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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 💡 Think of frass as a bridge between waste reduction and regenerative agriculture—one handful at a time.

  • 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.

Learn More /
Story Resources

Explore our LinkedIn series by Aaron Hobbs, NACIA Executive Director:

Insects: Nature’s Original Upcyclers

Frass: Turning By-Products Into Soil Health Solutions

Frass 101: The Basics Behind a Big Opportunity

From Food Waste to Feed and Fertility: Scaling Insect Agriculture

Building a North American Frass Economy

(Find these articles at nacia.org/news or available upon request.)

Contact us.

Aaron Hobbs
Executive Director, NACIA
info@nacia.org