Edible Native Insects Farming
Innovating with Insects: Sustainable Proteins, Circular Economy, and Environmental Solutions
The Rise of Sustainable Insect Farming: Food, Feed, and Ecological Balance
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the sustainable production of insects due to their potential as a high-protein food source for both animals and humans. Insects also play a critical role in biological control within agricultural systems, helping to reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Recognizing this potential, Micratena aims to establish a small-scale laboratory focused on the reproduction of insect species that can contribute to sustainable feed production and enhance biological control in agroecosystems in Mexico.
- Waste to Resource ♻️ – Converts organic waste into high-protein feed and biofertilizer.
- Sustainable Protein Source 🍽️ – A cost-effective alternative for animal and aquaculture feed.
- Eco-Friendly Farming 🌍 – Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes waste pollutio
- High Nutritional Value 🥩 – Rich in protein, vitamins, and amino acids for food and feed.
- Low Environmental Impact 🌱 – Requires minimal land, water, and feed compared to livestock.
- Cultural & Culinary Tradition 🍴 – A staple in many cuisines with growing global demand.
- Key Ecosystem Engineers 🌿 – Enhance soil health and nutrient cycling.
- Gourmet & High-Value Product 🍷 – A delicacy in Mexico with premium market potential.
- Sustainable Harvesting Potential 🏡 – Can be farmed without harming wild populations.
This approach does not limit Micratena to these three species; rather, it leaves open the possibility of incorporating other native insects in the future, always avoiding direct extraction from the environment. In doing so, we aim to contribute to reducing environmental impact and promoting the sustainable use of biological resources.
Ecological Benefits
Organic Waste Recycling & Sustainable Nutrient Cycles
Insects like the Black Soldier Fly efficiently convert organic waste into biomass, reducing landfill waste and closing nutrient cycles.
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Compared to traditional livestock, insect farming produces significantly fewer CO₂ and methane emissions, making it a climate-friendly protein source.
Sustainable Alternative to Chemical Pest Control
Certain insect species contribute to biological control, reducing the need for synthetic pesticides and promoting healthier agroecosystems.
Social Benefits
Food Security & Nutrition
Insects are an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients, helping to address malnutrition in regions with limited access to conventional protein sources.
Job Creation & Rural Economic Diversification
Insect farming creates employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, reducing reliance on a single crop or industry.
Women’s Empowerment & Inclusion
Insect farming offers flexible work opportunities, enabling women to participate in an innovative and sustainable industry.
Economic Benefits
High Market Potential & Diverse Applications
Edible insects have multiple commercial uses, including food, animal feed, biodiesel production, and organic fertilizers, expanding economic opportunities.
Cost-Effective & Resource-Efficient Farming
Insect farming requires significantly less land, water, and feed compared to traditional livestock, making it a low-cost, high-yield investment.
Circular Economy & Waste Management Solutions
Insect farming turns organic waste into valuable products, such as protein-rich animal feed and natural fertilizers, aligning with sustainable economic models.
Timeline for Edible Insects Farming Development
Diagnostic Workshop
Gather insights from Chocamán’s rural communities through interactive group sessions.
Flybox Pilot Testing & First BSF Colony
Set up small Flyboxes to attract and breed BSF, assess larva production, and involve community members in testing the feasibility of the process.
Scaling Up BSF Farming & Academic Collaboration
Expand BSF production and collaborate with universities for research and product development. Pic. taken from Dortmans B.M.A., et al. (2021). Black Soldier Fly Biowaste Processing - A Step-by-Step Guide.
Commercialization & Community Integration
Scale up insect farming, create jobs, and promote environmental education.
Introducing Crickets
Establish a colony for edible crickets while assessing market potential.
Research & Setup of Leafcutter Ant Colonies
Study and develop sustainable methods for breeding leafcutter ants.
The Flybox Process
Turning Waste into Opportunity
This is the pilot phase of the Flybox project, a low-cost, sustainable system designed to convert organic waste into valuable resources using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. The Flybox is a 100-liter container, where organic waste—such as food scraps, vegetable peels, and raw meat—is added. The larvae feed on the waste and are later harvested as nutrient-rich animal feed, while the remaining organic matter becomes a high-quality natural fertilizer. The goal of this pilot is to establish a thriving BSF colony, test the system’s efficiency, and develop a replicable model for rural communities. If successful, the Flybox can provide a sustainable source of income through the sale of larvae and fertilizer while promoting waste reduction and food security.
The long-term vision is to scale this solution in rural areas, where it can help communities manage organic waste, improve soil health with natural fertilizer, and reduce reliance on expensive commercial animal feed. By turning waste into resources, the Flybox project aims to create a circular economy that benefits both people and the environment. This pilot is the first step toward achieving that vision, and we are excited to share our progress and results as we move forward.
