three priorities are:
Through targeted RD&E, there is a significant opportunity to develop a seaweed industry in Australia that could generate over $100 million (GVP) by 2025 and create up to 1,200 direct jobs (FTE) in regional, coastal communities.
The Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identifies and balances the RD&E priorities and outcomes to promote industry productivity, profitability and sustainability.
The Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint brought together the regulators, researchers and industry stakeholders for the first time, to outline a vision and RD&E plan to grow seaweed to a significant new industry in Australia.
We are committed to working closely with all those involved in the seaweed industry, as well as the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Technical Advisory Group. The Group works to identify research priorities and make investments which will have the greatest impact on the industry.
Learn about the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Technical Advisory Group
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