Daesang announced on the 23rd that it has been selected as one of the two leading research and development institutions in the national research and development (R&D) project contest organized by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries for 'sustainable quality seaweed seed production and land-based aquaculture technology development.'
Known as the 'black semiconductor,' seaweed is a representative export item of K-food. Currently, it is being exported to over 120 countries, including the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia, totaling 1 trillion won in value. However, due to marine environmental risks such as climate change and red tide, steady production has become difficult, making land-based aquaculture technology that can ensure consistent quality throughout the year a key alternative for the next-generation seaweed industry.
According to Daesang, this project is a large-scale research and development (R&D) initiative with an investment of 35 billion won over the next five years. The goal is to develop land-based aquaculture technology capable of mass production throughout the year to ensure food safety and stabilize the supply of domestic cultivated seaweed, along with the selection of high-quality seaweed varieties and the establishment of a commercialization system.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries received applications from a consortium composed of major food corporations, local governments, and academia through a call for proposals in January. After a rigorous evaluation, including the announcement of the lead researcher, the Daesang consortium was ultimately selected. At this time, Daesang is leading two key projects through a consortium comprised of over 200 experts, including three local governments in Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, and Chungnam, and research institutions from Kongju National University and Pohang University of Science and Technology, along with 11 corporations including Hana Fisheries.
The first project, 'Development of year-round supply and mass production technology for land-based seaweed seeds,' will improve productivity per unit area and develop a standardized manual for mass production in collaboration with Kongju National University and Pohang University of Science and Technology. The second project, 'Development of a land-based aquaculture system for year-round seaweed production and quality control technology,' will be conducted in partnership with the Jeonnam Fisheries Science Institute, Goheung County, and Hana Fisheries, with Daesang responsible for the demonstration of AI systems and the development of high-value-added products.
Daesang has been planning seaweed land-based aquaculture since 2016. Subsequently, in 2023, in collaboration with Goheung County in Jeonnam and Hana Fisheries, it succeeded in growing seaweed seedlings to a size of 40-50 cm in the first pilot aquaculture. It is currently in the process of establishing facilities for the second pilot aquaculture. Notably, Daesang aims to complete technology development and the commercialization system by 2029 and to begin commercialization by 2030.
A representative from Daesang noted, 'Demand for seaweed is increasing as a global health food ingredient,' and added, 'Through land-based aquaculture, we will develop a stable supply chain and high-value-added products to revitalize the local economy and promote co-growth with existing producers.'