SMART farm concept for scaling up seaweed production addresses the three biggest challenges in the production of sugar kelp in Denmark. There is a need for:

1. greater area efficiency.
2. mechanisation of the handling of the kelp during inoculation, release at breeding facilities and harvesting.
3. storage stabilisation of the kelp immediately after harvest.

Cultivating seaweed on nets rather than lines will provide greater area efficiency. Integration of seaweed production with mussel production on Smartfarm pipe+net systems and with Easy farm harvesting technology will make cultivation scalable and manageable with equipment modified from mussel production and create a positive synergy for both the production company and the marine environment.

The main focus of SMART TANG is on the production of seaweed and includes the full value chain for two end products, where the seaweed from the Limfjord replaces seaweed that is currently imported from abroad as a food product and probiotic feed for pigs. The effects of seaweed farming on the climate and the marine environment are quantified as part of the companies’ business plan and as a basis for future regulation in the area.