Are there signs of national or European quality for seaweed? Can seaweed be organic? This page presents the main labels that currently exist for seaweed.
On a European and international scale
Organic agriculture
Since 2009, European regulation (EC) no. 710/2009 enables the organic labelling of farmed or harvested marine seaweed, under a certain number of conditions. The marine seaweed production area must be classified in ‘good ecological condition’ and ‘good chemical condition’ according to the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). The area must be classified as A or B according to the classification of shellfish growing areas defined by prefectural decree.
If the area does not have any shellfish farming or if the quality of the water in the area does not meet the criteria, the producer must, under its own responsibility, prove through regular analyses that the site is free from any pollution.
Also, producers must ensure that their practices are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
For micro-algae intended for human consumption, we must wait for 2016 for there to be an extension of the production rules based on the 2009 amendment (Regulation (EC) no. 2016/67).
For all other farmed seaweed, a list of authorised inputs of plant or mineral origin is provided in the repealed Regulation 2021/1165. Since 2023, sodium nitrate has also been authorised (Regulation 2023/121) for farming in a closed system on land to enable the nitrogen that is essential for growth to be provided by limiting the constraints of organic fertilising matter.
ASC / MSC
We can also mention other international schemes. For example the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (responsible aquaculture) and the Marine Stewardship Council (sustainable fishing) collaborated on the implementation of a certification specific to seaweed. This is based on a global, environmental and social reference framework covering both seaweed farming and harvesting
For more information, click here.
On a national scale
Breizhmer
The label provided by Breizhmer aims to certify Breton sea products including seaweed. The aim is to guarantee the origin, sustainability, quality and traceability of products to meet consumers’ requirements.
The label works with specifications established for each industry (shellfish farmers, fishermen, seaweed harvesters as well as auction houses, fishmongers, processers, and dispatchers) for which an online simulator is available and regular checks are made.
In addition to the origin, quality and traceability aspects, the label includes criteria surrounding the economy and local development as well as the environment to promote sustainable practices.
For more information, click here.
Merci les algues !
The aim of the association Merci les algues ! is to offer consumers food products from responsible and sustainable industries through the use of alga-sourced products.
Seaweed or alga-sourced products may be involved in the whole industry, from upstream (e.g. plant farming or livestock feed) to downstream (e.g. inclusion of seaweed in food products). The brand’s members must meet specifications for the whole industry to guarantee its transparency.
For more information, click here.
