In recent years, seaweed has emerged as a versatile ingredient in the agrifood sector, finding its way into health supplements and even as a solution for reducing methane emissions in livestock. One of the most innovative applications of this marine resource is in biostimulants, with companies like Kelp Blue, headquartered in Namibia, leading the charge. Founded in 2020 by Daniel Hooft, a former oil industry executive, Kelp Blue is cultivating giant kelp forests off the coasts of Namibia, Alaska, and New Zealand, with plans for global expansion.
Hooft’s transition from oil to seaweed was inspired by a lecture his wife attended, which emphasized the environmental benefits of seaweed, particularly its potential for biodiversity enhancement and carbon sequestration. With a background in large-scale operations in challenging environments, Hooft saw an opportunity to modernize the seaweed industry, which has traditionally relied on manual harvesting methods. His vision matured during the pandemic, ultimately leading to the establishment of Kelp Blue in Namibia, a region rich in nutrients and ideal for kelp cultivation.
Giant kelp is particularly appealing for large-scale farming due to its rapid growth and perennial nature. Unlike other seaweeds that require re-seeding after each harvest, giant kelp can be harvested multiple times from the same plants, significantly reducing operational costs. Kelp Blue’s harvesting method involves trimming only the buoyant canopy of the kelp, allowing the rest of the forest to regrow naturally within a few months. This efficient harvesting process not only cuts costs but also supports sustainable practices by maintaining the integrity of the underwater ecosystem.
Kelp Blue’s flagship product, StimBlue+, utilizes extracts from giant kelp to enhance agricultural productivity. According to Hooft, this biostimulant can increase flower production and photosynthesis in plants while also equipping them to better withstand environmental stressors like drought and extreme heat. Valentine Pitiot, head of agribusiness at Kelp Blue, elaborated on the product’s advantages for farmers. By reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, StimBlue+ offers both short- and long-term economic benefits, especially as fertilizer prices continue to soar.
Field trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of StimBlue+, with reported yield increases of 22% for strawberries and significant gains for grapes, translating into substantial financial returns for farmers. This not only enhances the profitability of farming operations but also contributes to soil health, as less synthetic fertilizer means a reduced environmental footprint.
Kelp Blue’s approach extends beyond merely selling biostimulants; the company is committed to sustainability and community impact. With each liter of biostimulant sold, more seaweed is planted, contributing to carbon sequestration and biodiversity. The company collaborates with various stakeholders, including large agribusinesses, to help them meet carbon reduction commitments.
Despite the promising outlook, the journey has not been without its challenges. Regulatory hurdles can slow down progress, particularly in regions like New Zealand and Alaska, where product registration processes can be cumbersome. For startups like Kelp Blue, time is a critical resource, and delays can have significant financial implications.
Kelp Blue’s innovative use of giant kelp not only addresses the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices but also highlights the potential for seaweed to play a transformative role in the future of food production. As the company continues to grow and expand its reach, it stands at the forefront of a movement that seeks to harmonize agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship, making a compelling case for the integration of marine resources into terrestrial farming systems.