Robert Henrikson presented “Emerging Opportunities in Small Scale Algae Microfarming” at the Santa Fe Community College Sustainable Technologies Center on April 6, 2013.
Continuing Education – Spring Catalog – Seminar: Saturday, April 6, 2013 9:00AM – 4:00PM SFCC Rm. 216
Over the past 30 years, a common question has emerged: “Can I grow spirulina algae at home or in my community?” The answer used to be “not yet,” because growing and processing were complex and required big investments. Experts with years of technical experience were needed to maintain successful algae cultures and small operations could not afford them. But today, growing systems have been simplified, successful business models for small growers are here, and web-based automation reduces the need for onsite experts. Algaepreneurs can profitably grow high-value foods in a small area, supporting the urban gardening and local food self-sufficiency movements. Robert Henrikson will review the evolution in spirulina algae microfarming and preview photobioreactor systems to grow new products from other algae strains.