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Insects could help feed the world’s growing population say Aberystwyth researchers

19 Nov 2021 2 minute read
Dr Tiffany Lau with some of the insects. Picture by Aberystwyth University.

Insects could help feed the world’s growing population, according to scientists at Aberystwyth University.

Researchers at the University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) have been awarded European funding to build on their research into insects as a source of food for people.

The work is part of ‘ValuSect’, an international project which aims to improve the sustainable production and processing of insect-based products.

Insects are a common feature of people’s everyday diets in countries around the world, such as Mexico, China and Ghana.

They offer a more environmentally friendly source of protein than many other foods. To date, the project has been studying crickets, grasshoppers and yellow mealworms as human food.

The grant will see the black soldier fly species (Hermetia Illucens) added to the research menu and extends the work to look at using insect products in animal feed.

Professor Alison Kingston-Smith, who leads the ValuSect research at Aberystwyth University, said: “This grant is an excellent boost for the project. Insects have a big potential as a food source for both people and animals. With a rising global population, the world needs more sources of sustainable food.

“This project is a great chance for the Welsh agriculture and food sector to diversify into new markets. There’s no doubt that insect protein is an increasing focus in the food sector, and our researchers will be part of those exciting developments.”

‘Sustainable’

Research indicates that approximately 30% of EU consumers are willing to eat insect-based food. ValuSect aims to increase this number by improving the quality of insect production and processing, carrying out consumer tests, and reducing its environmental impact.

The global insect feed market was estimated at €133 million in 2020 and is expected to reach €736.7 million by the end of 2026.

Some of the commercial possibilities are already coming to fruition.

Dr Geoffrey Knott, who studied at Aberystwyth University, is Managing Director and Co-Founder of HOP, a business that produces cricket protein bars.

“HOP’s mission is giving individuals more control over their long-term health and wellbeing through the foods they eat. Currently HOP sells sports nutrition products made from crickets,” he said.

“We use crickets because they provide superior quality protein than plants and are more sustainable and ethically farmed than traditional animal sources.”


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j humphrys
j humphrys
2 years ago

Crickets are crispy nothings, like fish batter!

Last edited 2 years ago by j humphrys
Glen
Glen
2 years ago

Well I’m sure eating insect would be better for you than this crap:-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0b50dnr

j humphrys
j humphrys
2 years ago
Reply to  Glen

Europe population going down, so why this propagandized? Third world should take contraception seriously.

Last edited 2 years ago by j humphrys
Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
2 years ago
Reply to  j humphrys

There is more to eating insects than reducing the world’s population. Regardless of how many people there are, climate change is really the main issue here. Our love of beef etc has seen large areas cleared for livestock rearing, while their methane emissions are contributing to a warmer planet too. Whether the world in the future is 10 billion or lower than now – more insects need to be consumed.

Twm Teth
2 years ago

What does the animal rights organisations have to say about this?

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