Why Insects?
Insects are nature’s recyclers — turning food scraps into protein, oil, and organic fertilizer that strengthen the circular food system from farm to soil.
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Nutrient Solutions
Insects provide high-quality proteins, lauric acid, and antimicrobial peptides for poultry, swine, aquaculture, and pets — delivering a nutrient-dense, sustainable alternative to conventional feed ingredients.
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Circular Systems
Insects upcycle food scraps and agricultural by-products—sometimes directly on farms—into valuable inputs for feed and fertilizer.
They transform waste into nutrition, closing the loop in agriculture and strengthening local food systems.
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Soil and Plant Health
Insect frass, the natural by-product of insect farming, improves soil carbon, nitrogen, microbial activity, and water retention—helping plants grow stronger while enhancing long-term soil vitality.
Spotlight on Frass
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💡 Think of frass as a bridge between waste reduction and regenerative agriculture—one handful at a time.
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Backed by USDA and university research, insect frass has been shown to:
- Increase soil carbon & nitrogen compared to traditional fertilizers
- Reduce pathogens compared to animal manures
- Improve plant growth and soil water retention -
The Frass Institute, a NACIA initiative, leads independent, science-based research to define best practices and accelerate adoption of this circular soil amendment.
Regulatory Process
The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has approved insect proteins and oils for poultry, swine, aquaculture, and pets—with more applications under review.
These science-driven approvals create market confidence, promote consumer trust, and pave the way for continued growth in the insect agriculture industry.
Industry Growth & Integrity
Across North America, companies are scaling responsibly — investing in domestic production, creating local jobs, and maintaining transparency throughout the supply chain.
NACIA advocates for:
- Fair trade practices
- Transparent labeling standards
- High product quality and traceability
Together, these ensure a level playing field for regional producers and a strong, trustworthy foundation for insect agriculture.
Explore our LinkedIn series by Aaron Hobbs, NACIA Executive Director:
North American Insect Agriculture: A Grounded, Growing Industry
Insects in Animal Feed: Where We Stand on Regulatory Approvals
Buy North American: Support Your Neighbors, Your Flock, and Our Standards
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