Algal omega-3 farm to be built in SE Queensland
FoodProcessing
July 4th, 2016
Hello BEST community,
Continuing from Gillian’s post concerning algae derived oils, we look more closely at the production of one type of algae-derived oil in particular, omega-3 oil. Omega-3 oils are well researched, and
known to promote a variety of healthy benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory effects to managing heart disease. Due to demand for omega-3, a Queensland-based farming company, Qponics, has been awarded a $1 million grant to construct a commercial-sized algae
farm that will produce this oil. Qponics' production of omega-3 oils using algae provides an alternative from depleting marine animal stocks, such as fish and krill, which have traditionally been used to obtain the oil. This algae derived oil will not only
provide a high quality, vegetarian alternative to consumers, but will hopefully continue to expand the influence of algae production in local and global markets.
Erica Winstead
Undergraduate Intern
2016 BioEnergy & Sustainability School
Soil and Water Science Department