Fish and animal food from organic waste

One of the problems addressed with the good practice is the constantly growing fish and meat consumption in Bulgaria and internationally. However, current protein production practices for fish animal food are not sustainable.

The second problem relates to pet food ingredients. The conventional ingredients used by the pet food industry are not environmentally friendly.
The practice demonstrates protein production based on processing of organic food waste by insects - Black Soldier Fly. Insects reproduce fast and are very efficient in gaining body mass, thus minimizing protein production costs. Specifically, an adult female of the insect of choice, the Black Soldier fly can lay up to 1000 eggs. During its lifecycle, the fly feeds only in its larval form, which means that the adult flies are not potential carriers of diseases and do not require particular care. In less than two weeks, insects can convert 60% of organic waste into proteins, lipids and other useful substances in a local loop. After hatching the larvae feed voraciously, converting waste into protein and lipid-rich body mass. The BSF larvae reach maturity in only 12 days during which time they increase their weight 9000 times.
The insect protein is a hypoallergenic alternative to cereal or meat-based diet.
Insects are an efficient solution, research shows that insect-based protein meals can partially or completely substitute existing feed stock.
Main stakeholders: Customers, Research organisation, VCFunds