Coming soon to a table near you

Edible insects and lab-grown meat are on the menu. Although two billion people around the world regularly eat insects, consumers in the West have historically shunned them as a food source. But concerns about the environmental impact of food production are putting insects on the menu: they are rich in protein and more sustainable to produce than meats such as beef or pork. I predicted … Continue reading Coming soon to a table near you

The Insect Solution to Soy

The Insect Solution to Soy Insects could help reduce reliance on environmentally damaging proteins in animal feed, such as fishmeal and soya beans. A fifth of the world’s wild fish catch is currently used to make fishmeal, which is contributing to overfishing in certain areas, while soya production is wreaking havoc in the forests of South America. Insect entrepreneurs have plenty of ideas on how … Continue reading The Insect Solution to Soy

A Biscuit With Extra (Insect) Crunch

A Biscuit with Extra (Insect) Crunch Insects are traditional food in many African countries but young people and urban dwellers aren’t so keen on this traditional fare so the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) is trying to give it a modern twist. Listen to the story here. Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 From Our Own Correspondent on 20 June 2020. Photo ©Emilie … Continue reading A Biscuit With Extra (Insect) Crunch

Move over fishmeal, here come the insects

Move over fishmeal, here come the insects Fishmeal and fish oil, widely used in animal feed, deplete fish stocks for human consumptions and marine predators. Animal feed manufacturers around the world are therefore looking for alternative sources of protein; insects and bacteria are amongst the most promising and production is starting to take off. Read the story here. Published in Mongabay on 24 April 2020. … Continue reading Move over fishmeal, here come the insects

Bugs for lunch

Bugs for lunch Edible insects are nutritious: they contain high levels of protein, fibre, essential vitamins and minerals. They’re also more sustainable to produce than other meats such as beef or pork. But would you eat them? I met the Welsh entrepreneurs determined to find them a place on British plates. Listen to the story here. Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 From Our Home Correspondent … Continue reading Bugs for lunch

Cricket powder for malnutrition

Cricket powder for malnutriton Insects are well-known for their high protein content. In Madagascar, which has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world, a cricket farm is selling cricket powder to humanitarian organisations providing famine relief and free-school meals. Read the full story here. Published in The Telegraph, 24 June 2019. Continue reading Cricket powder for malnutrition

Last chance saloon for Madagascar biodiversity

Last chance saloon for Madagascar biodiversity Madagascar’s exceptional biodiversity is on the wane. The country’s new president should seize the opportunity to save it. The men lie perfectly still. Their beige and khaki gear do a good job of blending with the dusty ground; only their black, oversized cameras and lenses stick out. Every few seconds, salvos of shutter clicks reverberate around the camp, each … Continue reading Last chance saloon for Madagascar biodiversity