Innovafeed’s Hilucia insect fertilizer proposes new solution for agricultural nutrition and soil regeneration

Innovafeed, a French biotechnology company specializing in the breeding of insects for animal and plant food, has introduced a novel approach to enhancing soil and plant nutrition through the use of insect-derived fertilizers. The company’s primary product is derived from the frass of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), which is fed a 100% vegetable and GMO-free diet, resulting in a fertilizer that boasts a balanced nutrient profile (N-P-K of 3-4-3) and high organic content. This innovative product not only supports sustainable agriculture practices but also significantly lowers environmental impact, offering 45% lower CO2eq emissions than traditional poultry manure, according to a 2023 LCA by Quantis. This insect-based fertilizer is not only rich in nutrients and organic matter but also contains beneficial microorganisms and chitin, which contribute to soil health and plant resilience.

Soils play a crucial role in our ecosystem, supporting food production, biodiversity, and climate regulation by storing more organic carbon than is present in the atmosphere. As global population growth demands higher agricultural productivity, maintaining soil health becomes increasingly critical. Innovafeed’s product addresses this challenge by enriching the soil with over 75% organic matter, enhancing nutrient release and uptake, stimulating microbial activity, and improving soil structure and water retention.

Since 2016, Innovafeed has collaborated with agricultural experts from Hello Nature and Tereos to refine and test their fertilizer, achieving remarkable success in field trials. Results indicate up to 10% increased wheat yields and 15% improvement in beet production, with similarly promising outcomes in vineyards. Now, in addition to broad-acre crops, the company has strong efficacy data in vineyards and vegetable farming.

This breakthrough in organic fertilizer technology demonstrates a viable solution for regenerating soils and boosting crop yields sustainably, aligning with the European EU 2018/848 regulation for organic farming. The company is actively working toward OMRI certification, which is now accessible for its frass Decatur in the U.S.

Innovafeed continues to explore additional applications for its Hilucia products in various markets, underscoring its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship in agriculture.