Accelerate the development of a European seaweed industry to promote its culinary and industrial uses among consumers and businesses in the EU.
This is the goal of EU4Algae, a platform set up by the European Commission to improve cooperation between algae farmers, producers, retailers, technology developers, investors, public and research authorities, and NGOs.
Seaweed, reads a note from the Commission, has "numerous advantages, such as high nutritional value and sustainability", but production and consumption are not gaining momentum in Europe.
In the Farm to Fork strategy, the Commission recalls, "algae have been identified as an important source of protein; alternatives for a sustainable food system, can play a role in climate mitigation and absorb excess nutrients", such as phosphorus and nitrogen, "and in providing consumers with aquaculture products with a lower environmental impact".
Seaweed is also a raw material for industrial applications, such as biodegradable plastics.
The "EU4Algae" platform will develop recommendations for the EU action plan on algae, expected by the end of the year.