internship Case study
Closing the Loop with Black Soldier Flies
Exploring how Black Soldier Flies help convert everyday waste into food and fertility within a regenerative farm system.
with Jesús Feican
“What began as a technical challenge ultimately became a real contribution to the farm’s regenerative system — and, at the same time, a way to connect with the deeper purpose of this place: closing cycles, honoring waste, and giving back to the earth what it gives to us."
Black Soldier Fly System in a Regenerative Internship
When I arrived at Tierramor for my internship, I never imagined that a project as small, quiet, and humble as the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) would end up shaping my experience here.
My project consists of implementing a functional and sustainable system for producing BSF larvae for two main purposes: chicken feed and frass production as fertilizer for crops.
from Organic Waste to Chicken Feed
The larvae have an impressive ability to transform organic waste into high-quality protein. At Tierramor, this becomes a double benefit:
On one hand, we reduce the amount of purchased feed for the chickens by supplementing their diet with a natural, nutritious, and fresh option. The chickens eagerly accept it, improve their vitality, and maintain a more balanced diet - while producing nutrient dense eggs for consumption.
On the other hand, the frass generated by the larvae is a valuable fertilizer that returns to the crops, closes the cycle, and strengthens the soil that sustains the project.
“The BSF does not just manage waste; it converts what was once discarded into food, fertility, and resilience for the entire farm.”
Black Soldier Fly in Regenerative Farming
“Working with the Black Soldier Fly here has given me more than a technical project; it has given me a deeper understanding of how regeneration is built in the everyday, in the small things, in each decision we make to care for the land.”
On a practical level, this system contributes directly to Tierramor: it transforms everyday waste into a useful resource, reduces operational costs, improves food autonomy for the chicken coop, and generates a stable fertilizer that nourishes the crops of the agricultural project.
The larvae grow quickly, require few inputs, and work naturally, which aligns perfectly with the regenerative vision of the place.
But beyond the system itself, something deeper unfolded.
A small FOOTPRINT that MATTERS
This system does not only feed chickens and nourish crops. It also nurtures a culture of responsibility, innovation, and love for natural processes.
Today, seeing my project functioning within Tierramor fills me with gratitude. I feel that I left a meaningful footprint, that I contributed a small piece to the larger human and natural ecosystem that makes this place so special.
“Even the smallest larva can create enormous change when given the right space to transform everything.”
Interested in Interning With Us?
Projects like this are part of what makes our internship program unique — hands-on, systems-based, and rooted in real regenerative impact.
If you feel called to contribute to living systems, experiment with practical solutions, and leave a meaningful footprint of your own, we invite you to apply.