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Chuck Toombs
Chuck Toombs is the Founder and CEO of Oregon Seaweed, the largest land-based seaweed farm in the United States.3 He discovered the potential of seaweed, specifically Pacific dulse (Devaleraea mollis), during a visit to Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in 2015.1 Toombs, who has a background in conventional business, saw a strong business case in seaweed cultivation and processing.1
Career Highlights
- Founded Oregon Seaweed, transforming a university discovery into a commercial venture35
- Previously owned and sold Ostrom Glass & Metal Works1
- Taught marketing classes at Oregon State University12
- Has 30 years of experience in marketing and sales, including work for a Fortune 500 company2
Seaweed Business Achievements
- Developed land-based seaweed farming techniques, allowing for controlled growth and harvesting1
- Secured equity investment from Katapult Ocean in Oslo1
- Survived the COVID-19 pandemic despite initial setbacks1
- Expanded into retail markets, positioning seaweed products next to kale1
- Exploring new markets including pet food ingredients and seaweed snacks1
Future Plans
Toombs aims to scale Oregon Seaweed's production from 13 tonnes to 225 tonnes annually and is seeking $3 million in funding for expansion and processing facility construction.1 He is also considering establishing an inland seaweed farm in eastern Oregon.1
Chuck Toombs continues to advocate for seaweed as a sustainable protein source and is working to increase its acceptance in global culture.4
Highlights
Oregon Seaweed is happy to announce the first Multi-State USDA Specialty Crop Grant devoted exclusively to "Pacific Dulse". This is a firm acknowledgement of the commercial potential of "Controlled Environment Seaweed Aquaculture"(CESA) and the potential value at scale of this high value seaweed that Oregon Seaweed has been pioneering for the last decade. With our two farms in Bandon and Garibaldi Oregon, our new and exclusive strains of Pacific Dulse we have developed will be very helpful in advancing this industry. We will be working with University of California, Davis, University of Alaska Anchorage,and Oregon State University to: 1. Improve production yield of and comparing production costs for tank- versus ocean-cultivated dulse to inform the broader industry of the feasibility of each approach in the context of communities with high and low utility costs, 2. Boosting market establishment by nutritional benefit assessment, product development, and consumers engagement, and 3. Provide educational programs on seaweed farming and processing practices for stakeholders.improving production yield of and comparing production costs for tank- versus ocean-cultivated dulse to inform the broader industry of the feasibility of each approach in the context of communities with high and low utility costs, ii) boosting market establishment by nutritional benefit assessment, product development, and consumers engagement, and iii) providing educational programs on seaweed farming and processing practices for stakeholders. #altprotein #sustainabilty #seaweed #food
