(L-R): Mark Phelps, Business Events Adelaide; Kim Kreuser, DLG Benelux; Michael Li, ASSA
In a landmark move, the organisers of the Seagriculture conference series, DLG Benelux, have announced that they will host the first ever in-person Seagriculture Asia-Pacific event in Adelaide, Australia, in March 2025. This marks a pivotal moment for the Seagriculture conference series as they expand their borders and venture into a new region, bringing together participants from the Asia-Pacific region within the seaweed value chain.
The Seagriculture conference has been successfully organised since 2012 and has built up a solid reputation as one of the leading conferences for the international seaweed industry. Through an in-person Seagriculture Asia-Pacific conference, the organisers aim to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry professionals across Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region, thus driving positive impacts within the industry and community.
Seagriculture Asia-Pacific was first launched in 2023 as an online edition, and attracted more than 180 participants from over 30 countries during two online conference days. The first in-person edition of the event will take place in the Adelaide Convention Centre from 19 - 20 March 2025.
In addition to the conference event, participants can join a site visit on 18 March 2025 to the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), an institution dedicated to increasing the productivity, adaptability, and economy of South Australia’s primary industries, enabling sustainable use of natural resources, addressing agricultural barriers and providing applied solutions.
The event will be supported by ASSA (the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance), who’s aim is to provide a coordinated voice for the Australian seaweed sector as it scales up environmentally responsible commercial farming of seaweed to provide food, feed and bioproducts.
“I am delighted that Seagriculture Asia-Pacific 2025, the first in-person conference of its type in the Asia-Pacific, is coming to Australia, and today’s announcement is the result of months of hard work by both our teams working closely with a wide range of government, industry, and private sector stakeholders,” said ASSA CEO Lindsay Hermes, in a press announcement of the event.
As part of the Developing Australia’s Seaweed Farming Programme, the Australian Government committed $8 million to support investment in the Australian seaweed industry and scale up the production of seaweed as a livestock feed supplement to reduce methane emissions, including funding to support ASSA. The Programme is being delivered by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and ASSA to plan and co-ordinate research and development, biosecurity and the development of a national seaweed hatchery network.
“DLG Benelux is proud to collaborate with ASSA, showing our dedication to fostering collaboration and growth within the seaweed industry. The decision to host an in-person event marks a significant step forward in establishing a robust foundation for the expansion and enhancement of the Seagriculture conference series,” said DLG Benelux managing director Kuno Jacobs.
The Asia-Pacific region is a world leader in seaweed production with a rich history deeply intertwined with the cultivation and use of this marine resource. From traditional seaweed farming methods to state-of-the-art technology, the region offers delegates a wealth of knowledge and experience to explore.
The second International Seaweed Conference Asia-Pacific will provide participants from around the world with a unique platform to learn about the diverse seaweed industry in the region and understand innovative approaches that contribute to sustainable development.
