Faroes hosts leading seaweed sector event
The Seagriculture EU 2024 conference, the premier event for Europe’s seaweed industry, was successfully held in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, from 18 – 20 June 2024.
Under the unifying theme “Bridging Continents,” Seagriculture EU 2024 transcended geographical boundaries, bringing together 224 delegates from 25 countries around the globe. Representatives from more than 123 companies and institutions actively engaged in discussions, networking, and knowledge sharing, underscoring the global interest in seaweed farming and its diverse applications.
Seagriculture EU 2024 began on 18 June with an exclusive site visit to Ocean Rainforest (pictured above), one of the largest seaweed cultivators in Europe. The company has approximately 200,000 metres of seeded seaweed lines deployed on some 220 hectares.
Delegates were offered a first-hand glimpse into their operations with expert guides from Ocean Rainforest by their side. Participants were treated to a boat journey to explore the cultivation site in Gøta more closely and witness seaweed harvest in action, an up-close look at the production and hatchery facilities, as well as a visit from land to their other cultivation sites in Funningsfjørð.
Seaweed expert Vincent Doumeizel at Seagriculture EU 2024
Conference hears ‘elevator’ pitches
From 19 to 20 June, the Seagriculture EU 2024 conference unfolded with a dynamic program featuring five plenary sessions, two panel discussions, and the newly introduced Seaweed Elevator Pitches. This innovative format allowed for the swift coverage of numerous projects, enhancing the depth and breadth of industry insights shared. With nearly 50 speakers participating, including international experts from DG MARE, FermentationExperts, Unilever, Cargill, and Future Feed, attendees gained access to diverse perspectives in seaweed farming, innovations and regulations.
At the trade show, exhibitors showed their latest technologies and equipment. The trade show and networking quality was exceptional, organisers say, with attendees eagerly engaging with exhibitors. The trade show stands were well attended and many conference delegates engaged in instant networking and lively exchanges, reflecting the event’s dynamic and interactive nature.
2024 event hailed as a success
“We are excited about the response and success of Seagriculture EU 2024,” said Kuno Jacobs, Managing Director of DLG Benelux, the conference organiser. “The enthusiastic participation of seaweed professionals, researchers, and policymakers underscores the growing recognition of seaweed as a crucial component of a sustainable future. We are particularly pleased to see a growing number of delegates, not only from the seaweed and aquaculture industries, but also from the feed and food industry and other related sectors each year. This diversity highlights the importance and relevance of the conference in addressing broader sustainability challenges.”
In addition to enriching the conference with valuable knowledge and insights, Seagriculture EU 2024 also provided an authentic experience of Faroese culture. After the first conference day, various Faroese companies offered some seaweed bites during the seaweed tasting. Another unforgettable feature was the conference dinner, where delegates enjoyed songs from a national choir.
Within Seagriculture EU 2024 the organisers introduced the B2Match conference application, providing participants with an efficient way to communicate, schedule meetings, and stay updated on the latest news. The app facilitated more than 160 meetings, helping delegates build new connections and partnerships, and ensuring a seamless and engaging conference experience.
The Seagriculture Conferences act as a driving force for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, fostering advancements in the seaweed industry. By uniting a diverse group of stakeholders, the conference has sped up the adoption of sustainable practices, promoted market expansion, and highlighted seaweed as a vital solution to global climate challenges.
The next editions of Seagriculture will be:
Seagriculture USA 2024: Ketchikan, Alaska from 11 – 12 September 2024.
Seagriculture Asia-Pacific 2025: Adelaide, Australia from 18 – 20 March 2025.
Seagriculture EU 2025: Rotterdam, The Netherlands from 17 – 19 June 2025.
Sampling seaweed-based cuisine at Seagriculture 2024
