Málma

Málma

Málma

Revolutionizing dairy and meat sustainability with seaweed-enhanced supplements that cut methane emissions and boost productivity

Provincia de Cartago, Cartago, Costa Rica

CRI

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

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Climate change is accelerating due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide and methane, in the atmosphere. Methane, though shorter-lived, is over 80 times more potent than CO₂ in trapping heat over a 20-year period. A major source of methane emissions is livestock farming. It is responsible for 14.5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Of this, 90% is due to enteric fermentation in ruminants during digestion. In Costa Rica, methane from cattle digestion alone accounts for 15% of the country’s total emissions, making livestock one of the top contributors to national climate pollution. This is particularly pressing given the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge, which aim to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. Despite these international commitments, the adoption of mitigation strategies within the livestock sector remains limited, especially among the 37,000+ cattle farms in Costa Rica. There is an urgent need for accessible, scalable, and effective methods to reduce methane emissions from livestock in both local and global contexts.

We are transforming livestock farming by developing a natural, seaweed-based feed supplement that reduces methane emissions from cows by up to 90%. Our supplement is made from Asparagopsis taxiformis, a red seaweed proven to block methane production during digestion in ruminants. To ensure consistent quality and local supply, we use advanced biotechnology to cultivate seaweed through in vitro propagation under laboratory conditions. In the future, algae will be grown at sea, where they can absorb carbon, help fight ocean acidification, and support dignified jobs in vulnerable coastal communities. Once harvested, the seaweed will be processed into a shelf-stable supplement that integrates easily into existing feed systems. In addition to reducing emissions, it also boosts milk and meat productivity providing both environmental and economic benefits for farmers. By combining biotechnology, sustainable aquaculture, and climate action, our solution offers a scalable path to decarbonizing livestock while supporting farming and coastal communities.

Our solution serves small and large-scale cattle producers, livestock supplement companies, carbon credit buyers, and coastal communities, especially women in underprivileged areas. Smallholder farmers often lack access to affordable, sustainable technologies. They face increasing pressure to reduce emissions but are limited by tight budgets and lack of technical support. Our supplement offers a low-cost, easy to use solution that helps them boost productivity while meeting environmental regulations. Large-scale producers and companies in the meat and dairy industry are seeking effective ways to decarbonize their supply chains. Our solution helps them reduce methane emissions and meet international sustainability standards, opening access to eco-conscious markets. Animal feed companies want to expand their portfolios with innovative, proven, and sustainable options. Our product addresses that demand by improving animal performance and environmental impact. Carbon credit buyers, such as corporations with climate goals, benefit from supporting a high-impact solution with strong environmental and social value. Finally, we aim to cultivate our seaweed at sea in partnership with coastal communities, prioritizing employment for women in vulnerable regions. This not only strengthens local economies but ensures that climate action and innovation generate inclusive, long-term impact where it's most needed.