INSECTS could become an important part of tomorrow’s dinner plate, with new Australian research investigating whether black soldier fly larvae can provide a sustainable, protein-rich food source while reducing agricultural waste.
Researchers from Adelaide University, working with the Australian Superintendence Company (ASC), Mobius Farms and Fly Farm Australia, are studying how black soldier fly larvae can be farmed to produce safe, nutritious biomass by feeding them different agricultural waste streams.
Early findings suggest the larvae contain protein levels comparable to conventional meat.
PhD researcher Sam Mallard said the project aimed to develop more resource-efficient ways of producing high-quality alternative proteins as global food demand increased.
“For a long time, the world has relied on traditional livestock as a source of protein. But with population growth, we need supply systems that will not only meet demand, but do so in a sustainable and efficient way,” Mr Mallard said.
