VANCOUVER ISLAND – In 2018, the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) using its new designation as FTZVI, Canada’s 12th Foreign Trade Zone, developed four business cases to attract Foreign Direct Investment. The business case for Seaweed Aquaculture rose to the top of this list and was quickly pursued by a team of experts and investors to form Cascadia Seaweed Corporation, partnering with with Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood LP, to bring Vancouver Island seaweed to rapidly expanding global markets.
Now just three years later, Cascadia Seaweed is presenting Seaweed Days, an International Festival of Seaweed on May 17 – 23, 2021, and VIEA is proud to host the Seaweed Days – Industry Speaker Series.
“We can’t wait to change the world! As industry leaders, Cascadia Seaweed is spearheading this festival to demonstrate — on a world stage — that BC is ground zero for the next generation of global seaweed farming activities,” says Cascadia Seaweed founder and chairman, Bill Collins.
The thought of slowing climate change is often overwhelming, so much so that it leads to fear and inaction for individuals. But there is light where most people may not expect it! Living in our oceans, sequestering carbon, providing habitat, and adding oxygen to our atmosphere are brown, green and red seaweeds with so many potential uses — human food, pet food, livestock feed, bio-packaging, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and more! A little awareness mixed with a dash of innovation is a recipe for HOPE!
The purpose of Seaweed Days is to expand consumers’ acceptance of seaweed as a food product, to educate people on the environmental benefits of seaweed, and to leave participants feeling inspired to make a positive impact on the climate simply by inviting more seaweed into their lives! Essentially, we are looking to create more seaweed enthusiasts around the world!
Festival headquarters and ground zero for the budding seaweed industry is Sidney, British Columbia. Although the majority of components in 2021 will be virtual — a combination of FREE pre-recorded and live sessions will be available in addition to two ticketed events, the in-person Catamaran Kelp Tour and the virtual Seaweed Farming 101 workshop.
Explore the event calendar and register at www.seaweeddays.com
