C-FAARER Unites Key Players to Forge Ireland's First Ocean Farming Cluster
C-FAARER Meets Ocean Farming Stakeholders
November 16th, 2023, marked the first significant milestone for C-FAARER, as our consortium gathered with 20 ocean farmers, processors, producers and investors to learn and brainstorm about an Irish Cluster to support the transition towards sustainable business models in ocean farming.
The session was led by our communications team from Sea Going Green who facilitated the session and got the conversation going. Dharm Kapletia from our lead partner, Trinity College Dublin, opened the workshop, providing valuable insights into our project's journey and achievements.
Inspiring Visions from Industry Leaders
The workshop featured two exceptional guest speakers: Justin Davis from Câr-y-Môr and Heidi Meland from the Norwegian Seaweed Association. They shared their successful journeys in sustainable ocean farming, offering hope and practical solutions to our workshop participants.
Justin delivered a comprehensive presentation covering various aspects of Câr-y-Môr’s operation in sustainable ocean farming. He detailed their current process which involves seeding lines 1 meter under the buoys, allowing for a 3-6 months growth period, followed by drying in their polytunnel, with an impressive estimated annual yield of 60+ tonnes.
He underscored the symbiotic relationship between people and the planet and emphasized the importance of well-being for both the local coastal community and the environment. Justin also elaborated on Câr-y-Môr's innovative funding strategies, which include grants, social investments/philanthropy, community shares, and sales.
Heidi from the Norwegian Seaweed Association served as an exemplar for participants, showcasing the association as a best practice benchmark for the development of an Irish cluster. From the association’s growth into a successful network comprising 28 companies and an impressive 75 partners to the honest discussion of industry-wide challenges, her presentation was both enlightening and inspiring. She openly emphasized the common challenges faced by the industry, like the need for more research and development, finding and retaining customers, and the difficulties in having small voices heard in important matters. These challenges point to the critical need for cooperation and support networks.
Identifying Challenges: The Roadblocks to Sustainable Ocean Farming
Stakeholders at the C-FAARER workshop pinpointed critical barriers hindering the growth of sustainable ocean farming. Key issues such as the scarcity of hatcheries, difficulties in obtaining licenses, and the challenges of accessing funding for necessary infrastructure were at the forefront. The group also acknowledged the need for marketing support for startups, labor availability, and the establishment of trust within the industry.
Final Exercise: Cultivating Hope
In the final exercise, messages of hope resonated through the room. There was a collective desire to maintain the momentum, build trust, forge connections with potential funders, and create a lasting impact on local communities. The collective aspiration is to create a lasting impact, address environmental issues swiftly, and adapt to climate change challenges.
Next Steps and Acknowledgements
The workshop not only gave us hope, but we were also able to define clear next steps. A prominent outcome is the decision to establish a Stakeholder Advisory Board, which will consist of ocean farmers, processors, and producers to serve as advisors and ambassadors for the Irish Cluster initiative. A heartfelt thank you to every participant who contributed their perspectives and ideas at the workshop.
Be Part of the Change
We invite all stakeholders along the ocean farming value chain, including potential funders interested in shaping the future of ocean farming in Ireland, to join the Irish Cluster or the Stakeholder Advisory Board. Your involvement can make a significant difference.