The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has announced an $8 million grant program aimed at scaling up the production of Asparagopsis, a red seaweed known for its methane-reducing properties when used as livestock feed. This initiative, delivered in partnership with the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA) and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), seeks to address the significant contribution of enteric emissions to Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the National Inventory Report, enteric emissions account for 71 percent of Australia’s agricultural emissions and 13 percent of the country’s total emissions. The widespread availability of Asparagopsis feed supplements at affordable prices could play a crucial role in reducing these figures, aligning with both national and international efforts to combat climate change.
Industry Insights and Developments
Professor Catriona Macleod, Chair of ASSA, shared insights into the current state of the seaweed industry in Australia. “ASSA deeply appreciates the R&D support received from DAFF and FRDC, whose investment has made it possible to complete 15 key projects within the past two years,” she noted. “The achievements accomplished by our team in such a brief period are a source of great pride.”
One of the significant outcomes of this funding is the development of a prototype online portal, Seaweed Central. This platform provides a comprehensive Permit Portal, offering easy access to licensing and regulatory information for seaweed farmers and investors across Australia. It also includes sections on the importance of seaweed, a knowledge bank for farmers, and educational materials for teachers.
Environmental and Economic Impact
In addition to supporting scalable seaweed cultivation, the research funded by the grant has explored the environmental benefits of seaweed, such as its blue carbon potential and bioremediation capabilities. “All of our projects have led to very positive outcomes,” said Macleod. “Seaweed Central has gained global attention, and we’re excited about its potential to grow as a networking and knowledge-sharing platform both locally and internationally.”
“Another really valuable outcome was the creation of a model to assess both the product potential and economic viability of Asparagopsis in a biorefinery setting. This framework is highly adaptable—it can be applied to nearly any feedstock material, offering new investors an effective roadmap for product development, production processes, and cost estimates at each step.”
Future Prospects and Collaborations
The focus on Asparagopsis is particularly significant due to its connections to terrestrial farming. The seaweed’s potential to reduce methane emissions from livestock presents a compelling case for its broader adoption. “We are eager to present additional findings in early 2026, which will demonstrate the benefits of biostimulants made from seaweed and ways that seaweed growers and land-based farmers can collaborate more closely to support food security and deliver greater sustainability,” Macleod added.
This development follows a growing recognition of the role that innovative agricultural practices can play in addressing climate change. As the seaweed industry continues to evolve, the integration of Asparagopsis into livestock feed could become a vital component of sustainable agriculture strategies worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Australian seaweed sector is poised for growth, with the potential to contribute significantly to both environmental sustainability and economic development. The grant program represents a substantial step forward in realizing this potential, providing the resources and support necessary to scale up production and drive innovation within the industry.
As the world looks for sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Australia’s investment in seaweed cultivation could serve as a model for other countries seeking to balance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship. The coming years will likely see further advancements in this field, with the potential for significant global impact.
