ADM and InnovaFeed announced plans to collaborate on the construction and operation of the world’s largest insect protein production site in Decatur, Illinois. The facility will be owned and operated by InnovaFeed and co-located with ADM’s corn complex. Complementary infrastructure will allow ADM to directly provide corn by-products to supply InnovaFeed’s innovative insect rearing process, as well as waste heat and steam.

These investments will bolster economic growth and job creation in Decatur and central Illinois while continuing to strengthen the state’s position as a center of innovative, sustainable agriculture.

Insect feed has become an increasingly popular protein ingredient for the agriculture and aquaculture industries, as demand for animal feed has now reached an all-time high and consumers look for food that is sustainably and responsibly grown.

“We are very pleased to launch this ambitious project, working alongside ADM and Illinois state partners as InnovaFeed expands to provide sustainable solutions to meet the fast-growing demand for insect feed in the US and worldwide,” said Clement Ray, CEO and co-founder of InnovaFeed.

InnovaFeed already operates two facilities in the north of France, one in Gouzeaucourt and one in Nesle (in the picture above), which is the world’s largest insect production site as of today. The Decatur facility represents the company’s first international project. “Around the world, InnovaFeed is contributing to the emergence of sustainable food systems by developing a pioneering and sustainable industry. Our new operations in Illinois, a global leader and destination for agriculture, will allow us to take the next steps to innovate and grow our business,” says Ray.

“At a time when the demand for animal feed protein is steadily increasing, insect farming stands out as a true solution for the future,” said Chris Cuddy, ADM senior vice president and president of the company’s Carbohydrate Solutions business. “We’re excited to work with InnovaFeed on this ambitious project, which further expands our participation in the growing market for animal food and feed that comes from responsible, sustainable sources. It’s a great demonstration of how ADM is expanding its value chain by offering opportunities for collaboration to leading, innovative startups. It’s yet another example of how we’re constantly identifying new ways to create value from corn, oilseeds and more. And of course, we’re extremely proud that we can help bring this new, job-creating project to Decatur, the home of our North American headquarters.”

Construction is targeted to begin in 2021. When complete, the plant would have a target annual production capacity of 60,000 metric tons of animal feed protein derived from black soldier fly, as well as 20,000 metric tons of oils for poultry and swine rations, and 400,000 metric tons of fertilizer. Thanks to this operational model, the facility will be able to reduce CO₂ emissions by 80% versus standalone production.