Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Insect farms in Catalonia aim to replace imported soy in animal feed
In Catalonia, insect farms are developing protein for animal feed as an alternative to soy.
Soy is widely used for its protein, but its production is linked to environmental costs, and Catalonia imports more than 99% of the soy it needs.
Insects can be raised locally with less space and water, and they grow quickly and convert feed into protein efficiently.
In 2022, the European Union used 10,000 tonnes of insect-based feed ingredients for animals.
High production costs and rules that prevent insect farms from using food, farm or agricultural by-products are major barriers; changing the rules could make use of 14 million tonnes of surplus food a year across the EU.
A regional initiative aims to make Osona a centre for the insect industry in Catalonia.
Insect farms in Catalonia are being developed as a local source of protein for animal feed, which could replace some imported soy.
Catalonia produces less than 1% of the soy it needs and imports more than 99%.
Soy production is associated with deforestation, monocultures, pesticide use, water consumption and transport emissions.
The Osona Biocircular initiative and the Catalan Insect Industry Association are working to develop the sector in Catalonia, particularly in Osona.
High production costs and rules restricting insect feed to commercial feed are among the sector’s main barriers.
- Who
- Osona Biocircular and the Catalan Insect Industry Association are working to develop insect farming in Catalonia.
- What
- The initiative aims to grow insect production as a local protein source for animal feed and a potential substitute for imported soy.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Catalonia, particularly Osona.
- Why
- Catalonia imports more than 99% of its soy, whose production and transport are associated with environmental costs. Insects can be produced locally using less space and water.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Catalonia's soy imports
- More than 99% of its demand
- Catalonia's soy-growing area
- 364 hectares
- EU insect-derived feed ingredients
- 10,000 tonnes in 2022
- Catalan Insect Industry Association
- Eight companies
- Potential food waste
- 14 million tonnes annually across Europe
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What people are saying
A diferencia de la soja y de otras materias primas que se utilizan para la producción de pienso, los insectos son una proteína que se puede producir localmente y que requiere de poco espacio y de poca agua
Escalar la producción para abaratar costes es un gran reto, pero es una mera cuestión de tiempo y de dedicarle más esfuerzos
La poca cultura europea de comer insectos