Context

The use of insects as an alternative protein source is a solution to the current and forecast future global protein shortage, that will initially impact on animal feed and, subsequently, on human consumption, in a context where demand is estimated to grow by 50 percent by mid-century, reaching 60 million tonnes of protein by 2030. Increasing world populations and changing diets have created an urgent need for the incorporation of protein supplements from sustainable sources into animal feed.
Insects are rich in protein and are a natural component of the diets of carnivorous fish and free-range poultry. Some insects can be reared on a wide range of by-products and provide a potential way of recovering materials discarded by agriculture and the food industry.