COAST4C operates as a large-scale supplier of responsibly sourced, regenerative seaweed, addressing supply chain challenges for global brands. The company empowers smallholder farmers by providing regenerative farm input packages, education, and financial opportunities to ensure economic and environmental sustainability. This model secures a steady supply of quality seaweed for buyers while supporting community-based marine conservation efforts.
Funding
$650K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Small-scale seaweed farmers in Southeast Asia face challenges including outdated farming methods, climate change impacts, and limited access to finance, resulting in unreliable supply and quality for processors. This under-resourced sector often relies on marine conservation grants and unsustainable practices, leading to environmental harm and hindering economic resilience for coastal communities.
Solution
Coast 4C addresses these challenges by partnering with smallholder seaweed farmers and implementing regenerative aquaculture practices. The company provides farmers with access to finance, improved seedlings, and sustainable farming technologies through its GROW program, leading to increased yields and higher-quality seaweed. Coast 4C integrates seaweed farming with community-based marine protected areas (iMPAs), promoting biodiversity, protecting coastal ecosystems, and ensuring secure tenure for farmers. By connecting farmers with buyers committed to sustainability, Coast 4C creates a reliable supply chain of ethically sourced seaweed for various applications, including food, feed, fertilizers, and plastics. The company's approach fosters economic resilience for coastal communities while promoting environmental stewardship and marine conservation.
Target Audience
Coast 4C serves global brands seeking ethically sourced, high-quality seaweed, as well as small-scale seaweed farmers in Southeast Asia looking to improve their yields, incomes, and environmental practices.
Features
- GROW program: Provides farmers with regenerative farm input packages, including improved seedlings, waste-minimizing materials, and farming technologies suited to various sites.
- iMPA model: Integrates seaweed farming within community-based marine protected areas, expanding coastal protection and reviving marine ecosystems.
- Traceability: Offers seaweed grades (Traditional, Transitional, and Regenerative) with traceability to the site and iMPA of production.
- Quality control: Implements rigorous quality control mechanisms and provides training for farmers to meet social and environmental standards.
- Digital agri-tech: Integrates digital technologies to enhance efficiency, shorten the value chain, and provide full traceability of seaweed.
- Cooperative training: Sets up cooperatives to train seaweed farmers, supported by government agencies.