The only structure for the commercial cultivation of spirulina in Brazil is at Fazenda Tamanduá. The spirulina production sector comprises units I, cultivation and harvesting, and II, processing. Soon Fazenda Tamanduá will be marketing spirulina, as a raw material for foods, to the domestic and foreign markets.   

The cultivation of spirulina in the semi-arid region of North-Eastern Paraíba, at a low cost, was a challenge overcome with years of studies and research.

The region’s high temperatures, the high rates of sunshine and the underground salinized waters, used correctly, were determining factors for the project’s success. The artificial cultivation of spirulina at Fazenda Tamanduá is carried out in tanks with capacities of up to 15,000 liters of water.

The abundant underground waters in the semi-arid region, mostly unsuitable for both human consumption and irrigation, is the main source of water to supply the tanks for spirulina production.   

The challenge was overcome, but it was not easy. In order to make the spirulina’s growth requirements compatible with the region’s weather conditions, the traditional cultivation system was adapted to our situation. Today, Fazenda Tamanduá has a pioneering system for spirulina production and management, which allows high production rates and reduced costs.