Author: Carrie Cox

by Paul Mullen

Kale, known as a superfood for its nutritional values, contains large amounts of calcium, iron, vitamin A & C. To grow kale there are certain requirements such as arable land, freshwater and often time fertilizer and pesticides. Kelp on the other hand requires no arable land, no freshwater, no fertilizer and no pesticides. Kelp also has many nutritional values as it provides a healthy dose of iodine, potassium, calcium, protein, soluble fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids and other micronutrients. Kelp not only benefits humans through its nutritional values as it also benefits the environment as it absorbs carbon dioxide thus reducing ocean acidification. National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” explores the future of kelp cuisine. Read the full article and hear the NPR report here.

by Paul Mullen

ADM, one of the world’s largest agricultural processors and food ingredient providers have launched a DHA rich aqua feed, DHA Natur^TM. It is a highly concentrated, non-GMO, vegetarian source of DHA derived through a controlled fermentation process using ADM’s micro algae based technology, a technology that allows heterotrophic algae to be produced more efficiently than phototrophic algae. As global population continues to rise the demand for Omega-3 as a dietary supplement increases. This new source of DHA provides the aquaculture industry with a sustainable alternative to fish oil. Read the full article here.

 

A new article in Popular Science highlights the unique potential of algae to deliver a new, sustainable source of both food and fuel, turning the age-old debate around first generation biofuels on its head. The article notes that algae-based jet fuel promises greater range, reduced emissions and lower maintenance cost than conventional fuels, and references a recent study indicating that algae could also replace up to 45 percent of feed for cows without degrading the flavor of the meet.

Could flights to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo be fueled by Algae? If so, could algae be the food and fuel of the future?

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and the Renewable Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office seeks feedback from industry leaders on their Feedstock Supply and Logistics Program.

The program is responsible for developing technologies to support Advanced Feedstock Supply Systems that will mobilize our growing national biomass and support the bioeconomy which continues to thrive. The information requested will provide important input on the aspects of developing large-scale supply systems and technologies with the goal of eventually supplying up to a billion dry tons of biomass feedstocks annually.

The RFI categories include:

•Preprocessing technologies
•Quality management
•Strategies for mobilizing a billion tons of biomass resources

ABO members are encouraged to provide their expertise and must do so no later than 5 p.m. (EDT) on June 30th, 2016.

For more information and to respond, please visit http://energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/articles/doe-requests-information-revolutionary-biomass-supply-systems-supporting 

The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking new members to fill vacancies on the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee. Applications will be accepted until June 30^th, 2016.

As a member of the committee, you will advise DOE and USDA points of contact with respect to the Biomass R&D Initiative (Initiative) and priority technical biomass R&D needs and make written recommendations to the Biomass R&D Board (Board). Those recommendations regard whether: (A) Initiative funds are distributed and used consistent with Initiative objectives; (B) solicitations are open and competitive with awards made annually; (C) objectives and evaluation criteria of the solicitations are clear; and (D) the points of contact are funding proposals selected on the basis of merit, and determined by an independent panel of qualified peers.

ABO members are encouraged to apply and serve as thought leaders to promote our dear friends, algae!

For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/05/25/2016-12319/biomass-research-and-development-technical-advisory-committee