Insect education creates a sense of empowerment and resilience among communities worldwide. As people gain the knowledge and skills to rear, process, and utilize insects, they become less reliant on traditional food systems that can be inefficient and unsustainable. This self-sufficiency not only enhances food security but also promotes economic development and social equity.
Co-Founder and Marketing Specialist
Insect Academy
As the demand for insect ingredients for food, feed, and non-food applications grows, there is a corresponding need for qualified personnel within the insect production industry. This includes professionals from a wide variety of fields e.g. entomology, engineering, veterinary science, food science, and agronomy, among others.
It is necessary to create an appropriate educational offer for the actors within this industry, meaning quality materials, qualified instructors, and collaborations with insect producers.
CHALLENGES IN ACCESSING QUALITY EDUCATION ON INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
For those intrigued by the possibility of exploring insects as a source of food and feed, the learning curve presents many challenges. The field is still in its infancy, with no university programmes dedicated exclusively to insect breeding and production for food and feed. Instead, these subjects are often integrated into broader curricula. Those seeking specialized knowledge must rely on courses, seminars, or workshops offered by universities, private entities, or start-ups linked to insect production. With the exception of a few offerings, these resources are often costly, can be restricted by language, usually follow a traditional face-to-face format, or lack solid scientific support.
If we are to meet the needs of the growing human population, there is no way to maintain conventional livestock production from an environmental point of view. The use of insects as a viable alternative for food and feed is essential to meet this challenge. Improved education in this field is therefore essential.
Renowned entomologist Arnold van Huis, whose pioneering work has boosted the insect-based food and feed industry, advocates for the integration of this field into formal education. This is in line with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 12, which emphasize quality education and responsible consumption and production, respectively. Recognizing its potential role in securing our future food supply, van Huis stresses the importance of fostering expertise in this burgeoning field (Rumpold and van Huis, 2021).
ADDRESSING EDUCATIONAL GAPS WITH ONLINE COURSES
Insect Academy is a pioneering web platform dedicated to promoting the potential of insects as food, feed, and various other applications. Our values include a commitment to educating people about this innovative topic with the utmost passion and rigour. At Insect Academy we strive to develop high-quality, research-based courses with passion and, most importantly, a constant drive to promote insects as sustainable food and feed alternatives.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, we offer courses entirely online, available on demand and at minimal cost. By removing barriers to access, we aim to reach a wider audience and enable people from all over the world to enter this field.
Looking ahead, at Insect Academy we want to forge partnerships with key stakeholders in the insect production sector. These collaborations will not only reinforce the credibility of our courses, but also ensure alignment with industry standards and best practices. Together, we want to create a community dedicated to advancing the use of insects for sustainable food and feed solutions.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INSECT PRODUCTION INDUSTRY
The insect production industry offers a wide variety of career opportunities in fields as diverse as life sciences, engineering, agriculture and livestock management (Table 1).
Imagine learning about the insect production industry not just as a niche topic, but as a fundamental component of our sustainable future. By adopting this education, individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to a global shift towards more environmentally friendly and nutritious food and feed sources, as well as alternative non-food ingredients.
Students become pioneers in the field, leading the way toward a future in which insects play a vital role in addressing food security challenges and promoting responsible consumption and production practices. As they learn, they move closer to a future in which insect farming is not just a novel concept, but a cornerstone of agricultural sustainability.
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THROUGH EDUCATION ON INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
Moreover, insect education creates a sense of empowerment and resilience among communities worldwide. As people gain the knowledge and skills to rear, process, and utilize insects, they become less reliant on traditional food systems that can be inefficient and unsustainable. This self-sufficiency not only enhances food security but also promotes economic development and social equity.
In essence, the transformation brought about by insect education extends beyond academia. It represents a paradigm shift in how we perceive and interact with the natural world, ushering in a new era of sustainability.
At Insect Academy, we support appropriate education about insects as food and feed, ensuring it is accessible to as many people as possible. For us it is not simply about believing in insects as the future; it is about knowing they are the real deal right now. That is why we urge people to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities that are already available within this thriving industry.
If you aspire to be part of the insect production industry today, the first step is to immerse yourself in learning about it. Whether you are a student eager to explore new horizons, a professional looking to diversify your career, or an enthusiast intrigued by the possibilities, we extend an open invitation to join us. It’s your time to leverage the current potential of this dynamic field.
Reference
1. Rumpold, B.A.and van Huis, A. Education as a key to promoting insects as food. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 2021; 7 (6): 949-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.3920/JIFF2021.x007
About Rodrigo Llauradó Casares
After 9 years of experience in research on the use of insects as food and feed, Llauradó Casares is committed to promoting the nutritional, environmental, and culinary potential of insects. With a background in Social Sciences and Marketing, Llauradó Casares is currently driving edible insect education through virtual courses at Insect Academy. He co-founded the Edtech company with Alexandre Chatelier, an insect industry marketing specialist holding a double MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
