Andy Zynga, CEO of EIT Food was interviewed by CNBC to discuss protein diversity and algae and seaweed products as protein alternatives to meat.

Andy emphasised that it is critical increasing protein diversity to feed the population. In the EU, there is a major focus on algae and seaweed to serve as alternative sources to create a sustainable aquaculture industry. EIT Food funds several projects in the area, which include the AGAPE Project, and the reduced footprint seaweed farming project of Solmeyea.

In our previous posts, we already emphasised the different advantages of seaweed and algae. This includes not only the option to use ragworms feeding on seaweed as omega-3-rich feed for salmon but also the reduction of greenhouse gases by using a component of seaweed additive to cows’ feed.

These dynamics and innovations require skillsets that differ from the traditional aquaculture industry. And this is where the AGAPE project makes a contribution. It will provide a platform that identifies the needs of the aquaculture industry and compares them with the skills of the workforce available. Not only will it match jobs and skills, it will also suggest courses for re-skilling and up-skilling to match the needs of the industry.