Black Soldier Fly: Vietnam’s Answer to Sustainable Feed

Takeaways

• Vietnam is turning to the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) as a sustainable feed alternative to reduce reliance on imported materials.
• BSF helps convert organic waste into protein-rich feed, promoting environmental sustainability and economic inclusion.
• The sector is poised for growth but needs more investment, technology, and standardized production to achieve large-scale adoption.

Vietnam’s fast-growing livestock and aquaculture industries are facing a challenge: their heavy reliance on imported feed materials. With imports making up nearly 80% of commercial feed production, the country’s feed sector is vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. As a result, finding sustainable, locally available feed ingredients has become a national priority, and one small insect is emerging as a big part of the solution.

The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative for animal feed. Capable of converting organic waste into high-quality protein and fat, BSF offers both nutritional and environmental benefits. A recent study commissioned by the Netherlands Embassy’s agricultural department in Vietnam explored BSF’s supply chain, production models, and market potential, highlighting the insect’s growing role in the country’s sustainable feed future.

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From Small Farms to Commercial Facilities

Insect-based feed is not new to Vietnam. Since the 1990s, small-scale farmers have used earthworms and larvae to feed poultry and fish. BSF was introduced around 2015 and quickly became a low-cost solution for managing organic waste while improving animal nutrition.

Today, the BSF sector has expanded to include both traditional smallholder farms and modern commercial facilities. These two models coexist, driving innovation and rural economic inclusion. The Vietnamese government’s decision in 2022 to officially permit BSF rearing has further legitimized the sector, paving the way for growth.

However, experts note that scaling up BSF production to an industrial level will require more expertise, better technology, consistent feedstock supply, and substantial investment.

Rising Demand and Cautious Optimism

In less than a decade, BSF and its derivatives have found wide acceptance in Vietnam. Smallholder farmers use BSF meal as a substitute or supplement to commercial feed, valuing its proven nutritional benefits for livestock and fish. Meanwhile, feed millers are exploring BSF as an eco-friendly, low-emission alternative to fishmeal and soybean meal.

While BSF meal is not yet cost-competitive with fishmeal, ongoing trials and research suggest growing confidence in its long-term potential. Some feed companies have already begun integrating BSF meal and oil into their commercial lines, aligning with their corporate sustainability goals.

Opportunities across the value chain

The push for sustainable feed solutions has opened diverse opportunities in Vietnam’s BSF sector. Potential areas for investment and collaboration include:

• Production: Breeding stock, automated rearing systems, circular business models, nutrient analysis, and training.
• End-use applications: Soil enhancers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biodiesel, and pet food ingredients.

Also Read: The Greenwashed Food Sector

As Vietnam continues its journey toward sustainable agriculture, the Black Soldier Fly stands out as a symbol of innovation, transforming waste into value and helping secure the nation’s food and feed future.

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Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature