Page 22 - AWA-41-No.1 issue

DAIRY FARMING

Mygroup’s First Black Soldier Fly (Bsf) Farm

Is Set To Open This Month

Circle 24 on enquiry card

he move will further expand the site’s leading edge MYGroup has been at the forefront of this exciting sec-
Tfacilities focused on the species and reinforce the tor, working with BSF for a number of years to bring an
company’s position as a pioneer in the ‘edible insect’ Insect Protein Meal product derived from the species’
sector. proteins to the aquatic feeds market. The company also

The new farm continues MYGroup’s investment into the has a strategic collaboration with Fera Science, the UK
potential of BSF for the dual applications of sustainable leader in agri-food science research.
waste management and protein production through a
process called insect bioconversion. Setting up its own BSF farm now allows the company
to fully integrate and scale its bioconversion opera-
Bioconversion involves feeding organic waste to BSF
larvae, which consume and metabolise the material tions as a closed-loop, circular process linking waste
into a series of byproducts, including ‘frass’, a sub- recovery with sustainable food systems and reducing
stance that can be used as organic fertiliser, as well as dependency on external suppliers, all while diverting
various nutrient-rich proteins. These proteins serve as the processed food waste from landfills and mitigating
a sustainable alternative to conventional protein sourc- the emissions associated with other forms of disposal.
es such as fishmeal for use in the poultry, swine, pet and
aquatic feed industries. “Our developing work with BSF is bridging the gap be-
tween waste management and the rapidly growing pro-
Global demand for sustainable alternative proteins is tein production industry. Breeding and rearing larvae
on the increase, driven by ever-increasing pressure on in-house is a critical step in putting our business at the
traditional food systems, environmental concerns and forefront of this transformative sector. Insects might not
growing populations. This is fuelling a growing ‘edible
insect’ sector, with proteins produced though the bio- be everyone’s cup of tea just yet, but they’re undeniably
conversion of insect species such as the BSF offering an efficient, sustainable and soon to be the heroes of the
effective, low-carbon solution for meeting the increas- future food system,” says Steve Carrie, Group Director,
ing demand for animal and, in time, human diets. MYGroup. Circle 27 on enquiry card
20 Vol. 41 No. 1