© DLG Benelux
The Seagriculture EU 2024 conference, a leading event bringing together representatives of the seaweed industry, was successfully held in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, from 18 - 20 June 2024. Under the unifying theme "Bridging Continents," the event brought 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.
The conference began with an exclusive site visit to Ocean Rainforest, one of the largest seaweed cultivators in Europe, where approximately 200,000 meters of seeded seaweed lines are deployed on some 220 hectares. Delegates were offered a firsthand 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. They also had the chance to get an up-close look at the production and hatchery facilities, as well as a visit from land to their other cultivation sites in Funningsfjørð. The conference organisers have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the delegates of this unique site visit experience to Ocean Rainforest.
The conference event proper unfolded with a dynamic programme 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.
"The enthusiastic participation of seaweed professionals, researchers, and policymakers underscores the growing recognition of seaweed as a crucial component of a sustainable future,” said Kuno Jacobs, managing director of event organiser DLG Benelux, in a press release.
“ 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,” Jacobs added.
The success of Seagriculture EU 2024 raises the bar for future editions of the events, such as the USA edition, which will be held in Ketchikan, Alaska, from 11 – 12 September 2024.
