FAQ

No. Fertilisation should not be carried out on waterlogged, snow-covered, or frozen land – to avoid nutrient losses and negative environmental impact.

Yes. Before planting an orchard, apply up to 3 tons per hectare and mix with the soil. In following years, apply 2 kg per 10 m² – avoiding direct contact between the fertiliser and the plant.

Yes! Before establishing a lawn, apply 2–3 kg per 10 m², mix with the top layer of soil, level the surface, and then sow the grass.

It is best applied before sowing or planting – in spring or late summer, depending on the crop.

HiProSoil can be used for field crops, orchards, vegetables, ornamental plants, and lawns. It is suitable for all soil types.

Humic acids help retain water in the soil, boost soil fertility, and improve the uptake of minerals by plants. They also help maintain stable soil pH and stimulate the development of beneficial microorganisms.

Organic matter improves soil structure, increases its ability to retain water and nutrients, and encourages the development of beneficial microorganisms. As a result, plants have better access to nutrients and grow more healthily.

Yes! Thanks to its content of chitin and organic matter, our fertiliser improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms that support healthy plant development.

Unlike traditional manure, our fertiliser has a neutral, mild smell – making it more pleasant to use in both agricultural and home gardening settings.

Yes – our fertiliser is fully organic and approved for use in organic farming. It is listed by the IUNG (Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation) as suitable for organic agriculture. It contains no synthetic additives or chemicals, supporting sustainable farming practices.

Chitin activates plants’ natural defence mechanisms, increasing their resistance to pathogens and pests. It also helps activate beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil – improving its health and nutrient availability.

Hermetia illucens must be reared on substrates that meet feed-grade standards – they cannot be food waste containing meat or products of animal origin. Production must meet safety standards, and processed components must pass quality checks. For feed and pet food manufacturers, this is critical knowledge – because although Hermetia-based products are often cheaper outside Europe, farming standards differ drastically depending on the region.

As with any production system, conditions are key. A range of EU and national regulations impose microbiological safety requirements on producers. Our insects – just like all other farm animals – are subject to strict control by the Veterinary Inspectorate. We conduct continuous internal and external testing – in accredited laboratories – confirming the quality and safety of our products.

Hermetia illucens grows quickly, requires little water and feed, and can be farmed in vertical systems. Moreover, feed components from Hermetia larvae offer unique health benefits, allowing certain traditional ingredients to be removed from feed formulations. Although insect protein is still more expensive than fishmeal or soybean meal, including it in the right way can actually help reduce the overall cost of a formula.

Given today’s global challenges – including population growth, shrinking resource availability, water scarcity, reduced farmland, and rising food and feed production costs – alternative protein sources are not just the future, but a necessity.

Yes, insect-derived products are strictly regulated and fall under European Union law – partly under the same legislation that governs conventional feed materials and feeds.

Compared to insects found in the wild, farmed insects are not vectors of pathogens for humans or animals. This is because they have no contact with the external environment – these species are not exposed to sources of contamination. The larvae are raised in controlled conditions, and the processing methods eliminate microbiological risks. Moreover, insect farming facilities are specifically designed to prevent any potential escapes.

They already do! In France, the Netherlands, and Germany, eggs and meat from animals raised on insect-based feed are available on the market. Major retail chains are introducing “sustainably raised” products – one of the defining features of which is the use of insect-based feed.

Studies show that the taste of meat, milk, and eggs from animals fed Hermetia illucens is no different from those receiving traditional diets. These findings are confirmed by both laboratory analyses and consumer panels – where participants describe consistent eating experiences.

The production costs of insect-based feed materials are currently higher than those of traditional feeds – so this is certainly not a “cheap alternative.” This is due to the relative novelty of the sector and the need to optimise production processes. Nonetheless, in terms of quality, nutrient content, and chemical composition, insect products are on par with standard protein sources. With the right feed formulation, it is possible to maximise the benefits of including Hermetia illucens components – while also reducing the final formula cost.

Before insect-derived feed materials were approved for market use, the European Union required strong scientific evidence to support such a decision. This included proof of the safety and effectiveness of these products. Scientific studies in this area have been ongoing for about 20 years.

Quite the opposite – producing Hermetia illucens requires 90% less water and land than soy and generates virtually no waste, as both feed materials and fertiliser are obtained.

Nothing is being hidden – EU regulations clearly define the standards for insect protein production. Insect producers, just like any entity in the food and feed sector, are required to guarantee the safety of their products. As such, they must comply with strict requirements. Hermetia illucens larvae undergo rigorous microbiological testing, and the production process is controlled at every stage. This is confirmed by the quality certifications our production facility has received.

It’s hard to call a solution a “trend” when it directly addresses the rising costs and scarcity of protein sources – while also offering environmental sustainability and animal health benefits. The growing interest from feed and pet food producers – as well as farmers – shows this is a long-term shift.

If animals have been eating insects for centuries, why not? In the wild, many species of poultry, fish, and mammals feed on larvae because they are rich in protein, fats, valuable nutrients, and are easy to digest. Industrial-scale production of components from Hermetia illucens larvae ensures greater control over the chemical composition and maintains product quality – including microbiological safety – thanks to high hygiene standards.

Yes – frass has a high nutrient concentration, which means that less is needed compared to traditional manure. It also improves soil structure and water retention, helping reduce cultivation costs in the long term.

Fertiliser based on frass from Hermetia illucens has a more stable composition and better nutrient availability than manure or compost. It also contains chitin, which stimulates plant resistance to pathogens. Additionally, it does not pose the risk of heavy metal contamination – a common issue in fertilisers made from animal waste.

Yes, provided that production complies with the standards. Frass-based fertiliser is a natural organic fertiliser and contains no pathogens or substances harmful to plants.

Frass from Hermetia illucens improves soil structure, increases water retention, and stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms. It is also more stable than manure – which means fewer nutrient losses.

Yes, frass (the droppings of Hermetia illucens larvae) is an excellent organic fertiliser. It is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients, and contains natural microorganisms that improve soil health.

The taste of fish meat from animals fed with Hermetia illucens-based diets does not differ from those receiving traditional complete feed mixes. There is also no observed impact on the texture or structure of the meat. These results are confirmed both in laboratory tests and in consumer panels, where participants report consistent eating experiences.

When used properly, insect-based feed components in fish nutrition can deliver strong growth performance: higher weight gain, improved growth rate, and reduced FCR. The key lies in balancing the feed appropriately and understanding the physiology of the species, as results vary between fish species. Additionally, the functional compounds found in insects benefit fish health, through hepatoregulation and modulation of gut microbiota, which translates into stronger immunity during critical rearing phases.

Absolutely yes – and this applies not only to fishmeal but also to soy-based components. It’s worth noting that many fish species naturally feed on insects in their natural habitat, especially during the early stages of life as fry, which makes insect-based feed materials a kind of reconnection with nature. Both defatted and full-fat meals from Hermetia illucens work perfectly as components in aquaculture diets. From our perspective, the most important factor is the unique fatty acid profile, particularly the high lauric acid content. Insect-derived raw materials are also more sustainable and help reduce excessive environmental exploitation.

Research indicates that feeds containing components based on Hermetia illucens larvae do not negatively affect the taste or texture of meat and eggs. In the case of fish fed with insect-based feeds, the fatty acid profile actually improves, increasing their nutritional value.

Components from Hermetia illucens contain more fat than soy, but their composition is more functional—especially in terms of supporting animal immunity. In addition, Hermetia illucens offers a better calcium-to-phosphorus ratio than other protein sources. Ultimately, every feed for farm animals should be balanced to fully meet the nutritional requirements of animals at different stages of development. The introduction of Umami Boost enables a range of health benefits while maintaining nutritional value.

Farmers are still approaching them with caution, but interest is growing, especially in light of available test results.

Studies on poultry, piglets, and fish have shown that feed components from Hermetia illucens improve growth and health indicators in animals. In addition, lauric acid has a prebiotic effect, which can reduce the risk of infection or the frequency of diarrhoea.Umami Boost, offered to feed producers and farmers making their own feed, is a product tested under farm conditions with impressive results in terms of animal growth, health, and rearing outcomes.

