Ó Mhuir go Talamh / From Sea to Soil - international symposium on marine-derived biostimulants and the future of regenerative agriculture

reland’s marine innovation centre, Nua Mara, will host an international symposium on 22 October at Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in Carna, bringing together some of the world’s leading voices on marine-derived biostimulants and biopesticides, natural, sustainable inputs for agriculture drawn from seaweed, microalgae, shellfish and fish co-products. 

The one-day event jointly organised by Teagasc, Nua Mara, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and the Marine Institute, will explore how science-led innovation can help marine bioresources meet the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional agricultural chemicals. 

Speakers from Ireland, France, Portugal, the Faroe Islands, Norway, New Zealand, Mauritius, Singapore and the United States will address the opportunities and barriers facing the sector, from research breakthroughs, commercial scale-up, relevant EU and US regulations and legislation, investment, and enterprise supports. The symposium will close with a panel discussion drawing the day’s insights into a roadmap for the sector’s future development. 

The event underlines the growing role of Ireland, especially coastal regions from Dublin, to Galway, and the Connemara Gaeltacht in particular, as a hub for marine research and blue-economy innovation. 

Máire Éinniú, Head of Nua Mara, said: 
“Hosting this symposium in Carna reflects exactly what Nua Mara was established to do. Ireland needs to connect our biggest underutilised asset, our ocean, to one of our other great assets, the agriculture sector. The potential is enormous, and it is fitting that this conversation is taking place here on the Connemara coast, where we have an abundance of natural resources, knowledge and history.” 

Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO, Údarás na Gaeltachta, said:
“Údarás na Gaeltachta is proud to support Nua Mara in bringing an event of this international standing to the Gaeltacht. Developments like this create high-value research and enterprise opportunities in coastal communities and demonstrate the vital role the Gaeltacht can play in Ireland’s blue economy.” 

Dr Maria Hayes, Senior Researcher, Teagasc, said:
“Fishery processing co-products, seaweeds and microalgae, formulated as biostimulants, offer real solutions to the global challenges that farmers, food producers and consumers face with increased frequency due to our changing climate, 2026. Scientific excellence and education are required for large-scale roll-out of marine biostimulants in agriculture and to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. Knowledge of these regulations and how to comply with the same is a primary focus of this event and it’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to co-host and engage with world experts, from across the globe at this event, and contribute to ensuring future benefits for European biostimulant producers, farmers, food processors, global citizens and consumers”.  

Dr Majbritt Bolton-Warberg, Blue Economy Programme Manager, Marine Institute, said:
“The Marine Institute recognises the importance of collaboration across research, enterprise and policy in realising the value of Ireland’s marine resources sustainably. This symposium provides an important opportunity to strengthen the knowledge base, networks and innovation capacity that underpin Ireland’s blue bioeconomy.”