Québec-based Entosystem celebrated the inauguration of its new 100,000-square-foot production facility today. The facility, made possible by over $60 million in public and private investments secured last year, is now the largest in North America, demonstrating Entosystem’s successful pursuit of its ambitious goals.
This fully automated industrial system is set to bolster Québec’s food autonomy, with the capacity to repurpose 90,000 tons of organic matter each year into 5,000 tons of protein-rich larvae and 15,000 tons of organic farming-approved fertilizer. In addition, the facility’s operations will implement a patented insect-rearing process and embody a zero-waste ethos.
Organic materials from farms and grocery stores will feed the black soldier fly larvae bred at the facility. The site will receive 250 tons of feed daily, consumed by the insects, within just six days. These larvae, rich in protein, are then dried, ground, and used as feed for pets and farm animals.
Cédric Provost, President and Co-founder of Entosystem, expressed his pride and satisfaction during the inauguration: “We have everything we need to succeed in Québec and prepare for our growth. We owe this remarkable achievement to our fantastic team and committed business partners.”
This major development is set to create 70 jobs in Drummondville, building a team of nearly 100 individuals eager to contribute to a pioneering circular economy project.
Various public and private partners expressed their support for the project. The Honourable Marie-Claude-Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, highlighted the potential of insect farming to help meet climate goals. André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Centre du Québec Region, emphasized the role of innovative technological solutions in reducing food waste.
Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, applauded Entosystem’s success in valorizing materials that would otherwise be wasted. Guy LeBlanc, President and CEO of Investissement Québec, recognized the new facility’s role in reinforcing Québec’s agri-food sector expertise.
Emmanuelle Gehin, President and CEO of RECYC-QUÉBEC, lauded Entosystem as a prime example of innovation aligned with organic matter reduction and recycling goals. Manuel Vaillancourt of Farm Credit Canada noted the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
Leaders at Sanimax and BDC also expressed their pride in contributing to Entosystem’s growth. Stéphanie Lacoste, Mayor of Drummondville, emphasized the new facility’s positive environmental and economic impact, wishing the company continued success in its circular economy endeavors.
Photo by James Tiono on Unsplash
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