Fera Science Limited

Insects are nature's recyclers, turning waste into valuable resources. However, we've largely ignored their potential in our food systems. With a growing global population and increasing demand for protein, we need innovative solutions to reduce waste and make our food production more sustainable. Insect bioconversion, particularly using black soldier fly...

As a result of global warming, heatwaves and record-breaking high temperatures are becoming more frequent, longer lasting, and intense in the UK. The summer of 2022 marked a new milestone in UK climate history, with 40°C recorded for the first time in the country. Today, 20% of fresh tomatoes consumed in the UK are produced domestically. In its Food Strat...

Insect bioconversion (IBC) refers to the utilisation of insects in converting organic biomass wastes (such as food wastes) into sustainable inputs for food, feed and non-food industries. Although core regulation in place currently in the UK allows for some forms of IBC to take place legally and compliantly, at present there remains a large gap in producer...

Clinical mastitis is one of the major causes for antimicrobial use on dairy cattle farms. There is evidence to demonstrate that on-farm tests help motivate and engage farm staff with the control of mastitis, but continuous monitoring of farm protocols and procedures is required by the herd's vet. There are now many options for on-farm mastitis diagnostics...

The markets for carbon and other environmental goods need enhanced integrity. Trading requires confidence. Skylark communicates the relevant information to the relevant parties to supply that confidence. It will, in effect, oil the wheels of change to make NetZero (and associated environmental benefits) a reality. Skylark recognises that the interface bet...

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming is now widely accepted as a key solution to tackling some of the world's biggest challenges in agriculture. BSF can simultaneously recycle food waste into insect-based animal feed (a sustainable alternative to fishmeal) and biofertiliser (a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisers). This highly complex farming system...

The use of diagnostics is widely recognised as a powerful tool for improving animal health as well as food hygiene and safety, with a wide variety of diagnostic tests available using a variety of biochemical and physical techniques. However, a common challenge to most diagnostics tools used in agriculture/veterinary medicine is a lack of ability to interf...

Red Apple is looking to develop and implement technological innovation in the China and UK apple production systems to increase yield and quality as well as reduce supply chain losses. The project is testing two technologies: 1) spectral cameras that can identify plant stresses due to, for example, water or nutrient imbalances or pest and disease; 2) trac...

The project aims to develop a product that can be used in conjunction with insecticides to enhance their effectiveness. Through improving the activity of insecticides, the product will facilitate reduced application rates in the field and contribute to the aim of lowering the quantities of synthetic insecticides used in agriculture and horticulture. The p...