Potential of the European insect sector

The International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) organised the International Workshop entitled ‘Unleashing the Circularity Potential of the European Insect Sector through Research and Innovation’. About 130 actors active in the insect production industry gathered in Brussels.

Introducing the event, Cindy Schoumacher (European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation) presented an overview of the FOOD 2030 strategy, underlining the important role of the protein transition in the context of European, as well as global challenges. To this end, the keynote speaker of the Workshop highlighted that further research in the field of insect farming has the potential to offer reliable and practical solutions to the agri-food nexus. “The alternative proteins sector, including insects, will play a major role in contributing to sustainable, healthier, climate-resilient food systems, providing new business opportunities for actors in the food systems,” concluded Ms Schoumacher. “Up-to-date science-based evidence will allow us to better communicate our messages to authorities, helping us to unlock certain regulatory opportunities,” added IPIFF’s President, Antoine Hubert. “We believe that new substrates authorised in insect farming, such as former foodstuffs with meat and fish will further upcycle nutrients from underutilised streams, reducing the pressure on natural resources and providing local solutions that can complement today’s feed ingredients.”