A British Columbia-based company is set to open a new biorefinery in Port Edward, near Prince Rupert. Cascadia Seaweed aims to convert locally cultivated kelp and seaweed into a liquid product known as seaweed-derived biostimulant. This product is designed to enhance crop yields and improve resilience to environmental stressors like drought.
CEO and co-founder Michael Williamson highlighted the nutrient-rich waters off the coast of British Columbia, particularly in the northern region, as ideal for cultivating high-quality seaweed. The company believes that quality seaweed leads to the development of effective biostimulants.
The biostimulants, when applied to plants through soil or foliar spray, enhance nutrient absorption efficiency, resulting in healthier plants and soil. This natural approach promotes faster and larger plant growth.
The new plant in Port Edward is expected to create job opportunities, including full-time, part-time, and contract positions during planting and harvesting seasons. The chosen facility, originally equipped for fish processing, required minimal modifications to transition into a seaweed processing facility.
Cascadia Seaweed, established in 2019 on Vancouver Island, expanded its operations to Port Edward due to its proximity to the Port of Prince Rupert for international shipping and access to rail lines for product distribution to the United States.
The company primarily sells its products in the U.S., especially in California and the Midwest. The strategic transportation connections and intermodal transport infrastructure in Port Edward will facilitate efficient product distribution.
Currently employing a team of approximately 25 individuals, including technicians, engineers, harvesters, and scientists, Cascadia Seaweed aims to have the plant fully operational in the coming months.