Insects as Foodstock- An Emerging Industrial Technology

in #stem3 years ago

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https://www.world-grain.com/articles/16965-buhler-officially-opens-insect-technology-center

https://hivelife.com/insect-farming/

We have all read science fiction stories in which future humans eat insects to survive. Insects are being selected as a protein source for pets and livestock, as they are a renewable and fast-growing source of protein. The industry will reach half a million tons of insects to be used as a feedstock by 2030, and more applications are being considered.

The Buhler Group has opened a center to study insect production. Black soldier flys and meal worms are the two most commonly used production insects. The production facility being constructed is in Switzerland and seeks to produce insects for consumption in climate-controlled vats. Sophisticated controls are in place to ensure that the insects grow properly and their life cycle is effeciently monitored. Additionally, the insect growth chambers are able to be moved from place to place and can be transported to other processing facilities. Insect production on an industrial scale is a step forward from current insect farms.

The insect production or farming industry is believed to be worth $8 billion by 2030. The industry has been growing in leaps and bounds, with demand for insect feedstock for animals and even humans increasing by up to 27% per year. This is a great industry to invest into, as its growth is directly correlated with population growth. The more animals we have to feed, the more insects we will need as well, and human consumption of insects has been proposed as well. The future looks bright for the insect industry.

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