Theoretically yes, but economically it’s not a justified solution. Protein and fats from Hermetia illucens offer high nutritional and functional value, but fully replacing traditional sources (e.g. soy or fishmeal) is not cost-effective. In the EU, insect products cannot be used for ruminants, but their inclusion in pig and fish feeds or livestock diets brings clear health benefits. Our functional feed component – Umami Boost – dedicated to piglet nutrition, delivers proven benefits – not only supporting animal health, but also improving production outcomes, facilitating feed formulation, and potentially reducing recipe costs.

In Europe, there are over 650 pet food products for dogs and cats that include insect-based feed materials. The range includes both complete and veterinary diets, from treats, via wet and dry petfood, in various forms. In Poland, examples include Insect Dog, Select Gold, Brit, and local brands like Pupil and BozzDog.

Insect-based pet foods are highly palatable. It’s worth noting that many pet food manufacturers conduct their own palatability tests in reputable research centres before launching a product. Dogs and cats also have their own flavour preferences. Hermetia illucens naturally contains a high level of fat, which enhances the palatability of the food.

More and more veterinarians recommend insect-based pet foods, especially for animals with digestive or skin problems. Insect components also positively affect gut microbiota and exhibit antimicrobial properties, supporting pets' immunity, overall condition, and wellbeing.

Yes, protein from Hermetia illucens is one of the most hypoallergenic protein sources. It contains none of the typical allergens found not only in poultry or soy, but also in premium meats such as beef or lamb. Since food allergies to insect protein are extremely rare, it is often used in veterinary diets for dogs and cats prone to allergies.

Yes – Hermetia illucens is a master at converting organic waste into high-quality protein and fat. Its farming uses 90% less water and 50% less land than soybean production, while generating a minimal carbon footprint. Additionally, the by-product of Hermetia farming – insect frass (droppings, shed skins, and feed residues) – is a high-quality, full-value fertiliser. Our production is truly zero waste.

Yes, feed components derived from Hermetia illucens larvae are suitable for feeding dogs and cats and are completely safe. The protein and its amino acid profile are highly digestible, meaning they are well absorbed in the digestive tract. They also offer a range of valuable functional properties. It’s important to remember that properly balancing pet food is key, and a multi-ingredient meal must fully meet the nutritional requirements specific to each species.

Yes, producers of feeds and pet food containing insects – including Hermetia illucens – are subject to the same legal obligations as any other entity operating in the food or feed sector. They are required to ensure the safety of products placed on the market. This means complying with general hygiene and safety standards at each stage of production, in line with Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 on feed hygiene.

Hermetia illucens larvae dominate insect-based feed production. Their uniqueness lies in their rapid growth and rich chemical composition. Products derived from Hermetia are exceptionally well studied – as confirmed by numerous scientific publications across various animal species. Other insects that may be used in animal feed include: the housefly (Musca domestica), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus), house cricket (Acheta domesticus), banded cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus), Jamaican field cricket (Gryllus assimilis), and silkworm (Bombyx mori).

Insect-based feed materials are rich in nutrients essential for proper functioning and overall health of animals. What sets them apart from conventional ingredients is their unique fatty acid profile – especially the high content of lauric acid, which naturally supports immunity, along with the presence of antimicrobial peptides. They also contain calcium and phosphorus in highly bioavailable forms.

Yes, insect protein can be used in feeds for fish, poultry, pigs, and companion animals – as permitted under Regulation (EU) 2017/893. The law requires that insects be raised on safe substrates, and that the processed protein meets specific microbiological and chemical standards.

From a biochemical perspective, any protein has the potential to trigger allergies. However, insect protein carries a lower risk than commonly used animal- or plant-based proteins. Because of this lower risk, insect protein is often used as an alternative for animals with allergies or food intolerances.

Yes – across various animal groups. In piglets, Hermetia illucens-based products improved protein digestibility and gut health, leading to higher weight gains and more stable gut microbiota. Turkeys fed with Hermetia-based diets showed better feed conversion ratios and greater resistance to oxidative stress, suggesting improved liver function. In aquaculture, Hermetia-based feeds effectively replaced fishmeal – in studies on rainbow trout and tilapia, they boosted growth performance and resistance to infection. In companion animals, insect protein is used in diets for dogs with food allergies, and research shows it is well tolerated and does not cause digestive issues – even in sensitive animals.