Insect Farming: Three Concerns in a Booming Sector

Did you know that several insects have been approved for farming in Europe?

Insect farms are on the rise in the EU, and the sector is growing rapidly: by 2030, trillions of insects are set to be farmed. Not only is insect welfare being disregarded amid this sector's explosion, but the industry could also have significant implications for intensive animal farming as a whole.

Key decision-makers at EU level do not talk much about insect farming — but they should.

Research on insect welfare is sparse compared to that on other vertebrates, but findings to date show that they are sentient beings capable of a range of feelings and needs.

Furthermore, research in the field of insect farming shows that the growing sector could have major consequences for the planet if it continues to expand at its current pace without policy measures to govern it.

Three Main Concerns

Insects are sentient beings that feel pain, have emotions, form social bonds, play, and much more. As with any other animal, their needs should therefore be protected. Currently, however, no corresponding EU measures exist, meaning that trillions of insects will suffer in the years to come.

This must change — and policymakers could begin by developing measures to improve insect welfare in industrial farming. Our report draws on the latest research findings and makes recommendations.

Insect Farming Is Risky

Due to its rapid growth, industrial insect farming poses a range of dangers to the environment and other animals, in particular through:

• Facilitating the spread of pathogens
• Potential disruption of ecosystems
• The use of GMOs to increase productivity in facilities, the consequences of which are not yet known.

This could lead to major problems for animal welfare, public health, and the planet – making it all the more important that this expanding sector is closely monitored and regulated as soon as possible.

Insect farming could hinder progress toward sustainable food systems

Most insects currently farmed in the EU are used to produce feed for other animals in factory farming.

This means that insect farming supports livestock farming more broadly, which has been shown to have significant negative impacts, including on our food systems.

To promote more sustainable and safer food systems in Europe, livestock farming must be scaled back, and plant-based diets must become the norm across Europe. Raising insects for animal feed is clearly not the right path forward.

The future of insect farming lies in the hands of the EU

Given the many potential problems arising from insect farming, it is of critical importance that the European Commission pays attention to the growth of this industry and develops measures that place animal welfare and sustainability at the centre. Without these measures, the insect farming sector could pose a major threat to the European food and agriculture sector.

You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose compassion on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan.