Rare Earth Global aims to create a UK-grown and processed hemp meal and test the suitability of this as an alternative sustainable protein source for the Scottish Atlantic salmon industry.
£262,525.20
18 months
Most of the ingredients for salmon aquafeed manufacturing in the UK is imported from South America and Central Europe. Soy protein, the main protein source used, leads to deforestation, and carries a high CO2 footprint both from farming and international shipping. Recent events, such as the war in Ukraine and Brexit, have shown how vulnerable our food system is, highlighting the need for locally produced ingredients, ideally derived from by-products to fit into the circular economy/zero waste concept.
Hemp provides a competitive protein source to soy, containing a similar amino acid profile and a favourable nutritional composition. Rare Earth Global (REG) have developed a UK model for supplying locally produced and sustainable hemp protein concentrate (HPC), which avoids deforestation through fitting into UK farmers’ crop rotations.
Through full plant utilisation, REG’s primary use of stalk for building materials can lead to a negative CO2 impact on the use of the seeds for protein. In contrast to other protein alternatives, the scale needed for commercial use can be met through REG’s UK off-takes for the stalk.
The project demonstrated the suitability of UK produced hemp seed by-product as a protein source for the Scottish Atlantic salmon industry, as well as for shrimp. The trials showed a superior feed conversion ratio to soy protein concentrate, with no welfare concerns. The colouration of the fillets were not impacted and there was no adverse behavioural response, indicating a commercial formulation product.
Rare Earth Global