Genetically Engineered Insects Transform Farm Waste into Sustainable Feed

Saskatoon, SK – As landfills overflow and the demand for sustainable protein sources intensifies, a Canadian biotechnology firm is pioneering a novel solution: genetically engineered black soldier fly larvae. NRGene Canada, in partnership with Infinite Harvest Technologies (IHT), is scaling production of its MaxBSF™ strain, promising a revolution in AgriFood waste management and a pathway to circular agriculture.

The partnership, announced this week, marks a significant milestone for NRGene, transitioning the company from research and development to full-scale commercial operations. IHT will integrate MaxBSF™ into its Bugs4Rent™ technology, a system designed to upcycle organic waste on-site at farms and AgriFood processing facilities.

A Genetic Leap Forward

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have long been recognized for their ability to rapidly consume organic waste and convert it into valuable biomass. However, conventional BSFL strains often exhibit slow growth rates and inconsistent performance. NRGene Canada claims its MaxBSF™ strain overcomes these limitations through selective breeding and advanced genomic techniques.

“We’ve focused on enhancing the natural efficiency of the black soldier fly,” explains a source close to NRGene’s research. “The result is a larva that grows significantly faster and converts waste into protein with a much higher yield than traditional strains.”

The company claims MaxBSF™ boasts a growth rate 50-150% faster than standard strains and reduces production cycles from two weeks to just seven or eight days. These improvements translate to increased efficiency, lower production costs, and a reduced environmental footprint.

Beyond Landfills: A Circular Economy in Action

IHT’s Bugs4Rent™ system is designed to be modular and scalable, enabling farms of all sizes to process their organic waste on-site. This eliminates the need for costly and environmentally damaging transportation of waste to landfills or composting facilities.

“We’re essentially bringing the waste processing to the source,” says a representative from IHT. “This reduces transportation emissions, minimizes landfill waste, and creates a valuable resource right on the farm.”

The system uses the BSFL to consume organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, brewery byproducts, and manure. The larvae then convert this waste into two primary products: insect protein and frass (insect excrement). The insect protein can be used as a sustainable feed ingredient for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. The frass, rich in nutrients, serves as a highly effective organic fertilizer, closing the loop in a truly circular system.

Scaling Production and Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

While the potential benefits of MaxBSF™ are substantial, scaling production and navigating the regulatory landscape present significant challenges.

“The biggest hurdle is ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality waste feedstock,” explains an industry analyst. “Farms need reliable access to organic waste to feed the larvae, and managing the quality and consistency of that waste is crucial.”

The regulatory environment surrounding insect protein is also evolving. While both the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently allow the use of BSFL in animal feed, regulations are not as stringent as those for traditional feed ingredients. This means that producers need to carefully monitor and control their production processes to ensure the safety and quality of their products.

“The regulatory landscape is still developing, but there’s a growing recognition of the potential of insect protein as a sustainable food source,” says a regulatory expert. “We expect to see more clarity and standardization in regulations in the coming years.”

The Future of Waste and Sustainable Agriculture

The partnership between NRGene Canada and IHT represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and circular agricultural system. By combining genetic innovation with on-site waste processing, the companies are creating a solution that addresses multiple environmental challenges.

“We’re not just trying to reduce waste; we’re trying to create a valuable resource,” says a source at NRGene. “We believe that insect protein has the potential to play a major role in feeding the world sustainably.”

While challenges remain, the potential benefits of this technology are substantial. As the demand for sustainable protein sources continues to grow, expect to see more innovation in the insect farming industry and a greater focus on circular agriculture. The humble black soldier fly, once considered a nuisance, may just become a key player in the future of food and waste management.

Experts predict that the success of initiatives like this will hinge on continued investment in research and development, a supportive regulatory environment, and a willingness to embrace innovative solutions to the pressing challenges facing the agricultural sector. The convergence of these factors could pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient food system for generations to come.