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AgriProtein: Turning Waste into Nutrition at Commercial Scale

AgriProtein, a business that believes in the concept of turning waste into nutrition, is making waves with its innovative approach to addressing the global waste problem. The company has set up the world's first commercial-scale fly farming operation in Philippi, which is now taking shape at the company's premises in Rochester Road.

The idea behind AgriProtein is to harness the nutrients in our food waste to make chicken and fish feed readily and economically available. The company's successful pilot operation has been running for some time, and it has already received orders for its products. By using up what we toss out as waste, AgriProtein is providing an answer to easing our overloaded waste system while creating a new source of valuable nutrients.


The facilities at AgriProtein's Philippi factory where the black soldier flies are allowed to mate (photo: supplied)

AgriProtein feeds vegetable waste to flies on an industrial scale - around 9 billion flies, an almost unimaginable "herd" that is managed effectively - and the resulting mature fly larvae are harvested and turned into feedstock. The rich, loamy soil enhancer derived from the digestive processes of the larvae is turned into fertiliser.


The fly larvae are a natural food of both chicken and fish, which demonstrates that what we dump from our kitchens without a second thought has economic value that can be harnessed. In association with Stellenbosch University, the company is also researching other uses for fly larvae, such as healing lame sheep with the natural anti-inflammatory properties of larvae and reducing anaemia in piglets by adding the iron-rich larvae feed to hog feeds.

AgriProtein's innovative approach to turning waste into nutrition is an exciting development for the future of sustainable agriculture. With the successful pilot operation and the launch of the commercial-scale fly farming operation, the company is demonstrating that waste can be transformed into a valuable resource. It is a reminder that there are always new and innovative ways to tackle global problems.




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