Granular biostimulant based on marine algae for plant nutrition

The project consists of developing an agricultural biostimulant with controlled release technologies based on marine algae and validating the agronomic performances in different varieties of potato. The global biostimulant market is booming, showing an expected compound annual growth rate of 11.2% by 2025 to reach an estimated value of $ 4.9 billion in 2025 (Markets and Markets, 2019). The market is mainly driven by the strong demand for high value added crops around the world and the growing need to support crop growth due to abiotic stress resulting from changing climatic conditions. The rapidly growing organic food industry is also a powerful engine for the growth of the biostimulant industry. Raising awareness among farmers of the benefits of biostimulants and increasing adoption of sustainable production methods are also additional factors to increase the growth of this market. The valorisation of marine biomass is one of the main axes of economic development in Est-du-Québec. This project will help structure the Quebec marine biotechnology industry by concretely integrating the exploitation of local aquatic resources into the development of innovative products with strong commercial potential. This project is part of the Avantage Saint-Laurent strategy of the Government of Quebec and the development of the blue economy.