Microfarms

An article series about Scalable Algae Microfarms
by Robert Henrikson published in AlgaeIndustryMagazine.com

1. Why algae microfarms are emerging today. Over the past 40 years, large commercial companies have produced algae food and feed products and more recently, biofuels. Today, smaller farms are emerging using smart technology and modular growing systems, making it feasible to deploy microfarms anywhere in the world.

2. Small algae farms in the developing world. In India, appropriate scale low cost technology has been sponsored by government agencies and NGOs. In Africa, village projects were pioneered by humanitarian groups from Europe, Dr. Ripley Fox and Antenna Technologies.

3. Algaepreneurs and the microfarm movement in France. Since many of the humanitarian organizations supporting developing world algae village farms originated from France, microfarms in the developed world began in France, where there are now over 100 algaepreneurs growing food for local markets.

4. Algae microfarms for family and community cultivation are coming. Over the past 30 years, many people have asked they can grow algae themselves in their own back yard. One of the most common requests has been “How can I grow my own algae?”

5. Microfarms and bioreactors in modular systems. Algae are being grown in outdoor ponds, greenhouses, photo bioreactors, fermenters and hybrid systems. As new technologies and systems design arrive, algae microfarms will be less costly, easier and more accessible for more people around the world.