Eurogroup for Animals: beware of insect farming

Insect farming, promoted as a revolution for food sustainability, is now at the centre of heated debates. According to Eurogroup for Animals, since 2017, with the easing of European regulations, nine insect species, including the black soldier fly and mealworm, have been authorised for food and feed production. However, despite advocates presenting this practice as a solution to agricultural problems, growing criticism is emerging.

A fundamental issue, highlighted by the Brussels-based lobby group, is that the insect industry is not primarily focused on human consumption. Eurogroup believes that the industry is rather focused on producing feed for the ‘intensive farming’ of other animals and says that this approach does not address the environmental problems associated with conventional agriculture. The report highlights that recent studies indicate that proteins derived from insects, especially when fed on grains rather than food waste, may have higher environmental impacts than conventional ingredients like soybean meal.

Moreover, despite claims that insect farming contributes to a circular economy by converting food waste into protein, Eurogroup for Animals points out that this concept is difficult to apply in practice. Due to logistical and economic challenges, many insect producers use raw materials, such as grains and agricultural by-products, which could be directly used for human or animal consumption.

Another significant concern outlined in the report involves biosecurity risks. Farmed insects, often non-native species, could threaten local ecosystems in the event of accidental release. Additionally, the growing use of genetic manipulation to enhance insect productivity adds further risks, as genetically modified species could spread into the natural environment, potentially causing ecological damage.

Regarding food security, insect farming is often presented as a solution to reduce Europe’s dependence on imported feed. However, Eurogroup for Animals stresses that much of Europe’s insect production is shifting to low-cost regions, such as Southeast Asia, undermining the European Union’s food self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the safety of insect farming by-products, such as frass used as fertiliser, is under debate. Recent research has highlighted potential risks to plant health associated with using these by-products.

Well-known for raising concerns about animal welfare, Eurogroup’s report also highlights that the welfare of farmed insects is a largely overlooked issue. Studies reviewed for the report suggest that some insect species may be capable of experiencing pain. And, as the Animal Welfare- group notes, there are currently no specific regulations to protect the welfare of the trillions of insects involved in intensive farming, expressing concern for this regulatory gap, given the scale of the industry and the potential suffering inflicted on these creatures. In its conclusion, Eurogroup for Animals highlights that while insect farming offers potential benefits, numerous challenges are related to environmental sustainability, food security, and animal welfare. The report calls for a deeper assessment of its real impacts and a more rigorous regulatory framework before encouraging its expansion in Europe.