Sustainable Symbiotic Agri-Food Supply Chains: Integration of Insects’ Rearing and Microalgae Cultivation

Abstract This paper examines the integration of insect farming within symbiotic agri-food systems as a pathway toward sustainable circular bioeconomy implementation. Through the analysis of over 250 publications, this study investigates the synergistic potential of combining insect rearing with microalgae cultivation to create regenerative agri-food supply chains. The research demonstrates that insect farming offers significant environmental advantages, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, minimal water consumption, and efficient waste valorization compared to conventional livestock production. This is achievable by integrating activity patterns, to economize energy/water consumption and optimize biomass flux into closed-loop supply chain agribusiness entities with the best available nutrition circulation e.g. partial substitution of soybean with insect-based proteins as fish diet comprising 25%–30% of daily needs, 3% microalgal biomass to substitute conventional animal farming nutrition etc. Black soldier fly in larval stage is the most versatile among insect species in terms of biowaste uses. All the afore-mentioned abate further the carbon and water footprint of the agro-entrepreneurship entities. The study presents a holistic framework for agribusiness clusters that integrates circular bioeconomy principles, emphasizing closed-loop systems that maximize resource efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. The research concludes that strategic implementation of insect farming within circular bioeconomy models constitutes a transformative approach for establishing resilient, sustainable agri-food supply chains, particularly through shortened supply networks that enhance local food security while reducing carbon footprints. Graphical abstract