Algae as a key to innovation and new economic opportunities

Algae are playing an increasingly important role in the transition towards a sustainable blue and green economy. Both in Flanders and at European level, efforts are underway to build a stronger algae production sector, with attention to market opportunities, policy and circular valorisation.

The Flemish Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries, together with counterpart authorities from Germany, France and other EU Member States, has signed a declaration recognising the potential of algae for the European food strategy. With this declaration, the parties aim to give the algae sector in the EU a boost, among other things by strengthening cooperation between Member States and with the European Commission.

Although the declaration is non-binding, it clearly expresses the ambition to accelerate the production and consumption of algae within Europe. Algae are seen as a nutritious protein source with a low ecological footprint, rich in vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids—qualities that fit perfectly within both sustainable food chains and the blue transition.

In addition, Nutri.Know, a European research and innovation project, published a policy brief calling on policymakers to take concrete actions to strengthen and simplify circular algae production.

The call focuses on removing regulatory barriers and creating clear framework conditions for scaling up algae cultivation. This is essential to realise economic and ecological benefits at a larger scale.

A recent study by Ghent University examined which residual streams are suitable for algae cultivation. A major bottleneck for further scaling appears to be the limited number of authorised streams that can be used as a nutrient source. The study points to opportunities in, among others, urban wastewater, digestate from manure processing, and water streams from greenhouse horticulture and aquaculture.

By smartly valorising these residual streams, algae cultivation can serve multiple objectives simultaneously. Algae can contribute to water purification while also being used for applications such as fertilisers, biostimulants and high-value ingredients for food and health. This creates new opportunities for a circular economy in which algae play a connecting role between water, agriculture and innovation.

Algae production is closely linked to broader developments in aquaculture and food innovation. Flanders is actively investing in research, innovation and collaboration to strengthen the aquaculture sector, with expertise at knowledge institutions and companies, and opportunities for additional funding through European and Flemish programmes.

Would you like to know more about algae and aquaculture in Flanders? Feel free to contact our colleague Jurgen Adriaen.