What is Cycle Farms?
Cycle Farms is a pioneering company specializing in the breeding and industrial production of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens). Since 2016, it has been transforming food waste into high-quality insect-based animal feed, offering a sustainable and innovative solution to protein production. By collecting vegetable byproducts—waste from farms, agro-processors, and markets—Cycle Farms feeds these to Black Soldier Fly larvae. After just two weeks, the larvae become rich in protein and ready for harvest. These larvae are then processed into insect meal, which serves as an ideal replacement for traditional fish and soy meal in animal feed formulations. Notably, Cycle Farms is the only insect company that vertically integrates insect breeding with animal feed production, making it a true game-changer in the industry.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Cycle Farms brings a fresh approach to animal feed production, especially in Africa and Europe, with impressive results:
- Established three production units in France and Africa since 2016
- Production capacity of 15,000 tons of insect-based feed per year
- Supplies over 160 local fish farms in Ghana with complete insect meal-based feed
- Markets products in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin under the brand Enam Papa
- Operates a technical center in Maine-et-Loire, France, equipped for both laboratory and industrial-scale experiments
- Capable of bringing nearly 350 million Black Soldier Fly animals to market each week from its French hatchery
Innovative Production and Technology
Cycle Farms has developed and patented breakthrough technology that enables local protein production anywhere in the world. This innovation is crucial because it allows for the valorization of local raw materials, turning what would otherwise be waste into valuable protein sources. The company’s industrial processes ensure high-quality insect meal that meets the demands of markets with growing protein needs. By focusing on operational efficiency and pragmatism, Cycle Farms maximizes productivity and customer satisfaction, supporting the growth of insect farming worldwide.
Global Reach and Local Impact
With a strong connection to Africa, Cycle Farms has established a significant presence in Ghana, a dynamic hub in West Africa. The production plant in Tema not only serves local markets but also helps the company understand and integrate the challenges of developing markets. This local approach, combined with its French technical center, allows Cycle Farms to offer tailored solutions that fit diverse environments and farming systems. The company’s commitment to industrial ecology means it prioritizes local solutions, fostering economic impact and resilience within the territories it operates.
Company Values and Vision
Cycle Farms operates on three core values that drive its mission:
- Excellence: Delivering efficient, high-quality solutions that ensure a quick return on investment for clients.
- Industrial Ecology: Emphasizing local implementation to build stable, mutually beneficial partnerships and strengthen ecosystems.
- Cohesion: Putting people first, with engaged and supportive teams sharing their expertise to tackle client challenges.
These values reflect the company’s ambition to support the insect sector globally, helping partners improve systems and profitability with practical, hands-on expertise.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by providing sustainable protein sources to support food security
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through waste valorization and circular economy principles
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by reducing reliance on traditional protein sources with higher environmental footprints
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – creating jobs and fostering economic development in local communities
- SDG 15: Life on Land – promoting sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity preservation
Looking Ahead: The Future of Insect-Based Feed
Cycle Farms is more than just a company; it’s a movement toward a more sustainable and resilient food system. By combining patented technology, local expertise, and a deep understanding of market needs, Cycle Farms is shaping the future of animal feed in Africa and beyond. Its integrated approach—from breeding to feed production—sets a new standard in the industry. As demand for protein continues to rise globally, Cycle Farms stands ready to support farms of all sizes, helping them grow smarter, greener, and more profitable. The journey is just beginning, and the potential? Well, it’s huge…
