Seaweed feed supplement business CH4 Global to expand in SA

A global company is set to build a major production facility near Port Lincoln, growing a seaweed to feed cows that can reduce their methane emissions by up to 90 per cent.

A global company is set to build a major production facility near Port Lincoln, growing a seaweed to feed cows that can reduce their methane emissions by up to 90 per cent.

CH4 Global, which has headquarters in the US and existing facilities in South Australia at Arno Bay and Lonsdale, and in New Zealand, has signed a lease to build an “EcoPark” at Louth Bay.

The company expects the site to grow and process Asparagopsis seaweed to feed up to 30,000 cattle per day across Australia and overseas.

Asparagopsis is a red seaweed native to SA and which has been found to drastically reduce methane emissions from cows and sheep by up to 90 per cent.

CH4 Global's Adam Main at Louth Bay SA. Picture: Ben Clark

Asparagopsis is a red seaweed native to SA and which has been found to drastically reduce methane emissions from cows and sheep by up to 90 per cent. Picture: Ben Clark

The facility is expected to generate dozens of local jobs during construction and ongoing roles once built, and be a boon for the lower Eyre Peninsula’s economy.

CH4 Global external relations manager for Australia and New Zealand Adam Main said the Louth Bay site would include a seedling hatchery, patented inland growing approach for Asparagopsis, and harvesting and drying technology.

“Building our EcoPark at Louth Bay will create a vibrant and ongoing business in the region, provide local jobs and support communities – boosting not only Eyre Peninsula’s economy, but South Australia’s economy as well,” he said.

“This is about more than just the economic benefits for the region, it’s about methane reduction, slowing the effects of climate change and supporting farmers around the world to reduce emissions through Asparagopsis – which is native to our waters.

“These are exciting times for our team at CH4 Global as we expand our operations and work towards reducing methane emissions in the environment.”

Mr Main will appear on a panel at today’s Bush Summit in Port Lincoln.