French agtech company Innovafeed has officially opened its North American Insect Innovation Center (NAIIC) in Decatur, Illinois. The inauguration of this pilot plant marks a significant step in the company’s expansion into the North American market, aiming to increase the production and commercialization of insect protein in the USA. This facility will focus on breeding Hermetia illucens, commonly referred to as black soldier flies, which will utilize agricultural by-products sourced from its partner ADM in a revolutionary zero-waste system.

Innovafeed’s choice of Decatur is strategic. The city is situated in the core of the American corn belt, near the world’s largest corn mill and ADM’s North American headquarters. This proximity to a major supply of raw materials is crucial for Innovafeed’s production processes, which convert these by-products into valuable insect-based products like animal feed protein, oils, and soil amendments under the brand name Hilucia™.

The facility plans to transform approximately 300,000 tons of by-products per year from ADM’s adjacent corn processing wet mill. This will result in the production of 60,000 metric tons of animal feed protein, 20,000 metric tons of oils for poultry and swine, and 400,000 metric tons of soil amendment annually. The development of such a large-scale manufacturing facility in Decatur is set to replicate the industrial symbiosis model that Innovafeed pioneered in France.

Innovafeed’s entry into the North American market comes at a time when the global demand for sustainable and alternative protein sources is on the rise, particularly for animal and pet nutrition. The company’s partnership with ADM not only facilitates the sourcing of essential raw materials but also highlights a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation in supply chain solutions. ADM is actively engaged in research and development efforts, including a comprehensive study with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign slated for release later this year, which assesses the nutritional and health benefits of these innovative insect ingredients.

The new facility promises considerable local economic benefits and job creation, a point emphasized by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker during the inauguration event. The governor celebrated the project as a reflection of Illinois’ dedication to pioneering solutions to agricultural and environmental challenges. Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe also acknowledged the significant impact of Innovafeed’s investment, envisaging a transformed local economy bolstered by innovation and growth.

Launching the Decatur facility is a continuation of Innovafeed’s mission to mitigate the environmental impact of the agribusiness sector through sustainable practices. The plant’s operations will contribute to the US Department of Energy’s objectives of industrial decarbonization, showcasing how circular economic models can drive both environmental and business outcomes.

Founded in 2016, Innovafeed has swiftly moved to the forefront of the insect protein market, securing over $1 billion in commercial contracts and establishing itself as a key player in ecological food system innovation. The company’s expansion reflects not only a growing market but a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. With such development, Innovafeed is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food sustainability, highlighting the increasing significance of alternative proteins in global food chains.