The challenges facing the agricultural sector today are as complex as they are pressing. Fertilizer prices have soared, more than doubling between 2021 and 2022, leaving farmers across the globe grappling with rising costs and uncertainty. A perfect storm of geopolitical tensions, limited mineral resources, skyrocketing energy prices, and a heavy reliance on imports has exposed vulnerabilities in the global fertilizer supply chain. Against this backdrop, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken decisive action to strengthen domestic fertilizer production through its Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP).
One of the standout recipients of this initiative is Innovafeed, an agtech company known for its pioneering use of insects in sustainable farming solutions. Backed by an $11 million USDA grant, Innovafeed is bringing its innovative production model from France to Decatur, Illinois. At the heart of their effort is insect frass, a nutrient-rich byproduct of black soldier fly larvae, offering farmers a natural, sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers.
The USDA’s FPEP program is a bold step toward addressing the volatility of the fertilizer market. With $500 million allocated, the initiative aims to diversify the fertilizer industry, reduce reliance on imports, and create jobs in rural communities. The program received over 350 applications, underscoring the demand for solutions in this critical area. Innovafeed’s selection reflects the growing recognition of insect-based agriculture as a viable, forward-thinking option.
For Innovafeed, the USDA’s support is an opportunity to replicate the success of its French operations in the U.S. The company specializes in cultivating black soldier fly larvae to produce sustainable products for agriculture and animal feed. The byproduct of this process, known as frass, is a natural fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—key nutrients for crop growth. In addition to its nutritional benefits, frass contains beneficial microbes and chitin, a compound that promotes soil regeneration and enhances biodiversity.
Hilucia™ Frass, Innovafeed’s branded product, is already making an impact in Europe, where it is approved for use in organic farming. Trials in vineyards and vegetable crops have demonstrated that it can match or exceed the performance of conventional fertilizers while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of farming. A 2022 Life Cycle Analysis revealed that producing Hilucia™ Frass emits 45% less CO₂ equivalent than other animal-based fertilizers and can increase soil carbon sequestration by nearly 60 kilograms per ton over five years.
In Decatur, Innovafeed is poised to scale its operations and make these benefits accessible to American farmers. “Insect frass is a natural solution that not only provides essential nutrients but also enhances soil regeneration and biodiversity,” said Maye Walraven, Innovafeed’s North America General Manager. “This USDA support acknowledges our potential to contribute to the domestic supply of organic fertilizers and advance regenerative agriculture in the U.S.”
The introduction of insect-based fertilizers aligns with the growing movement toward regenerative agriculture, a practice focused on restoring soil health and ecological balance. Unlike traditional chemical fertilizers, which can degrade soil over time, products like frass work with the soil’s natural systems to enhance fertility and resilience. For farmers, this means healthier crops, improved water retention, and long-term productivity gains.
Innovafeed’s expansion into the U.S. also holds broader implications. It exemplifies how collaboration between countries and industries can lead to innovative solutions. David Leishman, the Foreign Agricultural Affairs Director to France, emphasized this connection, drawing parallels between the historical agricultural ties of the two nations and Innovafeed’s modern-day partnership with the USDA.
By establishing operations in Decatur, Innovafeed is not only advancing sustainable farming practices but also creating local economic opportunities. The company’s investment in the community will support jobs and contribute to the rural economy, reflecting the USDA’s broader goal of revitalizing agricultural regions.
As the agriculture sector faces mounting challenges, solutions like Innovafeed’s insect-based fertilizer offer a promising path forward. With support from initiatives like the USDA’s FPEP, the industry is taking steps toward resilience, sustainability, and innovation. For farmers in the U.S., this marks the beginning of a new chapter—one where natural, eco-friendly solutions are not just alternatives but central to the future of farming.
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