Over the past 30 years, large farms have grown algae for food, feed and fuels for thousands of products. Now an era of microfarms is emerging. Algae microfarms can empower people to grow healthy food in their own community for food security and self-sufficiency.
Robert Henrikson founded one of the world’s first and largest algae farms 35 years ago. Now the time has come to introduce algae microfarms and the algaepreneurs who are building them and selling and distributing healthy foods in their local communities.
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Algae Microfarms book chapters
Introduction1. Why algae microfarms are emerging today
2. Small algae farms in the developing world
3. Algaepreneurs and microfarms in France
4. Growing algae at home and in community
5. Microfarms & bioreactors in modular systems
6. Future visions of living algae systems
Algae Reference Guide
7. Algae production, products & potential today
8. Imagine our algae future – Algae Competition
9. Grow your own spirulina
10. Smart algae microfarms slideshow
11. Personal journey from small to large to small
12. References and author biographies
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The Emergence of Algae Microfarms
Over the past 30 years many people have asked “How can I grow algae?” Gardeners, farmers and algaepreneurs want to grow algae without deep scientific expertise, experience and knowledge. In fact, small-scale algae farming has been tested for 30 years. Innovative, inexpensive and efficient small systems have been operating in villages in the developing world. In France there are 110 algae microfarmers and a school curriculum for growing algae. These small growers are selling their own products directly in their local region. Entrepreneurs are building photobioreactors to produce algae for high value nutraceuticals.This new book Algae Microfarms introduces individuals and organizations growing algae on a small scale and making a difference today. Some of these small farms are humanitarian, some are commercial, some are both. Here is a look into our future of scalable microalgae systems for home and community gardens, urban and rooftop farms and even living buildings.
SmartMicrofarms.com offers stories, slide shows and videos of the emergence of algae microfarmers around the world and the opportunities of algae microfarming.
About the author
Robert Henrikson is CEO of Smart Microfarms, developing scalable microalgae systems for home, school, community, urban, rooftop and vertical gardens to grow high value food that is local, sustainable and profitable. For 35 years Robert has been an entrepreneur in algae, bamboo and natural resources. A pioneer in algae production and marketing, he was founder and director of Earthrise Farms, world’s largest spirulina algae farm. For 20 years as President of Earthrise Company, he promoted Earthrise® Spirulina and superfood products in 30 countries. Founded the International Algae Competition in 2010 to foster new algae food and energy systems for our future. Consultant and advisor to investors, management and companies in algae ventures. Presents at conferences, writes for industry media and has produced over 20 educational videos.Publications: "Earth Food Spirulina" (1989) translated into 7 international editions. "Spirulina World Food" (2010). “Bamboo Architecture” (2011). "Imagine Our Algae Future" (2012) based on the International Algae Competition. and “Algae Microfarms” (2013).
For more information, visit www.SmartMicrofarms.com or follow the latest news via Social Media: Algae Competition on Facebook and YouTube.