Black Soldier Fly Production Expands to Peru- Opportunities for Industry and Research

Some of you might be following my posts on facebook and know what a week I have had regarding the BSF. For those who are not friends with me/EVO/FLIES Facility (three different facebook locations) on Facebook, I have been in Arequipa, Peru this past week visit my friend, colleague, and EVO consortium member, Irina with the Universidad Católica de Santa María. 

I typically post about articles that are published on BSF- but I wanted to take this time to highlight a great trip and meeting about the BSF. I promise to return to discussing articles- but I could not pass up the opportunity to highlight a wonderful advancement in terms of BSF production.

Irina and her team are doing an amazing job. They have constructed a new facility that is state of the art and will serve as the cornerstone of the BSF industry in Peru. They have an amazing research team and super administrative support. Here are a few photos with explanations of what occurred and what I observed. I encourage you to reach out to Irina and her team if you are interested in collaborating. Please feel free to contact me as I will be glad to introduce you. 

Irina and team at lunch in Arequipa. Amazing meals throughout my visit.

The University campus.

The front of the research center.

The new BSF center was officially opened during my visit. The plaque commemorating the facility is being unveiled.

Preist blesses the new facility (in background).

Rearing room in new facility. The facility contains three rearing rooms for digesting waste. They also have greenhouse space, digestion space, separation and drying space. The facility is truly impressive.

An impressive aspect of the production site is its link with the university. As you can see, there are a number of graduate students conducting research on -site. They efforts cover everything from basic biology, waste management, feed production for poultry to food for people. Great group of students!

Graduate students working at facility. I had a chance to listen to each give a presentation on their research. There is a lot of work to be done in order to optimize the system in Peru.

We held a one day conference on BSF production as well. Here are key individuals that assisted with hosting the conference or gave presentations.

Audience for conference (I am in the crowd for the picture).

Arequipa, Peru- a truly amazing place... BSF will surely make a positive impact and grow as an industry.

Author

Jeffery K. Tomberlin, PhD, privileged friend and collaborator with Irina and team in Peru
Director, EVO
​Twitter: @FliesFacility