The Place of Algae in Agriculture
Where it is, Where it should be, How to get there
Emily Trentacoste, PhD Candidate Scripps Institution of Oceanography ABO Summit: 10/2/13 Recognition and definition of algae cultivation as agriculture Why does this matter?
• Large-scale cultivation requires broader support than R&D funding provides • Need even playing field with other food, fuel, fiber competitors The Place of Algae in Agriculture
Where it should be Algaculture is an ancient practice
Aztec Mexico Lake Chad
algaeindustrymagazine.com Algaculture is an ancient practice
Chinese Rice Paddies
Algaculture today
Agriculture + Aquaculture Algaculture today
Sapphire Energy Algaculture today
Algenol Algaculture today
Solix Biosystems Algaculture today
General Atomics Federal Agricultural Programs
• Extension services • Crop insurance programs • Farm loans • Environmental & conservation programs • Marketing programs • Biomass Crop Assistance Program nrcs.usda.gov
The Place of Algae in Agriculture
Where it is Federal Agricultural Programs
Program Field crops Specialty crops Aquaculture Algae Extension services ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ Crop insurance ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ Farm loans ✔ ✔ ✔ Environmental quality ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ incentives Programs Marketing programs ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ Biomass Crop ✔ Assistance Program (BCAP) What is covered?
• Field crops
What is covered?
• Field crops • Specialty crops
What is covered?
• Field crops • Specialty crops • Aquaculture
What is covered?
Remlinger Fish Farm Sapphire Energy This fish farm is eligible for This algae farm is not... agriculture support programs. What is getting in the way?
• No national plan
• Two-phased process
• Overlap of agencies
doe.gov
nap.edu
What is getting in the way?
• No national plan
• Two-phased process Sapphire Energy • Overlap of agencies
What is getting in the way?
Department of Department of Department of Environmental Energy Agriculture Defense Protection Agency
EERE NIFA ARS APHIS U.S. Navy TSCA
Algae biofuel Environmental Algae biofuel Environmental Bioenergy R&D grants Bioenergy regulation of production regulation of Technologies Office Program terrestrial crops contracts GMO algal crops
Algae biofuel Feedstock Logistics Regional Biomass R&D grants Centers
Algae & terrestrial feedstock research Terrestrial bioenergy crop feedstock research The Place of Algae in Agriculture
How to get there Finding a solution
• States taking initiative: AZ, OH, IA • Property taxes, zoning laws, leasing laws
asu.edu Iastate.edu Aquaculture as a precedent
• >2 decades of federally funded R&D • Food & Agriculture Act of 1977 • Aquaculture under USDA
Aquaculture as a precedent
• National Aquaculture Act of 1980 • Formation of JSA • Writing of NADP • Agriculture & Food Act of 1981– Subtitle L
Aquaculture as a precedent
• Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1988 • Ornamental fish included • Aquaculture now fastest growing segment of U.S. agriculture
The effect of aquaculture policy
U.S. Aquaculture Production
Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Recommendations for algae
1. Expansion of legislative definition of agriculture to include algae 2. Consider an interagency committee for algaculture 3. Development & implementation of national policy, plan & initiative for algaculture 4. State legislation establishing algae as a crop
Role of industry
• Formation of national plan • Cohesive, united stance • Building the market
Acknowledgements
Sapphire Energy, Inc. NIH Marine Tim Zenk Biotechnology Alice Martinez Training Grant
Scripps Institution of Oceanography Algae Biomass Dr. Mark Hildebrand Organization Dr. Bill Gerwick