Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

Enterra Feed Corp. produces insect larvae (Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens) as a high quality protein and oil source for animal feed products. Larvae are raised on pre-consumer waste food on an industrial scale. During insect production three potentially valuable co-products are generated: frass, the excretory waste of the larvae; exoskeletons cast off during moulting by both larvae and pupae; and dead adult flies. In addition to its high organic nutrient profile, frass (Enterra Natural FertilizerTM) also contains a unique microbial community comprised of species known to benefit plant growth. Both whole Black Soldier Fly extracts, and chitin, with its related decomposition polymers, are known to suppress plant disease and the microbial component may have similar activity. The company will produce large quantities of these materials when in full production, and wishes to develop value-added co-products. This project will assist the company to develop new biofertilizer products suitable for soil-based and hydroponic systems for organic and conventional agriculture and advance the registration of these products with relevant regulatory agencies. The second objective is to understand the mechanism of the suppressive effects that the biofertilizer had on pathogenic fungi identified in our first partnership. The project will benefit the company by expanding its product line and reducing waste. Successful new biofertilizer products would promote the expansion of Enterra's business operations to other communities across Canada with sufficient food waste to support a commercial facility. Kwantlen will benefit by training students, technical and teaching staff in applied research supportive of the "green" economy, increasing the capacity of the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture to assist local companies in their research and development, and enhancing the universities polytechnic mandate and clean technology strategic research goals. There is high potential to improve plant disease management across a wide range of crops, thus increasing productivity and competitiveness of BC producers and beyond.