NRGene Canada, a Canada-based genomics company using cloud-based AI tools to expedite breeding processes, has partnered with Ile-a-la-Crosse Fish Company to turn fish waste into aquaculture and pet feed using black soldier flies.
NRGene Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of NRGene Technologies, an Israel-based genomics company that has helped successfully map the genomes of major fish species. NRGene Canada will use its genomics expertise to help develop new black soldier fly varieties tailored to specific seafood industry byproducts to help convert the organic waste into a usable product.
"Using our unique Ag-Tech and feed calibration expertise, we can optimize the use of any waste," NRGene Canada CEO Gil Ronen said. "By converting fish waste into high-value products, we're not just addressing environmental challenges; we're creating new economic opportunities."
NRGene said it will develop black soldier fly strains that can consume fish-processing waste produced by Ile-a-la-Crosse Fish Company. The fish waste will be fed to black soldier fly larvae, which will then convert it into a more usable protein that can be reprocessed into either pet food, nutrient-rich fertilizers, or aquaculture feed.
The company said the ultimate goal is to create a circular economy, where waste products are turned into a more valuable economy that can then be reintroduced to the supply chain.
As part of the project, NRGene and Ile-a-la-Crosse Fish Company are building a commercial facility in Ile-a-la-Crosse to process large volumes of fish waste.
"Our community is thrilled to be at the forefront of this innovative project," Ile-a-la-Crosse Fish Company CEO Tyler Morin said. "This partnership aligns with our business and cultural values of sustainability and resourcefulness while opening doors to new jobs and economic growth."
NRGene Canada opened its North American Insect Center – along with Swiss technology group Bühler – in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, in July 2024 in order to pursue research projects related to black soldier flies. The companies said the new center is designed to become an industry hub for companies working in the space.
“This center allows our customers to explore and optimize every aspect of insect protein production, promoting a more efficient and sustainable industry,” Ronen said.
Black soldier flies are rapidly gaining traction as a means of producing sustainable aquaculture feed, and multiple other companies are also working on ways to make the flies into viable parts of the supply chain.
Protix closed a EUR 50 million (USD 51 million) fundraising round in 2022 to expand its black soldier fly business, Vietnam-based Entobel opened a production facility for the flies in November 2023, and Chilean startup Food for the Future has worked for a decade to develop alternative aquafeeds including insect ingredients.
Insect-based feed also got more legitimacy when Label Rouge – a French mark of food quality – recently accepted the use of insect-derived ingredients in feed used for fish that quality for the label.
NRGene said its partnership will help demonstrate how collaborations between AgTech and communities can help drive efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create economic opportunities.
“Together, we're driving a new model for waste management and resource efficiency in Saskatchewan," NRGene Canada General Manager Masood Rizvi said.