Insect upcycling on urban farms to increase resource-use efficiency

Commodities

Practices

The biggest challenges facing urban farms include access to agricultural resources and healthy, uncontaminated soils. However, they are collocated with dense populations and abundant organic waste streams. Through the integration of insect upcycling, with black soldier fly (BSF) composting, this waste can be used as feedstocks for the composting process. BSF are capable of consuming organic wastes that include animal products, fats, oils, and food industry byproducts, which are not viable inputs in traditional compost systems. The results are generation of soil amendments and insect protein for feed. Despite the promises insect-upcycling proposes, knowledge gaps exist around the application of BSF-derived resources and technical guidance for implementation in local food economies.

In our proposed project entitled “Insect upcycling on urban farms to increase resource-use efficiency” aims to integrate BSF composting for the north central region. Through participatory research we aim to fill these knowledge gaps. In collaboration with 15 urban farms, we will tackle implementation hurdles and map resource recovery and creation. Our field work evaluating BSF compost impacts on soil health and plant performance will improve application guidance. Nutritional and microbial analyses will contribute to food safety and regulatory compliance in addition to revealing microbe-mediated impacts on soil health and plant performance. Collaboratively, we will publish a technical assistance guide, instructional videos, and develop presentations to expand the knowledge gained to diverse audiences. We will work with Extension Educators to incorporate the information and utility of black soldier fly composting as new modules in longstanding signature programs, including Purdue’s Urban Farmer and Master Gardener Programs. We will share the resources throughout our region in collaboration with the Great Lakes Urban Ag IPM working group.

The project coalesces in an increase in knowledge and attitudes towards insect upcycling and the application of insect-derived resources. Through our collaborative and participatory approach, our target audience will be engaged throughout the process leading to increases in adoption and the development of circular urban food economies. Through waste recapturing and new product generation, the goal is to increase the economic viability of urban farms through less reliance on resource importation. This approach can be disseminated beyond urban food systems and implemented throughout the North Central Region.

We are targeting urban farmers who have large costs associated with importing farming resources but are collocated with abundant organic wastes.

Objective 1: Conduct participatory research to quantify the benefits of insect upcycling.

Objective 2: Evaluate the application of insect-derived compost on soil health and crop performance.

Objective 3: Evaluate the regulatory and safety parameters for insect-derived resources.

Objective 4: Develop and disseminate guidelines for integrating insect upcycling.

Learning outcomes: increased knowledge of insect upcycling, hold favorable attitudes around insect-derived resources.

Action outcome: increased adoption of BSF composting.

System change: creation of a circular urban ag economy.