Robert Henrikson, is a pioneer in . In his article on “Why algae microfarms are emerging today” posits “Parallel to very large algae production systems envisioned by well-funded algae ventures, is the emerging interest in smaller,scalable algae farms and business models.
Algae technology has advanced remarkably in the last 30 years. Effective algae farming necessitate a more healthful environmental method than industrial agriculture. As an existing species, if one element alters in an algae network, the whole ecological domain transforms rapidly. Because algae produce quickly, the end product can be viewed in hours or days, unlike traditional agriculture which takes seasons or years.
Algae scientists stabilize environmental ecosystems to limit weed algae and zooplankton algae eaters without utilizing pesticides or herbicides. Algae farming are a new inclusion to eco-friendly food cultivation. Some visualize massive consolidated algae farms generating food and energy on large graduated systems. But others envision complexes of more modest farms. Low-cost, creative and adept small systems have been functioning in villages in the developing world for many years.
The advantages of microfarms are obvious:
- No sizable investment in equipment.
- No expensive personnel.
- No massive land requirements.
- Algae reproduce much faster than terrestrial crops.
- Algae crops can be used directly in the community as fuel, fertilizer, and animal feed, even waste treatment.
- Makes use of unused land.
- Doesn’t compete with farm crops.
Algae microfarms for family and community gardening
The original micro farms practiced growing spirulina. This is because spirulina is a recognized health food with a growing world-wide market. For the last 30 years algae microfarming has been tested all over the world. Coinciding with huge commercial algae farms are the growth and progress of village scale algae systems, concentrated mainly in evolving countries like Africa and Asia.
There are also over 100 algaepreneurs in France producing algae on microfarms, and school programs now exist for growing algae; and this has progressed to Spain. These local farmers then sell their own goods in their home communities. In addition, organic fertilizers and animal feeds also reduce costs and/or produce extra profit streams. The algae Spirulina and chlorella has been implemented and proven money makers on farms globally, perhaps in as many as 40 countries due to its lower cost of cultivation.
Why spirulina or chlorella? The major benefits are:
- Tested safe and commonly consumed
- Simple to produce crop
- Simple to yield harvest
- Major scientific studies completed on health and medical achievements
- Existing global market developed by large commercial farms
- Low cost of entry for small-scale production
- Ability to create multiple co-products
- Able to “grow” bio fuel as a cash crop.
However, with greater knowledge of how to manage and grow other essential algae and the use of mechanical systems, most likely other kinds of algae will also become contenders for microfarming in the near future. Higher fuel prices leads to more expensive food to purchase in stores, so growing gardens and small scale farms in communities will become more crucial.
Cultivating microalgae on small areas of land would help communities meet a portion of their food requirements, and help free cropland for community recreation or reforestation. Algae farming, both micro and macro, will soon be a cash crop in many locations, growing alongside, or instead of, many traditional crops today.
With the advantages of biofuels, organic fertilizers, animal feeds, and waste treatment, algae promises to be a growth industry this century. The question people ask is “How can I grow algae?”
Algae microfarms, gardeners and algaepreneurs who want to produce algae without having to study in-depth scientific information or possess expert knowledge on the subject of algae. That is where this website can help you. We have collected the information you need in one place, saving you the time of searching the entire internet.
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The Algae Microfarming Revolution Has Begun
You have demonstrated this is not complex. We can do this.
Dear David,
I am a small farmer that is suffering from the Economic downturn and would not have had the finances to afford it at this time. I believe your work in research on algae and your willingness to share with us maybe at the center of new world wide wealth for the under privileged. The greatest aspect of your work is the empowering of the little people. You’re making us aware we have other choices, we will no longer in bondage the big energy companies. You have demonstrated this is not complex. We can do this.
Oregon, USA