A British Columbia company is set to inaugurate a new biorefinery in Port Edward, located approximately 15 kilometers east of Prince Rupert. Cascadia Seaweed aims to utilize locally cultivated kelp and seaweed to produce a liquid biostimulant that can enhance crop yields and improve resistance to environmental stressors like drought.
CEO and co-founder Michael Williamson highlighted the nutrient-rich waters of northern British Columbia as ideal for cultivating high-quality seaweed, leading to the development of beneficial products such as biostimulants. These biostimulants can be applied directly to plants through soil incorporation or foliar spray, increasing nutrient absorption efficiency and promoting healthier soil conditions for accelerated plant growth.
The new facility is anticipated to create various job opportunities, including full-time, part-time, and contract positions, particularly during planting and harvesting seasons. The company repurposed an existing fish processing plant in Port Edward for seaweed processing, leveraging its proximity to the Port of Prince Rupert for international shipping and access to rail lines for distribution to the United States.
Cascadia Seaweed, which originated on Vancouver Island in 2019 before expanding its operations northward, primarily exports its products to regions in the United States such as California and the Midwest. The strategic location of Port Edward and its transportation infrastructure are expected to facilitate efficient product distribution. The company currently employs a team of approximately 25 professionals, ranging from technicians and engineers to harvesters and scientists, with plans to have the plant fully operational within the next few months.
