The Rise of Sustainable Protein: Insects as the Future of Animal Feed
With a projected doubling of global demand for livestock products by 2050, the environmental impact of livestock production has become a pressing concern, constituting 18% of global carbon emissions and utilizing 70% of global agricultural land (FAO, 2020). The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), highlight the urgency of addressing the food system’s impact on climate change and sustainability (UN, 2023). In response to this challenge, insects like Black Soldier Flies (BSF) offer a viable solution by efficiently converting organic waste into protein, providing a sustainable protein source and reducing the environmental impact of livestock production (van Huis, 2015; Raman et al., 2022; Oonincx and Finke, 2021). Their rich nutritional content also makes them a suitable substitute for traditional protein sources such as fishmeal and soybean meal (Dörper et al., 2021).
This growing interest in insect-based nutrition has driven innovative research and policy changes (Drew et al., 2020), leading to global regulatory shifts. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been developing guidelines for insect-based feed ingredients, and some have achieved the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, ensuring safety and quality. The EU has also taken significant steps, granting approval in 2017 for the use of selected insect meal in aquaculture feed, and further extending this to include the use of processed insect protein in pig and poultry feed (IPIFF, 2021).
In the UK, insects as feed have garnered increasing attention due to environmental benefits and a focus on sustainability (Bear, 2021; FSA, 2020). However, the post-Brexit landscape has introduced a distinctive shift in regulations from those of the EU. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has currently played a pivotal role in overseeing these regulatory developments (Tiwasing, 2022). Under the authorization of FSA, the use of insect-processed insects, particularly insect protein, for livestock feed is currently prohibited in the UK, except in Northern Ireland (WWF, 2021). This regulatory stance reflects a complex interplay of factors impacting the use of insects as feed in the UK.
Exploring the Potential and Challenges of Insect Farming in the UK
The insect farming industry in the UK is currently in its nascent stage, primarily comprising micro- and small-scale facilities. These establishments are dedicated to research, development, and the production of insect-derived products with diverse applications. Among these uses, insects are processed into feed for various animals, including birds, reptiles, and hedgehogs (WWF, 2021).
Despite these promising figures, the UK’s insect farming industry still faces challenges on regulatory hurdles and societal stigmas (Bear, 2021). Nonetheless, with the ongoing growth and innovation in this sector, the UK is poised to play an increasingly substantial role in this dynamic and promising industry in the near future.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
The insect farming industry in the UK faces challenges related to existing regulations, particularly after Brexit, as the legislative framework surrounding the use of processed insect protein in animal feed differs between the EU and Great Britain. While the EU has granted approval for the use of selected insect meal in aquaculture feed and further extended this to include the use of processed insect protein in pig and poultry feed, the UK maintains a prohibition on feeding farmed animals processed animal proteins under the “Feed Ban Rules” (IPIFF, 2022; WWF, 2021).
Moreover, the UK extends this limitation to cover the types of substrates that insects may be raised on, thereby excluding numerous surplus food products from their potential diet, which would otherwise be categorized as waste (Michelmores, 2023). These regulatory restrictions could potentially impede the expansion of the insect protein industry in the UK, creating an uneven playing field between the EU and GB markets.
Addressing Knowledge Gaps and Supply Chain Challenges
In addition to regulatory hurdles, the insect farming industry in the UK faces challenges related to limited information sources and lack of research. Many interviewees, particularly insect farmers, reported difficulties in finding information on how to farm insects and the implications of using them as animal feed. Reliance on informal networks, online sources, and the identification of specific research gaps highlight the need for more accessible and comprehensive information resources, as well as targeted research efforts to address knowledge gaps and drive the development of insect-based livestock feed systems (Tiwasing, 2022).
The lack of established supply chains was also identified as a contributing factor to the high costs of insect production in the UK. The delayed interest in the industry until recent years has resulted in significant gaps and the absence of a well-developed supply chain. Interviewees expressed the need for more BSF larvae producers in the country and the establishment of a system for distribution and knowledge sharing among farms of various scales (WWF, 2021).
Overcoming Production and Acceptability Challenges
Producing insects within the UK comes with its own challenges, primarily due to the need for controlled environments that incur significant costs in terms of energy consumption and labor. The current restriction on feeding insects to livestock only in live form was also not favored by many interviewees, who expressed concerns about the associated expenses, inconvenience, and additional time required to feed livestock. Incorporating dried or powdered insects into existing feeding systems, such as pelleted feed, was seen as a more practical, efficient, and sustainable approach (WWF, 2021).
Furthermore, while some interviewees did not raise major concerns about consumer acceptability of feeding insects to livestock, others acknowledged the need for outreach and consumer education to increase awareness and acceptance among both consumers and farmers (Bear, 2021). Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the growth and expansion of the insect farming and feed industry in the UK.
Unlocking the Potential: Strategic Recommendations for the Insect Sector in the UK
Based on the insights gathered from interviews with industry experts and stakeholders, policymakers and the government can consider implementing the following key recommendations and strategic plans to develop insect farming and the insect feed industry in the UK:
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Align Regulations with EU Standards: It is urgent for the government to fast-track full authorization of edible insects for animal feed to align with EU regulations. Collaborating with industry experts and regulatory bodies to establish clear and transparent regulations and guidelines specifically tailored to insect farming and the use of insects in animal feed will be crucial.
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Provide Policy Incentives and Support: Implementing policy incentives, such as grants and subsidies, and other forms of support to encourage investment in insect farming and feed production facilities can create a favorable environment for startups and encourage existing players to expand their operations.
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Facilitate Industry Collaboration: Fostering platforms for industry collaboration and networking, such as associations, working groups, conferences, and networking events, can enable knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and collective problem-solving, ultimately enhancing the industry’s overall development and competitiveness.
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Raise Public Awareness: Focusing on raising public awareness about the benefits of using insects as an alternative feed source can accelerate the acceptance and adoption of insects as feed. Awareness campaigns, education initiatives, and targeted information dissemination can play a significant role in informing the public, consumers, and relevant stakeholders.
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Prioritize Research and Innovation: Allocating resources and supporting scientific studies to explore innovative approaches and technologies that enhance sustainability and resource efficiency within the industry can foster a more sustainable and resilient insect farming and feed industry, while creating new opportunities for farmers and business operators.
By implementing these strategic recommendations, the UK can unlock the full potential of the insect sector, bolstering sustainable agri-food systems, resource efficiency, and environmental consciousness, while positioning itself as a leading player in this dynamic and promising industry.
