Sea to Farm: Groupe Roullier Innovation Awards Celebrate Marine Resources

By Bertrand Dumarché

Published on Apr 12, 2026 at 18:10

For the Groupe Roullier, the sea is more than just a historical anchor: it is becoming a true innovation ground to address contemporary agricultural challenges. During the 3rd edition of its Innovation Awards, the Malouin group showcases projects from around the world, all united around a common theme: harnessing marine resources to sustainably feed the earth.

Exceptional Biological Diversity

“The sea is both the origin and the future of our industry,” summarizes Thomas Georgelin, deputy general manager of the group, who is also a jury member. This conviction is supported by exceptional biological diversity: “There are hundreds of species of microalgae, numerous macroalgae. This richness opens up immense exploration possibilities.”

Three projects were honored this year, each illustrating in its own way the potential of these resources. The Exploration prize was awarded to SEA4FEED, led by José Prates (University of Lisbon), who is working on optimizing the cultivation of pigment-rich microalgae. The goal: to demonstrate their beneficial effects on animal health, especially in poultry farming, through their antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

In a more market-oriented approach, the Launch prize went to MARFERT, developed by Junio Costa (Brazil). This project aims to transform fish residues into innovative fertilizers, in liquid or micro-encapsulated form. This approach fully embraces a circular economy logic by valorizing by-products currently underutilized.

Finally, the Young Talent prize recognized BIOMAT-MAERL, led by Matilde Baruffaldi (Italy). This project proposes to cultivate maerl, a calcareous algae, in basins or open sea, in order to reconcile agricultural production and marine ecosystem restoration. A concrete illustration of the possible synergies between agriculture and biodiversity preservation.

From Research to Field

Beyond the projects themselves, it is the philosophy of the competition that marks an evolution. The Innovation Awards are not limited to rewarding ideas: they aim to support their transformation into concrete solutions. “We don’t just hand out a check. The goal is to follow the projects, to guide them to become operational and adapted to the realities of agricultural land,” insists Thomas Georgelin.

This concrete requirement was also at the heart of the selection criteria. “The candidates made a double effort: proposing innovation, but also tangibility. They all had a business plan, a precise vision of deployment, some were already able to estimate commercial needs,” he points out. This approach reflects an increasingly strong bond between the world of research and the world of business.

Agronomic Performance

The challenges are clearly identified: improving agronomic performance while reducing environmental impact. Soil health, nutritional quality of crops, animal welfare – these dimensions are now integrated from the outset of project design. “There has been a real consideration of ecotoxicity and soil life. The candidates have understood that soil is the farmer’s working tool,” notes Thomas Georgelin.

Another noteworthy point: the increasing importance of regulatory constraints, perceived not as obstacles, but as opportunities for innovation. “During the deliberations, we discussed these aspects a lot. Solutions always need to be found, especially through partnerships between public and private actors. It’s a win-win situation,” he believes.

A Scientific Incubator

With over 50 applications from 17 countries, this edition confirms the program’s attractiveness and the growing interest in these new resources. For Groupe Roullier, which relies on an international network and academic collaborations, these Awards constitute a true scientific incubator, capable of bringing forth innovations applicable on a large scale.

Previous editions have already led to concrete advances, particularly in terms of nitrogen nutrition, with work carried out in partnership with French laboratories. This demonstrates that bridges between research and industry can lead to operational solutions for farmers.

In a context where agriculture must reconcile economic performance, environmental demands, and food sovereignty, the sea more than ever appears as a source of inspiration. And perhaps, in the long run, as one of the pillars of the agricultural systems of tomorrow.

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