Black Soldier Fly farming: turning waste into wealth | SCU

"The Australian Insect Farming Industry is a nascent industry, but with global potential. Farmed commercially, insects can offer a range of sustainable solutions from waste management services to alternative proteins for food and feed; from bioplastics to biofuels - each technology the product of years of dedicated scientific research. Early-stage start-ups like Mobius Farms simply do not have the human and financial resources to realise the product and service ideas that can create value on our own. It is imperative that we engage with partners that align with our visions and values, and can work collaboratively towards mutually beneficial outcomes.

Early in 2025, Mobius Farms connected with the team at Southern Cross University. With a mutual interest in sustainability, community capacity building and teaching for careers of the future, we quickly developed a strong, respectful, professional relationship. We came to learn through their actions, not just words, that Southern Cross University are a future focussed institution. Inter-disciplinary research activities are actively encouraged rather than seen as an uncomfortable complexity. Industry engagement more than just ‘ticking a box’. Innovation being valued at all levels of management. Their genuine interest in our business, our strategic growth plans, and curiosity about the benefits of insect farming became evident in their open information sharing and offers of support. Looking to the next 12 months, we see an exciting, collaborative partnership developing that will have significant impacts on growing the Australian Insect Industry, large and small."

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Jeannine Malcolm - Co-Founder/ Manager, Mobius Farms

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“This research on the Circular Economy and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming explores how regenerative business models can be developed through the innovative use of BSFL-derived products. The primary problem with organic waste is the environmental and health risks and BSF larvae farming offers an effective solution because it can decompose waste, reduce household waste volume, and produce high-value bioproducts.

Collaborating on this research, I uncover how BSF farmers navigate challenges, adapt to market dynamics, and innovate their practices to level-up their business. The implementation of the research conducted by Dr. Owen and team can help develop better BSF businesses in Indonesia. With an estimated employment of 1.53 million people and an economic potential of 6.93 trillion rupiah, developing better business models can address the waste problem and provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to the community. Furthermore, we can also learn from the implementation of good business model practices in Australia.”

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Nur Aida Arifah Tara - University of Mataram Indonesia

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"I would like to offer my endorsement of the outstanding collaboration forged with Southern Cross University (SCU), and particularly Dr Lachlan Yee and his team, and our company through my role as Environmental and sustainability manager on the $880 million linear infrastructure project. The collaborative project has enabled us to pioneer the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Frass as a sustainable landscaping fertiliser—demonstrating the direct engagement between industry and academia. Their commitment of active engagement and involvement meant results from the lab could be rapidly applied in the field, allowing us to trial and monitor BSF Frass in real project conditions. The collaboration was not just limited to technical support; the SCU team played an active role in problemsolving, adapting methodologies, and sharing knowledge with both our construction team from Fulton Hogan and DTMR stakeholders beyond the project and continuing.

Specifically, as an SCU alumni, I have personally benefited from the ongoing connection and collaboration with the team that has continued post-graduation into my career. The specific partnership between our project and Dr Yee’s team has facilitated and incorporated post graduate connection, research field and sustainable outcome into a scalable circular resource. From a wider industry application specifically relating to my role as an Australasian IECA director, this project and engagement with Southern Cross university research team is an important innovative soil amendment. It has allowed our project and industry to rethink how to improve soil structure, enhancing water retention and increase nutrient supply for plant growth through an inorganic product whilst diverting organic waste from landfill. Without this collaboration and project, larger industry continues with status quo of landfill and synthetic fertilisers."

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Dallas Frazier - Sustainability Manager, Coomera Connector Centra‍