Paving the way for a more sustainable protein market in
North America
SASKATOON, SK, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bühler, the
Swiss technology group, and NRGene Canada, a subsidiary of NRGene
Technologies Ltd. (TASE: NRGN), an Israeli genomics company,
celebrated the successful launch of the North American Insect
Center (NAIC) yesterday. The inauguration event, held at NRGene
Canada's facility in Saskatoon,
marks a significant leap forward in the production and optimization
of insect protein in North
America.
The NAIC is designed as a research and demonstration center
where customers can evaluate the performance of Black Soldier Fly
(BSF) varieties tailored to their specific by-product streams. The
cutting-edge facility is also dedicated to supporting investors in
evaluating the economic viability of larger plants before
committing to full-scale investment. This innovative approach
empowers businesses to make informed decisions, ensuring optimal
efficiency and sustainability in protein production.
The launch event featured a tour of the cutting-edge lab,
showcasing the advanced capabilities of the NAIC. Attendees
included Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO and
Co-Founder of NRGene, Andreas
Baumann, Head of Market Segment Insect Technology at
Bühler, and Jeremy Harrison,
Minister of Trade and Export Development. "Saskatchewan is continuing to attract
innovative companies who are choosing to invest and grow their
business in our province," Harrison noted. "Our reputation as
global leaders in agricultural and biotechnology is attracting
record capital investment into the province. We're very proud to
see the North American Insect Center join a growing list of
cutting-edge institutions here in the province. This facility will
create new skilled jobs and further position Saskatchewan as a center for alternative
protein production research and a leader in global food
security."
Equipped with Bühler's advanced Trial Rearing Unit (TRU), the
NAIC simulates industrial conditions to optimize the growth of BSF
larvae. NRGene's expertise in genomics and phenotyping enables the
development of high-performing BSF strains, driving significant
advancements in the field. Initial trials have already shown
remarkable results, highlighting the synergy between cutting-edge
technology and genetic innovation. The center can also customize
solutions for different kinds of waste, further enhancing its
versatility and sustainability impact.
The NAIC is set to become a hub for industry players, offering
customer trials, workshops, training sessions, and seminars to
disseminate best practices in insect protein production. This
initiative not only addresses the urgent need for sustainable
protein sources but also fosters a circular economy by utilizing
organic waste effectively. "The NAIC is a testament to the power of
combining genetic innovation with technological advancement," said
Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO and Co-Founder of
NRGene. "The promising results from our trials are just the
beginning. This center allows our customers to explore and optimize
every aspect of insect protein production, promoting a more
efficient and sustainable industry."
Andreas Baumann, Head of Market
Segment Insect Technology at Bühler, emphasized the collaborative
spirit of the NAIC, stating, "Combining NRGene's genomic data tools
and our advanced technologies will allow companies to leverage the
deep industry and process knowledge of both companies to produce
BSF larvae more efficiently and at lower costs. This will enable
insect producers to bring bigger product volumes at consistent
quality to the market fostering a broader adoption of this
sustainable protein source in the animal feed sector."
"The development of insect proteins as a sustainable protein
source presents significant business opportunities," states
Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler's
Grains & Food business. "This new facility will open the market
up for start-ups and established businesses alike, bringing
together the science, tools, technologies, and knowledge needed to
further optimize the process to produce protein-rich insect
larvae."
"To develop the sustainable protein sources that will meet the
needs of the nearly 10 billion people comprising the world's
population in 2050, we need solutions that will gain market
acceptance and make business sense today. Combining our proven
experience and technology for industrial-scale BSF plants with
NRGene's leadership in genetics and AI-based genomic tools allows
us to accelerate the growth of the insect protein industry," added
Ian Roberts, CTO of Bühler. "Having
a platform like this in North
America, a hub for innovation, will greatly help drive the
development of solutions that will make a real difference."
Toward a sustainable future
The establishment of the NAIC signifies a commitment to
sustainable practices and innovation in the protein industry. By
maximizing the potential of BSF and promoting a circular economy,
this center is poised to make a significant impact on global food
systems. NRGene Canada and Bühler are committed to enhancing food
security and sustainability through innovative genetic solutions,
ensuring that every aspect of insect protein production is
optimized for efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Located in Saskatoon, a region
renowned for its agricultural by-products, the NAIC is ideally
positioned to lead the way in transforming waste into protein. This
unique combination of technologies promises to set new standards in
the industry.
Media contacts:
Nick Manley, Chief
Storyteller
Bühler, Inc. Plymouth, MN USA
Phone: +1 919 278 2864
Mobile: +1 727 458 5871
E-mail: nick.manley@buhlergroup.com
Daphna Tako, Marketing
Director
NRGene
E-mail: daphna.tako@nrgene.com
Dalen Jacomino Panto, Media
Relations Manager
Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland
Phone: +41 71 955 37 57
Mobile: +41 79 900 53 88
E-mail: dalen.jacomino_panto@buhlergroup.com
Katja Hartmann, Media
Relations Manager
Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Schweiz
Mobile: +41 79 483 68 07
E-mail: katja.hartmann@buhlergroup.com
About Bühler
Bühler is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a
better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature
in all its decision-making processes. Billions of people come into
contact with Bühler technologies as they cover their basic needs
for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy
foods produced on Bühler equipment; and one billion people travel
in vehicles manufactured using parts produced with Bühler
solutions. Countless people wear eyeglasses, use smart phones, and
read newspapers and magazines – all of which depend on Bühler
process technologies and solutions. Having this global relevance,
Bühler is in a unique position to turn today's global challenges
into sustainable business.
As a technology partner for the food, feed, and mobility
industries, Bühler has committed to having solutions ready to
multiply by 2025 that reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in the
value chains of its customers. It also proactively collaborates
with suppliers to reduce climate impacts throughout the value
chain. In its own operations, Bühler has developed a pathway to
achieve a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
(Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 & 2, against a 2019
baseline).
Bühler spends up to 5% of turnover on research and development
annually to improve both the commercial and sustainability
performance of its solutions, products, and services. In 2023, some
12,500 employees generated a turnover of CHF
3.0 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company with a history
spanning 164 years, Bühler is active in 140 countries around the
world and operates a global network of 105 service stations, 30
manufacturing sites, and Application & Training Centers in 25
locations.
www.buhlergroup.com
About NRGene Canada
NRGene Canada is a wholly owned
subsidiary of NRGene Technologies Ltd., an AgTech company that uses
AI and Big Data solutions to analyze genetic information to
accelerate and improve the natural development of key crops and
animals in the global agriculture and food industries.
NRGene Canada runs several IP development projects on top Canadian
crops and the Black Soldier Fly, using its technology to develop
new BSF varieties with enhanced characteristics tailored to
industry needs.
https://nrgenecanada.com/
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