Unlocking the Potential of Seaweed Biostimulants in Agriculture for Plant and Soil Health

Biostimulants are one of the highest-potential emerging applications for cultivated seaweed, already valued at over USD 1.4 billion in 2024 and forecast to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2030. Scaling is currently held back by inconsistent product standards, patchy regulation, unproven efficacy claims, and production data that is often inflated or hard to verify – making it difficult for investors and buyers to act with confidence.

The Seaweed Biostimulants White Paper, developed alongside a companion Farmer Brief for seaweed farmers entering the category, lays out what it will take to close that gap: regulation, R&D, infrastructure, cross-sector collaboration, and financing suited to where the industry stands today.

The report is essential reading for operators and investors diversifying into biostimulants, or already navigating the growing category. It serves as a reference point for understanding the innovation landscape, assessing production and supply reliability, and shaping market entry and sourcing strategy.

This report was developed jointly by The World Bank, The Nature Conservancy, and Hatch Blue, drawing on a roundtable convened with leaders from seaweed farming, agriculture, science, investment, and government.