State of Alaska supports Seagriculture USA 2024

Seagriculture USA 2024, the leading event for seaweed producers in North America, has secured sponsorship from the State of Alaska, where the conference will be held this September.

Seagriculture USA 2024 is set to take place in Ketchikan, Alaska on 11 and 12 September 2024. The State of Alaska – Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Investments has agreed to support the event.

Jim A.Andersen, Director of the Division of Investments, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, State of Alaska, said: “Seaweed farming holds tremendous economic potential for Alaska, with our businesses and research communities at the forefront of making it a significant economic driver.

“From best practices for farmers and harvesters to innovative applications for seaweed, and efforts to build a global market for seaweed products, the dialogue at Seagriculture USA is impactful and propels the industry forward. Alaska’s commitment to economic development through the seaweed industry underscores the importance of attracting partners from overseas to collaborate and invest in our region, fostering growth and sustainability for years to come.”

kelp farm

Seagriculture USA has been at the forefront of seaweed conferences since its successful launch in 2022 in Portland, Maine. This year, with the support of the State of Alaska, the Alaska Mariculture Cluster and the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce, the upcoming edition will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and staying ahead of the dynamic seaweed industry.

Alaska’s seaweed farming industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with the number of farms increasing significantly. The state’s extensive coastline and pristine waters provide ideal conditions for seaweed cultivation, making it an important economic driver for coastal communities by providing jobs and new income sources. Alaska is home to a variety of commercially viable seaweed species which are used in food, cosmetics, and agricultural products. This makes Alaska the perfect place to bring together seaweed experts and enthusiasts from around the world for extensive knowledge sharing at Seagriculture USA 2024.

Kuno Jacobs, Managing Director of the conference organisers, DLG Benelux, said: “DLG Benelux is honoured to partner with the State of Alaska – Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Investments, demonstrating our commitment to fostering collaboration and growth within the seaweed industry.

“Thrilled by the opportunity to further develop Seagriculture USA, this partnership brings people in the seaweed sector together. We deeply appreciate the support of the State of Alaska, which adds significant value to our efforts. The team is looking forward to the collaboration and coming to Ketchikan, anticipation for the event is high.”

The theme of this year’s Seagriculture USA, Exploring New Frontiers, embodies the spirit of innovation and discovery of the seaweed industry’s evolution in the United States, DLG says. It resonates with the pioneering efforts in cultivating seaweed in Alaska’s unique environment. It’s an invitation to stakeholders from various sectors to come together, share ideas, and forge new paths, aiming to transform challenges into opportunities. This theme is a beacon for collective action, steering the future of the seaweed industry towards sustainable and economically viable paths.

In addition to the extensive conference program, there will be an accompanying trade show as well as networking events taking place along the conference. Moreover, the organizers have arranged for a series of site visits that will allow delegates to not only learn more about seaweed farming in Alaska but also see the unsurpassed beauty of the region. All site visits will take place on 10 September 2024. The organizers ask all delegates to take that into account for the planning of their stay in Alaska.

The Seagriculture USA conference is an addition to the European edition of Seagriculture, which has been successfully organised since 2012 and has built up a solid reputation as the leading conference for seaweed farming in Europe. Besides the expansion of the brand to North America, the organizers have also launched an Asia-Pacific edition of the conference which will be held in-person for the first time in Adelaide, Australia from 18-20 March 2025.

More information

For more information on the conference, the organizers, pictures, contact details of speakers for interviews, and applications for press passes and barter deals, refer to www.seagriculture-usa.com or contact DLG at info@dlg-benelux.com.

To see the latest on the programme details, which are still being finalised, go online to seagriculture-usa.com/program-2024/

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