Meal worms in a wooden spoon
Insects as Food and Feed

About this Group

Insects as food & feed

The Insects as Food and Feed Special Interest Group (IAFF SIG) brings together an emerging industry and a unique area of study – entomophagy, the practice of eating insects as well as the nutrition they provide to non-human animals including cattle. As part of the Society’s Grand Challenges in Entomology, the IAFF SIG brings together a diverse range of thinkers from across this exciting developing industry.

Currently, the IAFF SIG encompasses scientists, farmers, food technologists, lawyers, and chefs who are studying, investigating, and conceptualising the vast range of possibilities offered by insects as a novel, and sustainable, source of protein for human food, animal feed, and further applications.

As world population increases exponentially, there is a pressing need for a global dietary shift towards sustainable sources of protein. With low water, energy, land, and labour requirement compared to traditional livestock, insects represent a protein source which is currently underutilised. Insects are already consumed across of the world as a part of traditional diets – so it makes sense to explore the potential of insects in western food culture and industry.

At our annual meeting, we will report on current research and industry innovations. This includes open discussions with informed panels and opportunities for informal talks and networking.

Whether an academic, industrialist, or enthusiast, anyone with an interest in the area is welcome to join and attend. Please feel free to contact the group Convenors with any questions or enquiries. We would look forward to hearing from you.

Convenors

Activities

  • 2024 Debate: Feeding the Future: Using Insects as Food and Feed

    30 October 2024

    A public panel debate taking place alongside the annual Insects as Food and Feed (IAFF) conference, with input from our Welfare & Ethics and Rearing SIGs.

    The discussion was supported by the Insect Bioconversion Association (INBIA) and chaired by BBC journalist, Melanie Abbott. Melanie is a BBC Radio 4 journalist with You and Yours, Woman’s Hour and Farming Today. Melanie will be joined by a range of panellists sharing their views and experience and taking questions and comments from the audience.

    Read more about the conference.

  • 2023 Insects as Food and Feed: Commercialisation and future opportunities

    27 April 2023

    Insects as Food and Feed Conference 2023: Commercialisation and future opportunities took place at M Shed, Princes Wharf, Bristol.

    Read more about the conference.