Sea to Farm: Groupe Roullier Honors Innovation in Agriculture
By Bertrand Dumarché
Published on
For Groupe Roullier, the sea is more than just a historical anchor: it has become a true innovation field to address contemporary agricultural challenges. During the 3rd edition of its Innovation Awards, the Malouin group highlights projects from around the world, all united around one common theme: to harness marine resources to sustainably feed the Earth.
Under the theme “Sea to Farm“, this 2025-2026 edition illustrates a fundamental shift in agronomic research. Faced with the need to produce as much, if not more, with fewer inputs and in the context of increased environmental pressure, marine bioresources emerge as a credible avenue. Microalgae, macroalgae, maerls, and by-products from fishing and agribusiness are all leverage points to rethink plant and animal nutrition.
Diverse Biological Exceptionality
“The sea is both the origin and the future of our sector,” summarizes Thomas Georgelin, Deputy General Manager of the group, also a jury member. This conviction is based on exceptional biological diversity: “There are hundreds of species of microalgae, numerous macroalgae. This richness opens up immense avenues for exploration.”
Three projects were distinguished this year, each showcasing the potential of these resources in their own way. The Exploration prize was awarded to SEA4FEED, led by José Prates (University of Lisbon), which focuses on optimizing the cultivation of pigment-rich microalgae. The goal is to demonstrate their beneficial effects on animal health, particularly in poultry farming, through their antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.
In a more market-oriented approach, the Tremplin prize rewarded 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 aligns with a circular economy logic, valorizing by-products currently underutilized.
Lastly, the Young Talent prize honored BIOMAT-MAERL, led by Matilde Baruffaldi (Italy). This project proposes to cultivate maerl, a calcareous algae, in tanks or open sea, 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 evolution in the competition’s philosophy that marks a significant change. The Innovation Awards do not simply reward ideas: they aim to support their transformation into practical solutions. “We are not just handing out a check. The goal is to follow the projects, to guide them to become operational and adapted to the realities of agricultural terrain,” insists Thomas Georgelin.
This focus on practicality was at the heart of the selection criteria. “The candidates made a double effort: to propose innovation and tangibility. They all had a business plan, a clear vision of deployment, some were able to estimate commercial needs,” he emphasizes. This approach reflects an increasingly strong connection between the worlds of research and business.
Agronomic Performance
The challenges are clearly identified: improve agronomic performance while reducing environmental impact. Soil health, nutritional quality of productions, animal welfare – these dimensions are now integrated from project conception. “There has been a real consideration of ecotoxicity and soil life, The candidates understood that the soil is the farmer’s tool,” notes Thomas Georgelin.
Another notable point is the increasing importance of regulatory constraints, perceived not as obstacles but as opportunities for innovation. “During the deliberations, we discussed these aspects extensively. There are always solutions 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 appeal and growing interest in these new resources. For Groupe Roullier, relying on an international network and academic collaborations, these Awards represent a true scientific incubator, capable of generating innovations applicable on a large scale.
Previous editions have already led to concrete advances, particularly in nitrogen nutrition, through work carried out in partnership with French laboratories. This proves that bridges between research and industry can lead to operational solutions for farmers.
In a context where agriculture must balance economic performance, environmental requirements, and food sovereignty, the sea emerges more than ever 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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