Goterra’s and FGS’s solutions and partnership plays a vital role in promoting a circular economy, sustainable agriculture and food security. By transforming waste into valuable resources, we not only reduce landfill use but also provide sustainable alternatives for animal feed and fertilizers. This contributes significantly to regional and national sustainability goals.
CEO
Goterra
Australia-based Goterra is one of the leading representatives of the insect industry. The company not only offers in-house systems to companies looking to recycle food waste, but also produces protein and fertilizer in its own insect farms. More recently, it has also partnered on supply with Future Green Solutions (FGS), Australia’s leading producer of sustainable animal feed ingredients and biofertilizer. This collaboration is expected to make a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture and food waste management in Australia. Olympia Yarger, CEO of Goterra, summarises the importance of the collaboration as follows: “Goterra’s and FGS’s solutions and partnership plays a vital role in promoting a circular economy, sustainable agriculture and food security.”
Yarger answers our questions about both Goterra’s solutions and the FGS partnership.
As far as we know, Goterra is a multi-faceted company. Could you tell us about your company and your work so that we can get to know you better?
Goterra operates in a dual capacity, addressing both food waste management and the sustainable production of protein and fertilizer. Managing this involves strategic coordination and leveraging synergies. Food waste from our partners, including commercial food waste from national supermarkets like Woolworths and restaurants and household waste, feeds our insect farms, and these insects (Black Soldier Flies), in turn, become the source of protein and fertilizer. It’s an integrated system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource use.
You have a solution that you call “modular waste management units”. Could you tell us about the function of these units, how they work, who they are more suitable for, and of course the advantages/opportunities they offer?
Modular waste management units are compact, climate controlled, fully autonomous systems designed to process organic waste at scale. They house insect colonies that consume the waste, effectively converting it into useful products. These units are particularly beneficial for businesses generating high volumes of organic waste, such as restaurants or food processors. The key advantages include on-site waste processing, lower waste management costs, and production of valuable by-products.
How many of your business partners are currently using these units? How can your business partners utilise the recycled products (insects or insect-based products) obtained from these units?
As of now, several dozen business partners are utilizing these units. The two by-products created from regenerating food waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill are sold as commodities in agriculture. The first is insect protein for livestock feed including poultry, aquaculture and pets. The high protein levels and nutrient content of our insect protein results in an excellent animal feed. The second is frass or the manure of the insects which is processed into an effective organic fertilizer that promotes soil health and plant growth.
Partners can either purchase these by-products or enter revenue-sharing agreements, thus closing the loop in the waste-to-value chain.
What can you say about the cost and recovery of investing in such a unit?
The initial investment is offset by multiple avenues of cost recovery: reduced waste management costs, potential revenue from by-products, and even tax incentives in some jurisdictions. Typically, ROI is achieved within 1-3 years depending on waste volume and local economic factors.
Doesn’t the waste you feed your insects pose a risk to animal and human health? Because food waste can often be spoilt and contaminated with various toxins. How do you preserve or select this waste?
Safety is paramount. We subject incoming waste to rigorous screening and quality checks to eliminate contaminants and toxins. Our automated systems also enable precise control over the feeding process, further ensuring that only suitable waste is utilized.
You have recently formed a partnership with Future Green Solutions. Could you tell us a bit about the purpose and scope of this partnership?
Founded in Perth (Western Australia) in 2012, Future Green Solutions (FGS) was inspired by the potential of black soldier flies to convert low-value organic waste into high-value products.
Today, FGS are the leading supplier of high quality BSF eggs. Enabled by a world class managed breeding program and a decade of expertise in nutrition and husbandry, FGS deliver high performing eggs with excellent synchronicity and hatchability.
FGS are currently expanding production capacity to meet demand from companies like Goterra who are looking to fast track their growth and streamline their operations.
Our partnership with FGS is the first step in transforming the future of food waste management, marking a significant milestone for both companies and the Australian insect industry.
Under their agreement FGS supply Black Soldier Fly (BSF) eggs to Goterra, supplementing their existing egg supply to fulfill new waste management contracts across Australia.
Duncan Rowland, Chair of the Insect Protein Association Australia (IPAA) commented “By leveraging the expertise of these two industry leaders we can drive new opportunities, encourage smarter supply chains and shape the sustainable agriculture landscape in Australia.”
What is the importance of all the solutions you offer and this new partnership for your country and region? How do you contribute to sustainable agriculture, circular economy and food security?
Goterra’s and FGS’s solutions and partnership plays a vital role in promoting a circular economy, sustainable agriculture and food security. By transforming waste into valuable resources, we not only reduce landfill use but also provide sustainable alternatives for animal feed and fertilizers. This contributes significantly to regional and national sustainability goals.
Goterra are rolling out a land-efficient hub & spoke model to serve both urban and regional areas that have historically lacked the infrastructure required for recycling.
Finally, what would you like to add?
We are at the cusp of a paradigm shift in how society views waste and resource management. FGS and Goterra are committed to leading this change by demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can coexist, and in doing so, making our world a better place.
About Olympia Yarger
An Australian entrepreneur and founder of Goterra, a company that focus’ on sustainable food production, Olympia Yarger is a leading voice in agricultural sustainability and climate technology innovation.
With bold vision, Yarger has made a significant impact in the sustainable food industry. Goterra, uses cutting-edge technology to turn food waste into protein-rich animal feed and fertilizer. Yarger has worked as a consultant for both government and non-profit organizations, in the development of regulation for emerging industries giving her insight into the policy-making process and the regulatory landscape. She understands the complexities of navigating regulations and policies while also driving innovation and progress.
Olympia Yarger’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to sustainability have earned her numerous awards and recognition, including being named Australian of the Year for the Australian Capital Territory and having a species of fly named for her by the CSIRO.
