Intro to Kelp

Chart Your Course in the Seaweed Industry

Interested in the regenerative ocean farming movement, but not sure where you fit? Join us for a two-week guided learning journey, where we’ll explore the ins and outs of the kelp industry and share how you can get involved.

For those interested in farming, we’ll cover topics such as site evaluation, farm design, and permitting. For participants interested in adding value to kelp, we’ll talk about business planning, processing and purchasing kelp, and building markets. You’ll review lessons and videos from GreenWave and discuss topics with your colleagues in our community. During live sessions, you will hear from experienced farmers, kelp buyers, and GreenWave staff as they discuss each topic in more detail and answer questions. By the end of the two weeks, you’ll have a clear overview of the regenerative ocean farming industry and learn ways to get involved.

Program

Week 1

Tuesday, January 23 at 1pm ET

Homework

Session 1: Why Kelp?

You’ll learn:

  • The environmental, social, and economic benefits of kelp farming

  • Where kelp is sold and what its applications are

  • The different roles that exist in the kelp value chain

  • What it takes to be a kelp farmer, hatchery operator, processor or buyer

  • How GreenWave can help support you in your kelp journey

This session will end with a Q&A between participants and speakers.

Session 2: Kelp 101

You’ll learn how kelp:

  • Is cultivated in a hatchery setting and outplanted onto farms

  • Farms are structured (you’ll design a kelp farm using the GreenWave farm design tool)

  • Farms are maintained and monitored through winter

  • Is harvested using different methods and techniques

  • Can be stabilized through primary processing, in preparation for later value-add

This session will end with a Q&A between participants and speakers.

Lindsay Olsen, Director of Training & Support, GreenWave

Farm

Watch Farmer Stories (8 short videos)

Nursery

Market Development

Bren Smith, Co-Executive Director, GreenWave

Sam Garwin, Director of Market Development, GreenWave

Toby Sheppard Bloch, Director of Infrastructure, GreenWave

Week 2

Tuesday, January 30 at 1pm ET

Homework

Resources

Session 1: Getting Started in Kelp: A to Z

You’ll learn:

  • How to use GreenWave’s Ocean Farming Hub as a resource to start your farm

  • Foundational knowledge on site evaluation, permitting, and gear selection

  • Where to access resources about hatcheries

  • Tools and strategies for buyers (including Seaweed Source)

  • About the Hub community and how to join discussions

  • Introduction to follow on series for more in-depth topics on farming and adding value to kelp.

This session will end with a Q&A between participants and speakers.

Session 2: Industry Voices

You’ll hear from members of the industry across the country about:

  • Roles in the kelp industry: farmers, hatchery operators, and buyers

  • How they got started

  • Their biggest challenges

  • How they are changing the industry

This session will end with a Q&A between participants and speakers.

Please post a reflection or a question that went unanswered in the Hub Community. 

GreenWave

Ken Sparta, Owner/Farmer, Spartan Sea Farms

Lexa Meyer, Nursery Operator, Alaska Ocean Farms

Pat Schnettler, Co-Founder, 12 Tides

Alison Baker, Co-Founder & Director, Eco-Cascade

Community

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