b'LORD OF THE FLIES?Why the Black Soldier Fly is a Sustainable Alternative for Animal NutritionThe black soldier fly has gained attention in recent years as a potential solution for sustainable agriculture, which aims to provide nutritious food while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. The cost of feed ingredients has been steadily increasing as a result of population growth, and the global fishing industry is facing a growing concern over the overharvesting of fish for fishmeal production. As such, there is a need for protein sources, including insects, algae, and mycopro-tein, that are environmentally friendly and efficient. According to a study conducted by Department of Animal Industry Conver-gence at Kangwon National University, the larvae of the black soldier fly, aka BSF aka Hermetia illucens, have been shown to have several benefits as a protein source, making them an attrac-tive option for animal nutrition, thus addressing food security challenges. One of the main benefits of BSF production is its high efficiency in converting organic residues and byproducts into protein. The larvae of this species are capable of breaking down awide variety of organic materials, including organic residues makes BSF production an attractive solution for reducing waste and byproducts, food waste, and agricultural residue, intoand increasing the sustainability of animal feed production. An-high-protein biomass. This ability to convert waste into proteinother benefit of BSF production is the low environmental impact. Unlike traditional livestock production, BSF production has a lower carbon footprint and requires less water. Additionally, the larvae of this species produce fewer greenhouse gasses as compared with other livestock, making BSF production a more environmentally One of the main benefits offriendly option.BSF production is its highIn terms of economic benefits, BSF production is cost-effective efficiency in convertingorganic residues and by- compared with traditional livestock production. The larvae can products into protein. be raised on organic residues and byproducts and other low-cost The larvae of this species arefeedstocks, reducing the cost of production. capable of breaking downAdditionally, the larvae can be raised in a closed system, reducing a wide variety of organic materials, including organicthe risk of environmental contamination and promoting more effi-residues and byproducts,cient use of resources. Optimizing their diet can lead to increased food waste, and agriculturalprotein production per kg of food waste, making BSF production a residue, into high-proteinsustainable and cost-effective solution for animal feed production biomass. while reducing waste and environmental impacts. Sumitomo Corporation of Americas 7'