News Protix
'Livestock farmer must investigate insect breeding'
King Willem-Alexander will open the new Protix production location in Bergen op Zoom on Tuesday 11 June. At that location, larvae of the black soldier fly are grown, where the fat and protein can serve as raw materials in animal feeds. "This also offers opportunities for livestock farmers," said Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) at the opening.
The opening of the new factory, which is the largest insect farm in the world, is a high point in the rapid development of Protix. It was founded about 10 years ago by entrepreneurs Kees Aarts and Tarique Arsiwalla. Their idea (to breed insects whose protein and fat can be processed in animal feed) has been embraced over the past years as an innovative concept with a low ecological footprint. After all, these insects are grown on organic residual flows from the agri-food sector, such as fruit and vegetables.
Protix has focused on scaling up the production process as efficiently as possible. In 2015, this translated into the nomination as one of the most promising technology pioneers at the World Economic Forum. To scale up production, Protix received €2017 million financing in 45, which is largely attributable to Rabobank.
Larvae grow fast
This has resulted in a new factory, which costs more than €35 million and is many times larger than the location in Dongen. The company chose the black soldier fly because these larvae contain a lot of protein. Moreover, these larvae grow at lightning speed; within 2 weeks they have grown 10 times as large and are ready for harvest. This ensures that a round in the production process runs smoothly.
After the larvae have been ground up, the protein and fat can be sold as an ingredient for animal feed. Protix does not provide further information on production capacity, but says it can provide feed for more than 5 million salmon and 250 million eggs from chickens at the factory. The company already sells the products to buyers of fish and poultry feed and pet food.
The fat from insects can be sold to any party, but there are still restrictions on protein. This is partly due to European rules as a result of the BSE (mad cow disease) crisis, which state that animals are not allowed to eat animal proteins. Insects were not taken into account when these rules were drawn up (in the 90s).
New livestock farming
In recent years, however, insects as a potential food source for humans and animals have grown rapidly. At the opening, Schouten announced that he saw a great future for insects as a new form of livestock farming. After all, breeding insects (such as mealworms, flies and crickets) costs less water, minerals and land. "Insects can close the loop on many aspects," she said. "High quality protein is produced from organic residual flows."
In recent years, Protix has lobbied intensively in Brussels to also allow protein from insects for processing in animal feeds. This yielded results 2 years ago, because the use of the insect protein was permitted for breeding fisheries. The company also hopes to obtain approval for use for broilers and pigs as soon as possible. This will open up a large market for Protix. Schouten is clear about this: "The European Union must clear the way for this as soon as possible."
Insect protein even more expensive
Also from the point of view of circular agriculture she hopes to soon see a perspective in the multiplication of larvae on manure. This is also still prohibited in Europe. If it does not pose any problems for public health, Schouten sees opportunities in this application as well. Not only from the perspective of circular agriculture, but also from the cost price. "Protein from insects is now even more expensive than protein from soy," explains Schouten.
Schouten therefore calls on agricultural entrepreneurs to look at the possibilities that breeding insects can offer on their own farm. Not only as an additional branch of industry, but also for closing one's own cycle. "They are sustainable solutions that entrepreneurs should definitely consider."
There are also opportunities in the consumer market. It is not without reason that Protix has used part of the financing to take over a company in mealworms and crickets. However, Aarts indicated earlier that it will take some time before insects have also made their breakthrough in human food. To do this, the moral barrier with the consumer must first be broken down. However, Schouten soon sees insects on the consumer's plate. "Why not? Eating insects is already commonplace in many countries."
Collaboration in feeds
Protix does not sit still. This is how it already works with Coppens Animal food, especially in feeds fortified with insect oil. Coppens has already launched the first weaning feed for piglets and the first chick feed with insect oil. The company has also entered into a partnership with Agrifirm in the product development of feeds with insect proteins and fats. Agrifirm supplies this soy-free laying hen feed with insect larvae from Protix, which are fed in the Oeei concept.
The eggs from this concept are now sold in 4 supermarkets (including Albert Heijn and Jumbo). With Agrifirm, Protix is not only looking at animal feeds, but also at a soil improver for arable farmers. Breeding insects also produces a by-product (food fibre, insect remains and manure). According to Protix, these are rich in organic matter, chitin and minerals.
According to the company, these minerals help to restore the natural balance of the soil, for example by better absorbing water, promoting soil life and making the plants more resilient. It is now being investigated with Agrifirm whether the product also offers possibilities for arable farming.
Eric the Thrush
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.
