The ‘Must-Have’ Insect Farming Industry Publication
Read the SIXTH Edition of Beta Buzz
Beta Bugs introduce Beta Buzz #6: Turning today’s waste into tomorrow’s value.
Dear Reader,
As the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) sector continues to grow and professionalise, it’s becoming increasingly clear that there’s more than one way to build a successful business in this space. Today, BSF operations are evolving into distinct models – from breeders supplying high-quality livestock to producers, to protein producers transforming consistent feedstocks into premium ingredients, and waste managers converting a broad range of feedstocks, often with a gate fee, into valuable resources. For the latter two, there’s also the flexibility to either purchase livestock from breeders or manage in-house breeding programmes.
In this issue, we spotlight companies and experts leading these developments – from innovative screening technologies and waste-to-protein case studies, to the evolving regulations shaping the future of insect-based bioconversion. You’ll also find insights into the role genetics plays in scaling production efficiently across diverse waste streams.
Across the industry, innovators are showing how BSF farming can turn organic waste into opportunity – reducing landfill dependence, cutting emissions, and closing the loop in food production. In this issue, we share our own perspective (pg 5–8) alongside insights from across the world that illustrate how this business model works in practice. Goterra, for instance, shares how it has built and scaled its business entirely around BSF waste management (pg 19–20). Adding further depth, Kobus Kotze of Nutrisek (pg 41–43) and Larry Kotch of Flybox (pg 11–14) explore the strategic and financial considerations behind choosing whether to establish a waste-processing BSF enterprise – or not.
Looking beyond business models, Insect Engineers reports on an experimental study using pig manure as a BSF substrate (pg 23–24), while industry communicator Rodrigo Llauradó Casares provides a timely analysis of the global regulatory landscape for BSF protein (pg 27–29). His question, “What if other proteins were as regulated as BSF protein?”, is a thought-provoking call for the clear, grounded frameworks needed to help the sector scale responsibly.
Although waste management is the core theme of this edition, we also feature an update from the BSFCON organising team on their latest event (pg 47–50), and Maria Martínez Castillero, our Head of Breeding Programme & Genetics, offers an overview of her conference presentation (pg 44–46), highlighting how genetic improvements can be maintained and scaled from nucleus to multiplier level.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Beta Buzz without showcasing innovations from leading equipment suppliers, who continue to provide the tools and systems that make diversification into BSF production more accessible than ever.
At Beta Bugs, we’re proud to contribute to this fast-moving ecosystem supporting the development of practical, scalable solutions that make circular economy principles a reality. Together, we’re not just making better insects – we’re building a more sustainable, resource-efficient world.
Enjoy this issue, and keep driving the BSF sector forward. It’s here to stay, and will play a vital role in feeding our growing population while managing the wastes it creates.
Yours,
Team Beta Bugs
Want To Be Involved?
If you would like to suggest or contribute an article or story to a future issue of Beta Buzz (e.g best practise, industry development, case study) then get in touch with the Beta Buzz team at info@betabugs.uk
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