Protiberia is a pioneering project founded in 2021 by Ana González and her partners, aimed at repurposing large, unused mushroom warehouses in rural Spain for insect farming. The motivation for this initiative came from a friend in their hometown of Albacete, seeking alternative uses for her idle mushroom facility. After researching the concept of insect farming, they crafted a business plan that revealed the potential of this novel protein source. Currently, the company operates multiple facilities in Villamalea and Casas-Ibáñez, two small towns in the Albacete province with populations around 4,000 each.

The companies’ focus on insect farming is not only about producing protein but also breathing new life into struggling rural areas with a sustainable agricultural model. The facilities, each over a thousand square meters, have been repurposed to cultivate protein-rich insects, which align with the increasing demand for alternative protein sources as part of the global shift towards more sustainable food systems. With the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, Protiberia positions itself as a forward-thinking enterprise contributing to this movement.

To sustain their operations, Protiberia has received funding through EU grants, supporting their goal of transforming the agricultural landscape in Spain. Currently employing 22 people, the initiative illustrates how innovative thinking and entrepreneurship can revitalize local economies while addressing critical challenges in food production and environmental sustainability. As awareness of insect protein grows, Protiberia may pave the way for more such ventures in rural Spain and beyond, potentially reshaping perceptions of edible insects in the broader food industry.