I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Julian Knight and the entire team at Fairman Knight & Sons (FKS) Insect and Biotechnology for their warm welcome and generosity during my recent visit to their insect farm.
Not quite knowing what to expect, I was fascinated to learn about the innovative work taking place at what is believed to be the UK's first black soldier fly bioconversion facility. It was a truly eye-opening experience that showcased both the ingenuity and forward-thinking approach that is helping to shape the future of agriculture.
Julian Knight, Co-Founded and Chief Executive Officer describes what FKS do:
"We convert organic waste into useful co-products. In plain terms, we take unnecessary waste and transform it into ingredients and soil amendments that support a more resilient food system for the UK."
Hearing Julian explain the science, techniques and future possibilities behind the operation was captivating. His enthusiasm for innovation, combined with a genuine desire to share knowledge and make a positive difference within the local community, was both refreshing and inspiring.
After donning a hi-vis jacket, I was given a tour of the site, where I saw first-hand how surplus food waste is transformed through a highly specialised process into valuable, lower-impact products using black soldier flies and their larvae. The scale of the operation and the precision involved were remarkable.
The team at FKS brings together decades of experience in environmental finance, food processing and entomology, all united by a shared belief that UK agriculture needs better, more sustainable solutions. Their work demonstrates how innovation can help tackle some of the challenges facing food production while creating opportunities for a more circular economy.
One aspect that particularly impressed me was Julian's commitment to supporting people into employment. Through partnerships with local colleges and other agencies, FKS has been successfully recruiting locally and providing opportunities to individuals who may otherwise struggle in today's job market. This commitment to people is clearly just as important to the organisation as its commitment to innovation.
The visit left me feeling genuinely encouraged. At a time when much of the news can feel challenging, it was inspiring to see a business creating practical solutions, supporting its community and helping to build a more sustainable future.
For anyone interested in learning more about the pioneering work being carried out by FKS Insect and Biotechnology, I would highly recommend visiting their website at fairmanknightandsons.com, or even arranging a visit yourself.
My thanks once again to Julian and the team for such an interesting and valuable insight into the world of insect farming. I learned a great deal and look forward to sharing this experience and the stories behind it with people across the county.
Rev’d Catherine Wyile
