Why should we farm insects? Introducing Beta Bugs: An EIT Food startup

Beta Bugs aims to provide the missing link in the insect protein supply chain, by developing and distributing black soldier fly breeds. Insects such as Black Soldier Fly Larvae can be reared at high densities, meaning tonnes of protein can be produced from a relatively small footprint, reducing feed ration costs at small-scale.

Using a combination of biotechniques and a state of the art genetic breeding programme, Beta Bugs is creating breeds of Black Soldier Fly optimized for industrial needs. These breeds are then sold to farmers wanting to use insect protein directly in their feed, or to sell it on to feed manufacturers.

One of the main benefits of working with Beta Bugs is that they are able to provide customers with access to black solider fly breeds on a regular basis. This means that customers do not have to do the hard work and research and development that breeding companies such as Beta Bugs undertake.

Beta Bugs participated in the EIT Food Accelerator Network, which aims to fast-track science and technology-based innovations that help solve global food system challenges. The four-month equity-free grant funded programme provides startups with expert coaching and mentorship, funding opportunities as well as facilitated connections to potential partners and investors.

Using insights and learnings from the EIT Food Accelerator Network, Beta Bugs was able to focus on its commercial and strategic goals and position itself for manufacturing and distribution. In parallel, being part of EIT Food has enabled Beta Bugs to further raise its profile within the agri-food and agri-tech sectors.

Aside from developing black solider fly breeds, Beta Bugs aims to raise awareness of the benefits of farming insects and educate farmers about how to join the insect farming movement. To do this, the startup has created Beta Buzz, a publication for the insect farming industry that shines a light on the ever-growing insect farming industry.

The publication provides a solution to addressing the ever-growing need for regional production of protein and other feed ingredients. Now more than ever, it is important for the insect-farming industry to step up and scale-up – a feat which is largely possible through new market entrants such as farmers and entrepreneurs setting up their own insect farming operations.

The first issue of Beta Buzz had an overwhelming response and was welcomed by the insect farming and agri-food industry, being hailed as a valuable resource for anyone involved or wanting to get involved in the sector.

Following on from this response, Beta Buzz #2 was created to help bridge the gap between businesses and customers struggling to find the required and most up to date information all in one place so taking into account our audience, the Beta Buzz team has included articles and perspectives on the sector, in line with the publications aim of making the industry more open and communicative.

We wish Beta Bugs all the best in with their product development journey and Beta Buzz publication!

The content for this article was provided by Beta Bugs Ltd. For further enquiries on Beta Buzz #2 please contact Nicola Gardner, Creative Marketing & Media Manager - nicola@betabugs.uk