Duckweed as a novel, sustainable source of protein for Ireland

There was a pressing need to identify novel, sustainable protein sources for use in feed, food, and other applications. International interest developed around Lemnaceae (Duckweed sp.) biomass as a plant protein source and a replacement for soybean in feeds. Duckweed species were promising candidates for Ireland due to their rapid growth, high protein content, and desirable amino acid profile.

Trials by university staff demonstrated potential annual yields exceeding thirty tons of dry matter per hectare with over thirty percent protein, achieved even under suboptimal conditions. High-tech commercial exploitation of duckweed was established in countries like the USA and Israel, and it formed part of traditional farming methods in Southeast Asia.

To develop duckweed as a sustainable protein source in Ireland, the project team created the integrated, multidisciplinary Duck-Feed project. This initiative focused on addressing key challenges related to growth, processing, use, and public acceptance necessary for integrating duckweed into Irish farming.

Key objectives of the Duck-Feed project included:

- Developing improved, small-scale outdoor cultivation systems

- Cultivating Lemna on farm waste streams

- Optimizing protein extraction technology

- Assessing feed quality, economic, and environmental viability

- Evaluating public acceptance of duckweed as a native, protein-rich feedstock

The overarching aim of Duck-Feed was to establish the expertise and experience needed to facilitate the rollout of duckweed cultivation in Ireland, involving close interactions with the agricultural industry.