Oberland Agriscience is poised to make significant strides in the insect farming sector with its new facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The company, which specializes in producing black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) protein, has recently secured a loan from Peritus Capital to help reach its ambitious production goals. By next year, Oberland aims to achieve full capacity, producing 3,500 tons of dry BSFL protein and 9,000 tons of frass—an organic fertilizer derived from the larvae’s waste.
Founder Dr. Greg Wanger shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The equipment is arriving and being installed, and within the next two months, we are going to be producing protein.” The facility covers 108,000 square feet, and Wanger has set a target to reach full operational capacity by 2025. He emphasized the advantages of launching a business in Nova Scotia, citing the availability of non-dilutive funding that has propelled their progress. “The last couple of years were tremendously difficult for agrifoodtech financing; the taps dried off for everyone. But it seems now that things are starting to change,” he noted.
Oberland is not alone in this resurgence; fellow Canadian insect farmer Entosystem recently raised CAD 58 million (approximately $42 million), demonstrating renewed investor interest in the insect agriculture space. Wanger pointed out that the early pioneers in the industry laid the groundwork for regulatory approvals, enabling newer companies like Oberland to scale up operations more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Wanger’s background as a former NASA Jet Propulsion Labs scientist informs his meticulous approach to insect farming. He explained that the key to success in scaling up production lies in addressing potential issues at a small scale before committing significant resources. “You really have to sweat the small stuff or something that you totally take for granted will come back to really crush you later on,” he advised. This attention to detail is crucial as Oberland navigates the complexities of insect farming, including feedstock variability and pathogen management.
The black soldier fly larvae are known for their ability to consume a wide range of organic waste, but regulatory restrictions limit their feed sources to pre-consumer organic waste and byproducts. Wanger explained that while BSFL are robust and possess interesting antimicrobial properties, they still require careful management to prevent potential contamination. Oberland is also exploring bio-prospecting projects to harness the larvae’s natural defenses.
In terms of operations, Wanger believes that the insect agriculture industry may eventually see a separation of breeding, farming, and processing. However, he prefers to keep the entire life cycle under one roof for now, citing the risks associated with outsourcing breeding. Automation plays a significant role in Oberland’s efficiency, with 80 to 90% of their processes automated. Wanger is also leveraging machine learning and predictive analytics to optimize production, which he believes will further reduce costs and enhance competitiveness in the market.
The economic landscape for insect farming is evolving, particularly as the pet food industry expresses a growing interest in sustainable protein sources. Wanger noted that while competing directly with traditional protein sources like soy can be challenging, the unique health benefits of BSFL—such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties—can create a compelling value proposition for feed companies. Partnerships with the poultry and salmon industries are also promising, as these sectors recognize the nutritional advantages and reduced carbon footprint associated with BSFL.
As Oberland Agriscience prepares to ramp up production, the implications for the insect farming industry are significant. With increasing investor confidence and a focus on sustainability, the sector is poised for growth. Companies like Oberland are not just contributing to the protein supply chain; they are also positioning themselves as key players in the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.