Product Showcase | Industry Networking | Farmer Resources | Research | Food & Beverages
Kelp Fest is an opportunity to celebrate the exciting potential for kelp farming and product development in Atlantic Canada! This year's Kelp Fest will once again bring together farmers, entrepreneurs, foodies, researchers and policy makers to celebrate progress and explore the opportunities and needs of this growing sustainable sector.
For more information, check out the event descriptions below.
1. Kelp Product Showcase & Competition
Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Time: 3 p.m. *This is a closed event*
Location: St. Mary’s Boat Club, Halifax, N.S.
Are you developing a product that uses kelp? Do you have an innovation, new gear or tech for kelp farming or processing?
- Feature your business at Kelp Fest 2024
- Connect with experts
- Build partnerships
- Identify paths to grow your business
Application and registration for this event are now closed.
Learn more & apply
Learn more and apply
*Applications for this event are now closed
Showcase your product line, prototype or early-stage idea and compete for prize packages to support your business’ development. Network with leading business development experts, potential investors, sea farming sector leaders and researchers.
Our expert panel will judge entries and support participants before and after the competition to solidify their idea and prepare for the showcase.
Expert Judges and Participant Support Panel:
Prize packages will include a cash award and product, market, packaging and/or testing support from experts customized to your business need. Winners will be selected in the following categories:
- Best New Idea
- Best Existing Product
We are now accepting applications until Friday, April 12. Participation is limited to residents of Atlantic Canada.
Does your business or organization provide products, services, financing or business development support programming that can support the growing cultivated kelp sector? See below for details and to apply!
Network & Become a Tradeshow Exhibitor at the Showcase
The Atlantic Canadian cultivated kelp sector presents a sustainable, inclusive, and unique-to-Atlantic-Canada opportunity representing millions of dollars in potential market share across multiple sectors, including:
- Food,
- Personal care,
- Nutraceutical,
- Agricultural, and
- Biomaterials
Join us to network with showcase entrepreneurs and or participate as a tradeshow exhibitor during the showcase to share how you can benefit participating businesses.
Space is also available for businesses and organizations that want to support showcase entrepreneurs in preparation for this event by mentoring or sharing services during workshops before the showcase.
Complete this brief application form to indicate your interest and reserve your spot. Any questions can be directed to Merydie Ross at merydie.ross@ecologyaction.ca.
2. Kelp Fest Conference Day & Opening Reception
Date and Time: Wednesday May 8, 5-8 p.m. (Opening Reception) and Thursday, May 9, 9-4 p.m. (Conference Day)
Location: St. Mary’s Boat Club - 1641 Fairfield Rd, Halifax, NS, B3H 2A6
Insights and updates on all things cultivated kelp in Atlantic Canada.
Click here for conference agenda with links to speakers and presenters!
Registration is now full. Please contact kelp.kurious@ecologyaction.ca to be added to the waitlist.
Learn more & apply
Featured Speaker - Mitch Lench, CEO and founder of Ocean’s Balance, based in Maine. Hear about their business journey bringing innovative seaweed products to market, now operating North America’s first large scale commercial kelp dryer, their new ‘Seaweed Farming Services’ venture that offers drying and milling for farmers and Mitch's seaweed sector insights.
Aditional Speakers:
Salaweg (Gaspe Kelp Farm and Products) – Canada’s Smartest Kitchen (Kelp Food Product Development Team) – Dr. Stephen O’Leary (Seaweed Research Lead, NRC) – Dr. Carly Buchwald (Kelp nutrients, Dalhousie University) – Merinov (Kelp Tech and Farming Research Centre) – EAC’s Kelp Kurious (Seaweed policy change, markets assessment)
Opening Reception:
Enjoy cocktails and culinary creations by Chef Pamela Alexander Leonforde featuring kelp grown in the beautiful waters of Mahone Bay by Indian Point Marine Farms and a raw bar with their scallops and ShanDaph oysters! This is an evening to connect with seafarmers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and policy makers helping move the cultivated kelp sector forward in Atlantic Canada. Stick around after to check out the entries in our Kelp Product Showcase & Competition!
Hotel room block available at Atlantica Hotel. Limited travel and hotel support available – check the box on RSVP form, if you are in need
3. Site Visits & Field Trips
Date: Friday, May 10, 2024 (tentative)
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Tour research facilities and farms with our partners.
More details coming soon!
4. Kelp Kurious Open House
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: 82 Indian Point Rd., Mahone Bay, N.S.
Visit the Kelp Kurious Education Centre at Indian Point Marine Farms Ltd. in Mahone Bay.
Check out the Kelp Kurious kelp seedling nursery, explore the touch tank, try kelp snacks, create seaweed art and more!
Open to the public. Child friendly. Accessible bathrooms on site.
