- Created on
- 23 February 2023
- Theme
- EU4Algae
If you’re interested in joining EU4Algae and contributing to the Working Groups, click here for more information.
Jean-Paul Cadoret is the facilitator of Working Group 2 - Microalgae Production and gives us more details on the WG below.
What is the working group about?
The Working Group 2 aims at improving the production of microalgae, in the broadest sense of the words. This can be on either a technical, scientific, or legislative level.
Why is it important for the algae sector in Europe?
Europe is fortunate to have a high level of research which has given rise to our algae industry. It’s still relatively small, but has enormous potential. Indeed, the possible applications of microalgae (and algae in general) are gigantic. If our scientific and technical skills can be translated effectively at the industrial level, it will give Europe a potential advantage regarding employment. The value added by research is measurable by a benchmark on publications and patents. And yet many obstacles still exist at several levels: in terms of training, several technical barriers, lack of knowledge of the different markets and unsuitable regulations, for example. The task of Working Group 2 is to be the voice of all those involved in microalgae production and ensure a faithful representation of all the different streams and expressions.
What are you hoping to achieve?
With this Working Group we hope to deliver a clear and concise document which brings together the worlds of Science, Technology, Business and Government and paves the way for microalgae production.
If you had any advice to give to someone that is entering the algae sector (in any capacity), what would it be?
The most important advice is linked to excellence and know-how. The world of algae is a complex world and, as in any profession, competence takes precedence. And even if it seems obvious, a solid benchmark and deep and serious preparation are a prerequisite for any business. Reinventing the wheel is all the rage, but the outcome is rarely positive.
About the EU4Algae Forum
Algae have been produced and consumed throughout the world for centuries. Especially appreciated in Asian cuisine, they are recently becoming a common ingredient in Western vegan dishes. Outside the culinary realm, algae have become a go-to feedstock for sustainable industrial applications such as biodegradable plastics. Moreover, their production helps improve ocean health by reducing carbon dioxide, phosphorus and nitrogen in marine ecosystems. They are also a nursery and hide-out for many marine animals, stimulating underwater biodiversity.
Despite all the above, the uptake of algae production and consumption in Europe is slow. In comes the EU4Algae Forum! Together with all relevant stakeholders within the European algae sector, we aim to scale up a regenerative, resilient, fair and climate-friendly algae industry and bring more novel algae species to the market.
The platform is a unique space for collaboration among European algae stakeholders, including algae farmers, producers, sellers, consumers, technology developers, business-support organisations, investors, public authorities, academia, researchers and NGOs. It also acts as a single information hub on algae funding calls, projects, business-related information, intelligence and best practices.
If you’re interested in joining EU4Algae and contributing to the Working Groups, click here for more information.