With high density primary sector production and significant volumes of organic materials currently land spread or landfilled, Marlborough is an ideal launch location for commercial insect agriculture in New Zealand. Insect bioconversion represents a unique opportunity for the New Zealand wine industry to advance toward a circular, zero-waste production system. Insect bioprocessing of industry biowastes and the use of frass as a viticultural soil amendment also supports meaningful market differentiation. This pilot study will focus on the potential of frass to improve soil water retention and enhance the nutrient supply of a Marlborough viticultural soil.

Project summary

Research lead: Plant & Food Research, a group of the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited (Bioeconomy Science Institute)

Years: 2025-2026

Funding: Bragato Research Institute