A groundbreaking firm that transforms waste into animal feed, fertiliser, and health products is expanding its pioneering work to Holbeach.
Fairman Knight and Sons UK, the new tenant at the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, are setting down roots in the heart of the UK Food Valley initiative. This move marks a significant milestone for the company, which takes organic food waste and, using a process called ‘bioconversion’, converts it into Black Soldier Fly larvae. The larvae are then dried and used as sustainable pet, animal, and aquaculture feed, providing a low-carbon alternative to soya.
Fairman Knight’s innovative approach doesn’t end there. The waste from the larvae production is turned into a high-quality fertiliser, and the larvae can be further processed into a highly antimicrobial bio-oil, with potential to supplement antibiotics.
The family-run farming business, which prides itself on sustainability, has moved from its previous base at a farm north of Grantham to take advantage of the opportunities offered by this new location. The South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, known as The Hub, is rapidly becoming a leading innovation centre for food and farming.
Julian Knight, co-founder of Fairman Knight, explained: “My co-founder William and I wanted to set up a sustainable family farming business that would stand the test of the next 30 years. Essentially we produce a low carbon animal protein and one of the most sustainable fertilisers possible – and we have zero waste.”
He added, “We wanted to be close to our partners at the University of Lincoln and near our main production site. We are an Agritech business, so it makes sense to be based in this emerging centre for the industry. We plan to have two production sites operational in Greater Lincolnshire by 2025, employing at least 20 staff.”
Fairman Knight has been supported by the UK Food Valley team, benefiting from funding opportunities, office space, and valuable connections to fresh produce businesses across the region. Their expansion is seen as a major boost to the area.
Councillor Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, praised the firm’s move, stating: “Fairman Knight is clearly an innovative business and has chosen to benefit from the opportunities on offer by being located at The Hub. Food and farming are evolving, and sustainability and research are at the core of that evolution. The South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone is leading the way nationally in supporting this vital sector.”
The company has already been awarded three grants to support its growth: Grants4Growth from South Holland District Council, a grant from the South Kesteven District Council Rural Prosperity Fund, and the Innovate UK Competition for Eastern England Agri-tech.
With The Hub steadily filling up with ambitious tenants, Holbeach is becoming a key destination for sustainable agritech innovation in the UK.
