U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) to Cold Current Kelp which grows, harvests, processes, and produces luxury skincare products from kelp. The VAPG program helps agricultural producers expand their businesses and increase their incomes by developing new products and reaching wider markets.
The Maine company will match the $24,700 planning grant with another $25,000 and invest the total to develop solid business and marketing plans, work with Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership on a manufacturing planning and feasibility study and perhaps eventually add to their product line.
“It’s exciting to be involved in all steps of the process, but very time-consuming, which is why VAPG is important,” says Krista Rosen who co-founded the company with Dr. Inga Potter in 2021. The two manage most aspects of growing and processing the seaweed themselves. “It will be a huge benefit for us to be able to rely on other Maine-based professionals to help develop our marketing and business plans. It sets us up for bringing our company to the next level. Eventually, we plan to seek investment, and being able to show we have thought about these long-term plans is beneficial.”
Kelp is a nutrient-dense and environmentally friendly aquaculture product that has grown increasingly popular in recent years.
“Maine’s long history of innovation on the sea is not a thing of the past,” said Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson in announcing the grant. “Companies like Cold Current Kelp demonstrate the potential for the Gulf of Maine to provide us with new, sustainable economic opportunities. USDA Rural Development is proud to support entrepreneurs who are raising awareness of the value and abundance of our oceans and stepping up to elevate Maine’s reputation with the creation of high-quality products.”
