French insect agriculture firm Innovafeed has made significant strides in sustainable fertilizer production with the recent announcement of an $11.8 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This funding, awarded under the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), will bolster Innovafeed’s efforts to establish a large-scale black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) rearing and processing facility adjacent to an ADM corn milling plant in Decatur, Illinois. The facility aims to produce fertilizer from insect manure, commonly referred to as frass, which is rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Innovafeed’s approach to fertilizer production is particularly noteworthy, as insect frass is not typically used as a direct substitute for synthetic fertilizers but is instead applied as a soil amendment. This method enhances soil health and promotes a balanced, slow-release nutrient profile, making it an attractive alternative for sustainable agriculture. The company’s proprietary frass product, branded as ‘Hilucia,’ is touted to have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to conventional fertilizers. According to Innovafeed’s latest impact report, substituting synthetic fertilizers with Hilucia frass can result in 71% less CO2 emissions than traditional synthetic options and a 45% reduction compared to dried poultry manure. Additionally, using processed frass can aid in carbon storage in soil and increase organic matter concentration.
In Europe, where Innovafeed utilizes non-GMO feedstocks for its insect production, Hilucia frass has already been authorized for organic farming applications. The product has shown promising results in viticulture, particularly in the Champagne region, where it has been demonstrated to deliver yields comparable to or better than conventional fertilizing solutions.
The Decatur facility represents a crucial step in Innovafeed’s strategy to optimize its operations in North America. Currently, the company is refining its processes at a pilot facility in Decatur, in partnership with ADM, before moving on to a larger plant capable of processing 60,000 tons of protein meal annually. This facility will be developed in phases, with a direct pipeline connecting it to ADM’s corn processing wet mill, allowing Innovafeed to recover up to 300,000 tons of corn by-products each year. These by-products will be transformed into high-quality insect ingredients, including 60,000 metric tons of animal feed protein and 400,000 tons of soil amendment.
Maye Walraven, Innovafeed’s US general manager, emphasized the importance of the Decatur pilot site in optimizing their production processes. The facility is designed to adapt based on local resources and insights gained from the pilot phase, ensuring efficient processing with corn-based feedstocks. This adaptability is crucial for maximizing larvae rearing yields and enhancing feedstock efficiency.
The demand for Innovafeed’s ingredients is notably strong in the pet food sector, particularly among premium brands focused on health-conscious and sustainable formulations. Recent partnerships with US-based brands like Jiminy’s and Arch Pet Food highlight this trend, as they plan to co-brand products featuring Innovafeed’s ‘Powered by Hilucia.’ Furthermore, the company’s collaboration with aquaculture firm BioMar continues to thrive, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable ingredients across various sectors.
As Innovafeed progresses with its Decatur facility, the implications for sustainable agriculture and fertilizer production are substantial. The integration of insect-based fertilizers into mainstream agricultural practices could pave the way for a more environmentally friendly approach to nutrient management, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable farming. By harnessing the potential of insect farming, Innovafeed is not only contributing to the circular economy but also setting a precedent for the future of agricultural inputs.