A British Columbia-based company is set to open a new biorefinery in Port Edward, near Prince Rupert, focusing on utilizing seaweed for agricultural purposes. Cascadia Seaweed plans to convert locally sourced kelp and seaweed into a liquid biostimulant product that can enhance crop yields and improve resilience to environmental stressors like drought. CEO Michael Williamson highlighted the nutrient-rich waters of northern British Columbia as ideal for cultivating high-quality seaweed, which serves as the foundation for premium biostimulants. These biostimulants, when applied to plants through soil or foliar spray, enhance nutrient absorption efficiency, leading to healthier soil and accelerated plant growth.
The establishment of this plant is expected to create new employment opportunities in the area, offering full-time, part-time, and contract positions, particularly during planting and harvesting seasons. The facility, previously used for fish processing, was easily repurposed for seaweed processing, facilitating a smooth transition for Cascadia Seaweed’s operations. The company, originally founded in 2019 on Vancouver Island, chose Port Edward due to its proximity to the Port of Prince Rupert for international shipping and access to rail lines for exporting products to the United States.
Williamson mentioned that a significant portion of their products is currently distributed in the United States, primarily in California and the U.S. Midwest. The strategic location of their new facility will optimize transportation connections and intermodal transport, enabling efficient distribution to their key markets. With a team comprising technicians, engineers, harvesters, and scientists totaling around 25 members, Cascadia Seaweed is on track to have the plant fully operational within the coming months.