In a significant stride towards sustainable feed and food sources, NRGene Canada, in partnership with Swiss technology group Bühler, has announced the opening of the North American Insect Center (NAIC) in Saskatchewan. This state-of-the-art facility aims to propel insect protein production across North America, providing a critical boost to the burgeoning industry.
Situated at NRGene Canada’s advanced facility, the NAIC will function as a premier testing and demonstration center. Here, customers can evaluate the efficiency of selected Black Soldier Fly (BSF) varieties against their specific by-product streams, paving the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective protein source. This initiative highlights the potential of BSF genetics in replacing animal-based ingredients in pet food, aquaculture, livestock feed, and even human food.
NRGene emphasizes that the NAIC will empower customers to scrutinize BSF varieties, operational parameters, and best practices for industrial-scale production. This collaborative approach is designed to facilitate informed decisions, thereby optimizing the potential of BSF as a sustainable protein source. The center will also serve as an innovation hub, fostering the growth of the insect protein industry in North America through workshops, training sessions, and seminars aimed at educating stakeholders on the benefits and best practices of insect protein production.
Leveraging its extensive collection of BSF varieties, NRGene combines advanced genomics and phenotyping capabilities to develop customized BSF strains with superior functionalities such as enhanced feed conversion rates and higher protein content. This tailored approach ensures that the selected BSF strains meet the diverse needs of the industry efficiently. To validate the industrial performance of these new strains, Bühler has installed its cutting-edge Trial Rearing Unit (TRU) at the NAIC. This climate-controlled larvae growth chamber can simulate industrial conditions, optimizing BSF larvae growth and providing a validated mass balance for industrial performance—a crucial step in assessing the profitability of insect protein production facilities.
Preliminary trials at the NAIC using the TRU have shown promising results, demonstrating the potential of NRGene’s BSF larvae when paired with Bühler’s advanced rearing technology. This collaboration underscores the center’s role in advancing sustainable practices and positioning BSF as a key player in the protein industry.
Located in Saskatoon at the Innovation Center of the University of Saskatchewan, the NAIC benefits from the region’s significant by-product output from grain processing plants, which produce tens of millions of tons of waste annually. NRGene Canada is in advanced discussions with local food producers to assess the suitability of their waste for BSF growth, offering a sustainable solution for waste management and establishing a new value chain within the local circular economy.
The demand for sustainable protein is on the rise, and BSF larvae stand out as an alternative to traditional animal feed. They efficiently convert food and agricultural waste into high-quality protein, oil, and fertilizer with minimal input of land, energy, and water. Nutrient-rich BSF larvae are a natural ingredient in animal diets, especially in aquaculture, and their lifecycle and bioconversion capabilities make significant strides towards sustainability. The BSF market is projected to reach USD 3.96 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 31% from 2024–2033, highlighting its growing appeal among investors and entrepreneurs.
The official opening of the NAIC is slated for July 30th, 2024, at NRGene Canada’s subsidiary in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facility, witness live demonstrations, and engage with experts from both Bühler and NRGene Canada, marking a pivotal moment in the advancement of sustainable protein production.