Rodney Stevens
A new nutritious industry that has been labelled the ‘next big thing’ for the Northern Rivers region – growing algae – a pure and sustainable source of Omega-3s, protein and nutrients is flourishing, with plans to expand to 10 times its current size.
Among cane fields 2km north of Woodburn, alongside the Richmond River, biotechnology company Seao2 Nanno Agriculture is growing nannochloropsis microalgae.
Seao2 Nanno Agriculture recognised that long-chain Omega-3s are vital for heart and brain health, yet just 1 in 5 Australians consume enough, and at the same time, traditional sources of Omega-3, fish and krill, are under threat from overfishing, bycatch, and contamination, endangering their sustainability.
As fish and krill don’t produce Omega-3s, their source of the vital nutrient is microalgae which are found at the base of the marine food chain, so Seao2 Nanno are forging a sustainable approach by growing nannochloropsis microalgae in seawater.
Well-known local family the McGeary’s owned the land now occupied by Seao2 Nanno and agreed to support the venture by supplying excavators to prepare the site.
Now Seao2 Nanno Agriculture have begun producing green algae flour, a pure and sustainable source of Omega-3s, protein and nutrients, described as having a much higher nutrient content than the ‘superfood’ Spirulina, which can be added to food, capsules and pet food.
Utilising the latest in technology, Seao2 Nanno says the nannochloropsis microalgae Superfood has wide ranging applications in nutrition and cosmeceutical industries, and customisable qualities using bespoke cultivation techniques to tailor the nutritional profile and mineral content that is desired.
After identifying the strong and rising demand for algae-derived Omega-3, priced higher than our production costs, Seao2 Nanno say this highlights both the economic viability and the increasing recognition of sustainable Omega-3 sources’ ecological importance.
Principal Scientist and Chief Technology Officer for Seao2, Dr Skye Thomas-Hall said nannochloropsis microalgae has many health and nutritional benefits.
“Nannochloropsis oceanica is rich in protein, abundant in essential vitamins, minerals, powerful antioxidants, carotenoids, b-glucans, phytonutrients and offers the most bioavailable and animal free form of EPA Omega-3 around,” he said.
Scientific studies have shown nannochloropsis microalgae has amazing biological benefits as an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, a prebiotic, it has anti-aging properties, and assists in blood sugar modulating, and UV protection.
Currently employing five full-time staff and ‘a bunch of casuals’, Mr Thomas-Hall said once production is in full swing, Seao2 Nanno are looking to expand into the wholesale market with potential customers including pet food companies, and vitamin and nutrition companies such as Blackmores.
“It’s a new industry, and algae is 10 times more productive than sugarcane,” he said.
“This will be an industry birthed from this region.”
Seao2 Nanno was featured on ABC TV’s Landline on Sunday, October 6 and can be watched on ABC iView.