Welcome back GFZ’s, to another Happy Earth News story— The Barossa Valley has long been known for its bold reds and beautiful vines—but now it’s getting attention for something a little… buggier.

Meet the Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Yep, Schutz Barossa has teamed up with Mobius Farms to trial a very un-wine-industry-sounding solution to winery waste—feeding it to millions of wriggly little composting powerhouses. Turns out, grape marc (a.k.a. the skins and seeds leftover from winemaking) is the perfect buffet for these larvae, who eat fast, poop even faster, and leave behind nutrient-rich frass (insect poo, but make it sustainable) that’s now being applied directly to the vineyard soil.

Chris Malcolm, Mobius Farms Co-Founder &COO 

From Grape Waste to Groundbreaking Fertiliser

It’s a full-circle moment for the wine industry, and one that could mean stronger, more resilient vines—especially in the face of climate curveballs like drought. The ‘frass’, (that’s fancy speak for insect fertiliser), doesn’t just boost nitrogen and phosphorus levels, it also brings beneficial microbes and even a naturally occurring compound (chitin) that can help plants resist disease.

What makes this story even more satisfying is that it's a collaboration between a fifth-gen grape grower and a circular economy startup—both rooted (pun intended) in South Australia. With the help of grants from Barossa Australia and Penfolds’ sustainability platform Evermore, they’re testing different rates and varietals, and exploring whether red or white grape waste makes better frass (we love a scientific sibling rivalry).

Composting, Supercharged

Black soldier fly farming is being hailed globally as up to10 times faster than composting, and bonus—you don’t need hectares of space. In fact, as Mobius Farms co-founder Jeannine Malcolm puts it, you could technically start onein your shed.

While the long-term vineyard results will take time to measure, early signs are promising. This isn’t just a cool science experiment—it’s a practical, scalable way to close the loop on wine waste and put nutrients right back where they’re needed.

We’ll raise a frass to that. (Hehe, absolutely ending with a pun).

If you liked this story you’ll love our other blog here about an Aussie legend how saved for a house deposit by recycling cans, it’s a goodie! 

Until next time GFZ’s, 

Much love,
Ellie & the GFZ Team xox