HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA — Oberland Agriscience Inc., a company using biotechnology and insects to create sustainable ingredients, officially opened its new 108,000-square-foot commercial insect facility on Nov. 5. Located just outside Halifax, the facility will transform black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) into protein for use in animal nutrition, as well as to promote soil health.

Oberland was founded in 2017 by Greg Wanger, who has a Ph.D. in geology and environmental microbiology as well as previous experience at NASA. The company leverages modern technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and predictive analysis, to process BSFL into premium, nutritious, science-backed ingredient solutions for use in animal feed, pet food and agriculture industries. 

“BSFL are a tremendous insect, capable of transforming almost any organic matter into a valuable protein with almost unrivaled efficiency,” Wanger said. “The food waste challenge isn't going away and the demand for high quality protein continues to escalate. We harness biology and cutting-edge technology to drive nutritional innovation, delivering natural, nutrient-dense solutions.”

Since its founding, Wanger and his team have spent several years honing Oberland’s processes. The company operated a pilot insect farm for more than seven years and is now ramping up to commercial scale. The new facility is set to divert 36,000 tons of pre-consumer waste from landfills to produce 3,500 tons of dry protein and 9,000 tons of frass (insect byproduct) annually. 

“Collectively, we have a responsibility to do better,” Wanger added. “Oberland’s mission is to enable truly circular economies, and circular agriculture by transforming pre-consumer waste and food and beverage production byproducts into valuable resources for animals and soil. We’re driving a transparent, sustainable, zero-waste approach that supports animal and soil nutrition, while reducing reliance on unsustainable inputs.”

For pet food specifically, Oberland’s BSFL-based solutions are high in protein, essential amino acids and nutrients, calcium and more. Additionally, the ingredients are hypoallergenic and have been shown to improve gut health, according to the company. 

Oberland is a member of the North American Coalition for Insect Agriculture (NACIA), through which it collaborates with the broader industry to help progress its success. 

In addition to the new facility, Oberland has also received a loan agreement with Peritus Capital to help further scale its production through new equipment and increased working capital. 

“BSFL are extraordinary insects capable of transforming nearly any organic waste into valuable protein at a remarkable rate,” said Howard Tang, chief executive officer of Peritus Capital. “Oberland’s rigorous, scientific approach positions it at the forefront of the sustainable protein revolution.”

Wanger added, “Partnering with Peritus Capital to secure this investment is a tremendous win for us and the insect farming industry. The global population continues to soar, and the food waste problem isn't going away. Insects are natural to many animal diets, especially fish, and thus are an excellent ingredient in these feeds.”

Read more about insect-based ingredients in the pet nutrition space.