Aquaculture for all

Nova Scotia prepares for Kelp Fest

Post-harvest Events Seaweed / Macroalgae +4 more

The Ecology Action Centre is hosting the second annual Kelp Fest from 8 – 12 May to showcase innovations and development opportunities in the growing sector of kelp farming and kelp-related products.

Rope-grown seaweed.
A sugar kelp farm

© Shore

The event will draw attention to a sector that could be on track to add over $50 million to the Nova Scotian economy in just a few years, if the province makes good on promised regulatory changes, according to the organisers.

Kelp Fest’s opening reception will feature a new sector funding announcement from Perennia Seafood and Agriculture Corporation and reveal the winners of the Kelp Fest Product Competition. The conference welcomes leading industry speakers from Maine, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Kelp Fest events

Kelp product competition and showcase

On 8 May, 15 diverse entrepreneurs from across Atlantic Canada will compete for the titles of Best New kelp Product and Best New Idea, along with a prize package that includes startup funds and market mentoring. See below for a list of attending businesses. Pitches begin at 3:30 p.m.

Kelp Fest opening reception

The evening of 8 May provides a chance to connect with sea farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and policy makers helping move the cultivated kelp sector forward in Atlantic Canada. Featuring cocktails and culinary creations by Pamela Leonforde along with newly developed kelp products from the team at Canada’s Smartest Kitchen, and the announcement of a new funding program from Perennia Seafood and Agriculture Corporation.

Kelp Fest conference

A conference on 9 May will feature a series of exciting talks from experts and entrepreneurs in the kelp sector, including Mitch Lench – CEO and founder of Ocean’s Balance; Canada’s Smartest Kitchen; Dr Stephen O’Leary – seaweed research lead with NRC – and more.

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