3 challenges for the insect farming industry

Challenge n°1: feed the planet while respecting the promise of responsible farming

The aim of insect farming is to produce high-quality proteins with a much lower environmental impact than other animal proteins. This is the promise of many players in the sector. However, a number of studies dispute the lower environmental impact of insect meal compared with fish meal or vegetable proteins. These studies are based on pilot-scale production. The sector therefore faces the challenge of scale-up and optimization to produce more with less impact.

What’s more, to have a significant impact, the insect farming sector must be prepared to produce sufficient volumes to compete with current animal proteins. On a global scale, it is estimated that all market players will be capable of producing 30 million tons by 2030. By way of comparison, annual meat production is 10 times higher. Large-scale production is still an obstacle to the sector’s development, even though some major players are setting up large-scale breeding sites. This is the case for Ynsect and InnovaFeed, two major French players. Ynsect has developed a state-of-the-art vertical farm using artificial intelligence and robotics.

Innovations such as automation and artificial intelligence could enable large-scale development of this type of farming.

Challenge n°2: prevent the risks associated with intensive insect farming

As the number of insect farms increases, the first risks associated with intensive farming are becoming apparent. These include health issues. As in all intensive farming, diseases spread very quickly due to the close proximity of the animals. The Dutch have already paid the price, with a large part of the population of a cricket farm decimated by a virus.

Animal welfare issues are also beginning to arise. Insect farming should meet animal welfare principles, but it is still difficult to define standards when the majority of studies have been carried out on cattle, pigs or poultry. Industry players such as InnovaFeed are already looking into the matter. In fact, the start-up communicates its desire to recreate environmental conditions that best mimic the insects’ natural environment. In this way, managing the risks of disease, stress and the environment will enable the sector to ensure the necessary productivity and produce animal proteins that are more readily accepted by consumers.

Find out how our team can support you in your animal health projects >

Challenge n°3: overcoming cultural barriers to insect farming

The entomophagy industry promotes the nutritional value of insects: they contain 50g of protein per 100g of dry matter (compared to 40g for beef), all 9 essential amino acids, dietary fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals. So why aren’t we eating insects already? In fact, 2 billion people already eat them, particularly in Asia, Africa and South America. On the other hand, in Europe and North America, where the largest consumers of animal proteins are found, there is an aversion to eating insects.

Nevertheless, some players are already selling insect-based products, such as Jimini’s, which markets insects for aperitifs that attract the most curious consumers. A study carried out in 2019 shows that vegetarians are the most enthusiastic about eating insects, as they represent a sustainable source of protein and respond to current ecological issues.

To make up for insects’ lack of appeal to consumers, players in the industry are already launching new applications, such as incorporating insect meal into vegetable steaks. Some are also gearing their product marketing towards sports nutrition, to capitalize on the nutritional benefits of insects. Finally, consumers are more inclined to accept the incorporation of insects in the nutrition of pets (Pet Food) or livestock (Feed), which represents a promising market opportunity.

Insect farming, whether for human or animal consumption, is developing rapidly. It is important for players in the sector to understand the issues and challenges of tomorrow, in order to develop their business sustainably. Questions around the intensification of insect farming, animal welfare and disease risks can be anticipated, and farms will need to demonstrate transparency to consumers. At Alcimed, we’d be delighted to help you address these issues, don’t hesitate to contact our team!

About the author,

Ludivine, Consultant in Alcimed’s agri-food team in France