The Importance and Prospects of the Use of Algae in Agribusiness

Arkadiusz Piwowar,Joanna Harasym

doi:10.3390/su12145669

Abstract

Agribusiness could be the most promising sector for algae biomass exploitation and popularization. In this paper we summarize the scope of interests in agribusiness which can be fulfilled with algae exploitation. A high growth rate, a high ability to bind carbon dioxide and the potential to accumulate biogenic elements and light metals mean that algae can be used as a raw material for production of biofertilizers, biopesticides, feeds and feed additives. The use of the means of agricultural production based on algae can take place both in organic and conventional agriculture. The development of innovative and low-cost technologies of algae production, including the possibilities of their use in rural areas, provide a basis for changes, improvements and modifications to the existing solutions in the scope of production and use of industrial means of agricultural production. We also show that although there are quite diverse methods of production, and various micro and macro species diversified in chemical content, the economic viability of algae-based agribusiness is still in its infancy. The wide utilization of algae for food product manufacturing opens alternative ways for food acquisition, protecting both the food supply and the planet’s resources. The sustainability aspects of mass algae production implementation seem to be indisputable regarding possible benefits resulting from such technology. The versatility of algae application in food products, along with the very high nutritive and bioactive profile of this ingredient, make this resource of high importance in a low-emission economy.

Highlights

Agribusiness, in material and functional terms, covers all economic activities related to the production, processing and distribution of food, as well as economic activities related to the supply of production means and services to agriculture and the agri-food industry [1,2,3]
In recent years in the agribusiness area, some attempts have been made towards transition to an economy based on biological and renewable resources, implementing solutions based on the ideas of bioeconomy and a closed-loop economy [4,5,6]
The increasing number of studies evaluating the importance of algae for the ecosystem and the low-carbon economy confirm the potential of these organisms to be effectively incorporated into the global economy

Summary

Introduction

Agribusiness, in material and functional terms, covers all economic activities related to the production, processing and distribution of food, as well as economic activities related to the supply of production means and services to agriculture and the agri-food industry [1,2,3]. In order to increase food production, improve its quality and ensure food security, the use of algae seems to be an important element in the agribusiness system, which may affect the development and sustainability (economic, ecological and social) of food systems. Such an approach is important from the perspective of the potential for productivity gains and the increased use of innovative solutions that can contribute to entrepreneurship and environmental protection. Innovations related to the increase of efficiency (productivity) in plant production, ensuring a higher level of health and welfare of farm animals, require the acceptance of farmers This reinforces the changes in agricultural practices, the need to introduce changes and demonstrate a pro-innovative attitude. They showed that mixing the algal biorefinery with the treatment of wastewater surprisingly provided only minor benefits to system economics [47]

Algae in the Food Industry

Findings

Summary