TrentInsecTech – Circular and Digital Innovation for the Valorization of Trentino’s Agri-Food By-Products through Insect Farming and IoT Technologies
Description
The TrentInsecTech project involves the design, construction, and validation of a modular system for breeding the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), fed with agri-food waste from Trentino supply chains (potatoes, brewer\'s grains, and fruit and vegetable waste).
Sector
A1.4Animal production
Needs/ Problem statement
The Trentino agri-food sector generates large quantities of organic waste each year (over 60,000 tons of fruit, potatoes, and grape marc), resulting in high disposal costs and significant environmental impacts. At the same time, the animal feed industry relies heavily on imported protein sources such as soy, with negative economic and environmental consequences related to deforestation, price volatility, and a carbon footprint.
Objective
The project aims to develop an innovative, digital, and sustainable insect farming facility in Trentino, capable of valorizing local agri-food waste by transforming it into protein feed and organic fertilizers. The goal is to improve the competitiveness of farms, reduce environmental impact, and foster the transition to an inclusive, circular economy.
Bioeconomy fields
Crop residues and perennial plantsnull
Designer crops for optimised biomass contentnull
Algae biomassnull
Waste or recycled materialx
Microbial assisted processingnull
Biorefineries null
Feedstock
Wastes
Outcomes and final product
Insect farming to transform agri-food waste into high-value-added resources
Mobility
Static
Value chains
1
2
3
3 - High potential - Significant arisings of feedstocks available currently.
C Sink
1
2
3
3 - High potential - strong potential for carbon sequestration at the feedstock and product level).
Intended user
Consumers (food waste)/farmers (feed sources)
Complexity of the process
1
2
3
3 -complex application
Final user
Farmerx
Foresternull
Researchernull
Advisornull
NGOnull
Training organizationnull
Processor or retailernull
Consumernull
Public Authority + LAGnull
Othernull
Economic sustainability
1
2
3
3 - High potential - Expected to bring at least 3 significant economic benefits.
Social sustainability
1
2
3
3 - High potential - Expected to bring at least 3 significant social benefits.
Environmental sustainability
1
2
3
3 - High potential - Expected to bring at least 3 significant environmental benefits.
