GreenWave

Mission

Incorporated as a nonprofit in 2014, GreenWave’s mission is to train and support regenerative ocean farmers in the era of climate change. GreenWave works to replicate the regenerative ocean farming model in coastal communities throughout North America to create a blue economy—built and led by ocean farmers—that ensures we all make a living on a living planet. We believe that by working in partnership with the ocean, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure that coastal communities have the tools and resources they need to be resilient in the face of climate-driven environmental, social, and economic systems shifts.

Needs Statement

GreenWave depends on donor support to scale our programming and invest in the training, tools, and resources that regenerative ocean farmers need to succeed. In order to build a blue economy and strengthen coastal communities, farmers in GreenWave’s network need: - Value chain connections and market opportunities - Accessible and affordable processing infrastructure - Reliable, high-quality kelp seed - Hands-on training and opportunities for regional collaboration Your support helps GreenWave to meet these needs and grow a thriving, resilient ocean farming industry.

Impact Statement

To date, GreenWave has: - Provided training and technical assistance to more than 8,500 farmers, nursery technicians, and entrepreneurs. - Distributed $1,653,399 in Kelp Climate Fund subsidies since 2021. - Supported 147 value chain connections. - Implemented new seed banking technologies, resulting in a 200% increase in regional yields in the 23/24 season. - Farms in GreenWave’s network have harvested 2,903,746 pounds of kelp to date. Recognition for GreenWave’s work includes the Buckminster Fuller Prize and the Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize. The organization has been covered in 60 Minutes, CNN, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, and elsewhere.

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Areas Served Narrative

Since its inception in 2014, the New Haven-based GreenWave has cultivated a thriving network of active farms, working hatcheries, processing hubs, and market opportunities in southern New England. GreenWave also launched one of the largest commercial kelp nurseries in the United States. In addition to providing high-quality kelp seed at no cost to new ocean farmers in the region, we collaborate with institutional partners, including UCONN and WHOI, on research and innovations to improve kelp seed production, increase crop yields, and decrease stress on native kelp beds. While GreenWave continues to serve our local New Haven community and southern New England farmers, the organization has expanded programming in multiple regions including Alaska, California, Maine, New York, and the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on under-resourced coastal communities directly affected by climate change.

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