Canadian biotech company opens insect production plant in Halifax

The Nova Scotia-based biotech firm has launched a new commercial black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) farm on the outskirts of Halifax. Full operations are anticipated by Q4 of 2025.

The 108,000-square-foot facility will be capable of converting 36,000 tons of food by-products and waste into high-quality protein for animal nutrition.

The new factory will leverage artificial intelligence, robotics and predictive analysis to elevate the potential of BSF and meet the growing demand for sustainable protein sources.

Pet food applications

The new farm can produce over 9,000 tons of wet BSFL protein or approximately 3,000 tons of dry protein annually, which will also be available to the pet food industry.

Oberland Agriscience confirmed to GlobalPETS that it is already actively engaged in 'productive' discussions with pet food players.

This project emphasizes a circular economy model, with BSFL production supporting animal health and environmental sustainability by offering a low-carbon protein alternative.

Furthermore, BSFL frass, a nutrient-rich co-product, will be used as a natural soil amendment because it enhances the soil microbiome.

By: Muskaan Gupta

Source: GlobalPETS