ISSUE FOCUS 42 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022 “Insect farming is not necessarily compatible with a more sustainable food system. It raises new animal welfare issues and, as an industry, it is expanding rapidly despite numerous and significant unknowns. The precautionary principle needs to be applied in legislating the insect production sector. It is imperative to ensure that its development is compatible with the EU’s objectives for a sustainable food system.” Insect farming has still to prove all its environmental credentials and, as an industry, is shrouded in overwhelming lack of knowledge, according to European Union (EU) experts. Nevertheless, ten species of insects are authorised for food or feed in the EU, and the number is likely to grow over the coming years. Authorisations are given purely on the digestibility of the insects, rather than on an overall appreciation of insect protein’s role and impact on the food system and broader environment. The European Union is committed to developing a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system, and has adopted its lighthouse Farm to Fork strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, soil and other environmental pollution from its agricultural sector. Indeed, according to the European executive’s figures, the farming sector is responsible for over 10% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions (Methane and Nitrous Oxide), excluding CO2. With animal farming by far the biggest contributor to agriculture’s GHG footprint representing, alone, 7% of total EU emissions. Given the disproportionate environmental impact of animal farming, the European strategy recognises, therefore, the importance for the environment and human health of reducing animal products in Europeans’ diets and moving towards more extensive - as opposed to intensive - animal farming with high animal welfare standards. EU POLICY AND INSECT ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN, PANACEA OR CHIMAERA? Jacopo Moccia Political Advisor Eurogroup for Animals (EfA) Source: A European Green Deal - European Commission 2019 Non-CO2 Greenhouse gas emissions in EU
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