European Commission proposes action to harness the potential of algae for healthier diets, lower CO2 emissions, and to address water pollution
‘Towards a strong and sustainable EU algae sector’ proposes 23 actions to help the EU algae sector, expected to be worth €9 billion by 2030, become more robust, sustainable and regenerative.
Algae are used in a variety of products including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and energy sources. These 23 actions aim to improve business environments, increase social awareness and acceptance of algae and algae-based products, and close the knowledge, research, and technology gaps.
Key points include developing a new algae farmers’ toolkit, making marine space for seafood farming accessible, developing standards for algae ingredients and biofuel, assessing market potential and safety of algae-based fertilisers, encouraging better use of technology, funding pilot projects, conducting studies on the role of seaweed as a carbon sink, and supporting research programmes.
Stakeholders are encouraged to join the EU4Algae forum launched by the EC in February this year.
