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The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the U.S. based non-profit trade organization for the algae and seaweed industries, has announced it is relocating its headquarters from Minnesota and will be leasing office space in the Financial Center in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The move comes as the algae and seaweed industries diversify to impact a wider range of markets than ever before, including biomanufacturing, energy, agriculture, water treatment, and more. The new offices also allow closer coordination between ABO members and the organization’s interim Executive Director Jon Kallen, who is also based in Iowa.
“Des Moines and the state of Iowa are an attractive area to be based as this area is a center for innovation in agriculture, sustainable fuels, and related research and development at state universities,” said Mike LaMont, ABO’s Board of Directors. “Additionally, we have many existing ABO members based in Iowa who are spearheading creative new developments in the areas of algae feed, food, fuel, and water treatment. As these and other synergies develop, the ABO is poised for explosive growth as algae is critical to the U.S.’s goal of promoting sustainable solutions in agriculture, feed/food production, and aviation fuel. Algae is the most sustainable solution, utilizing and capturing carbon dioxide during its growth. The ABO looks forward to adding to the vibrant business climate in the central business district of downtown Des Moines, the heart of the Midwest.”
ABO is world’s largest trade organization focusing on promoting the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable products derived from algae and seaweed. The ABO’s diverse membership includes over 150 commercial algae companies, academic institutions, national research laboratories, governmental agencies and professional consulting groups in United States, Canada, and Europe. The organization also produces the annual Algae Biomass Summit, the largest gathering of algae and seaweed scientists, business leaders, policy experts and entrepreneurs.
The Greater Des Moines Partnership expressed the organization’s excitement at the ABO’s headquarters being based in downtown Des Moines.
“We are excited to welcome ABO’s headquarters to Greater Des Moines and our vibrant Downtown district,” said Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “This project is a testament to our region’s strength as a hub for ag innovation and further establishes Greater Des Moines as a great place for agriculture and bioscience companies to grow and expand.”
Billi Hunt, Executive Director of Iowa’ Cultivation Corridor stated, “As the nation’s leader in biobased products and processing, Iowa welcomes the Algae Biomass Organization to Des Moines. Iowa has a very strong portfolio of algae-based products and innovations. We look forward to working more closely with the organization to grow the industry here and around the world.”
About the Algae Biomass Organization
The Algae Biomass Organization is the non-profit trade association and unified voice of the algae and seaweed industries. Working on behalf of all sectors, the ABO advocates for algae-advancing policy and funding, serves as a hub for innovation and networking, and drives demand for “made with algae” products and services.
The annual Algae Biomass Summit, ABO’s signature event, is the largest global gathering of algae producers, researchers, investors, suppliers, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
Founded in 2008, the ABO is led by a Board of Directors representative of the industry’s value chain. Together, with the broader membership, they strive to deliver on the shared mission to promote and accelerate the power of algae to create a step-change in the health and well-being of humanity and the environment. More information is at: www.algaebiomass.org.
