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Recent episodes
#33 Insects to Feed the World: Conference Insights and Ecological Systems.
Apr 16, 2026
Unknown duration
#32 Black Soldier Fly Farming in Africa: Field Experiences and Practical Implementation, with Daniela Peguero.
Mar 3, 2026
Unknown duration
#31 Welfare and Trust in Insect Farming, with Meghan Barrett.
Jan 8, 2026
Unknown duration
#30 AI, Breeding, and the Optimization of Insect Farming, with Adi Abada and Idan Aliagor.
Dec 1, 2025
Unknown duration
#29 Edible Insects: What’s Fact, What’s Fiction? With Arnold Van Huis.
Nov 24, 2025
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/16/26 |  #33 Insects to Feed the World: Conference Insights and Ecological Systems. | In this episode, you will hear from Laura Gasco from the University of Torino, one of the organizers of the Insects to Feed the World conference (June 9–12, 2026, in Torino, Italy), and Jerome Casas, professor of ecology at the University of Tours in France and recipient of the Humboldt Prize for lifetime achievement.We discussed the upcoming IFW26 conference, where Laura introduced invited speakers such as Florencia Meyer, Daniela Peguero, and Dennis Oonincx, highlighting their work on insect health, circular economy applications in low- and middle-income countries, and insect nutrition. She also shared an overview of the program, including sessions on genetics, production systems, sustainability, and applications within food and feed systems.The episode then broadens its perspective through excerpts from a conversation with Jerome Casas, focusing on the ecological role of insects across systems. He discusses insects as key actors in ecosystem processes and reflects on how their perception has evolved over time. This shift is connected to broader global challenges, including food production, biodiversity, and climate change, where insects can contribute to more integrated and adaptive approaches.My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centres, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts, visionary entrepreneurs, activists and people working in the field. I do believe insects could be the next game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/3/26 |  #32 Black Soldier Fly Farming in Africa: Field Experiences and Practical Implementation, with Daniela Peguero. | In this episode, you will listen to Daniela Peguero, researcher at Eawag’s Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (SANDEC), working on the implementation of black soldier fly farming in several African countries through projects such as BUGS Africa and SWIFT (Sustainable Waste-based Insect Farming Technologies).We discussed practical field experiences from Uganda and Malawi, where black soldier fly larvae are used as a locally adapted protein source for livestock. Daniela explained how substrate availability — from pig manure to hotel food waste and invasive water hyacinth — influences the bioconversion process and operational decisions.Among the topics we covered were feed costs, faster chicken growth when larvae partially replace imported feed, methane emissions linked to open dumping, and the importance of adapting insect farming systems to real environmental conditions.Daniela also introduced the open-access Simba approach, developed to support small-scale farmers, and described the WhatsApp community created to facilitate peer-to-peer troubleshooting, matchmaking, and knowledge exchange across low- and middle-income contexts.The conversation also touches on the upcoming Insects To Feed The World conference, where a dedicated session will focus on black soldier fly implementation in these regions.My name is Umberto Diecinove. I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S, which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I do this by traveling and photographing research centers, farms, communities, and companies around the world, engaging with researchers and practitioners working in the field. I believe insects could represent an important part of future food and agricultural systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 1/8/26 |  #31 Welfare and Trust in Insect Farming, with Meghan Barrett. | In this episode, you will hear from Meghan Barrett, Assistant Professor of Biology at Indiana University Indianapolisand Founding Director of the Insect Welfare Research Society, together with Laura Gasco from the University of Torino.We discuss what animal welfare means from a scientific perspective and why welfare should not be confused with productivity — a crucial issue as insect farming continues to scale. Meghan explains how welfare science evaluates animals through physiological, behavioral, and environmental indicators, and why individual experience matters.The conversation explores concrete examples, including the use of insects in poultry feed, and examines how welfare considerations intersect with public trust and the “social license to operate.” We also look at emerging data on public perceptions of insect welfare and why transparency and ethical credibility are essential for the long-term development of the insect farming sector.Laura Gasco introduces the next edition of Insects to Feed the World, taking place in Torino from June 9th to 12th, and renews the call for abstracts, open until January 23rd.My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centres, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts, visionary entrepreneurs, activists and people working in the field. I do believe insects could be the next game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 12/1/25 |  #30 AI, Breeding, and the Optimization of Insect Farming, with Adi Abada and Idan Aliagor. | In this episode, you will hear from Adi Abada and Idan Aliagor, both from FreezeM.We discussed the challenges that first-generation insect farming companies faced — mainly, having to build everything from scratch. As Idan explained, trying to manage the entire value chain at once made it extremely difficult to optimize any individual segment. Today, the rise of specialized players like FreezeM signals a maturing market, where segmentation is finally taking place, much like in other established industries.The central themes of our conversation were the cost and variability of substrates and breeding optimization.Idan described how data-driven methodologies and AI-based prediction tools can help companies evaluate new waste mixes before committing to trials, opening the door to more diverse, lower-cost inputs. In his own words:“The real deal will be to handle waste streams that might be seasonal or imperfect but are financially sustainable.”Since FreezeM works with many clients globally, the team has a unique perspective on the industry. We therefore discussed genetic strains, substrate portfolios, the early industry’s overly optimistic expectations — and the possibility of a coming renaissance.As Adi concludes:“You need to be excited, then disappointed — and from there, you can grow.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 11/24/25 |  #29 Edible Insects: What’s Fact, What’s Fiction? With Arnold Van Huis. | In this episode, you will hear from Arnold van Huis, emeritus professor at Wageningen University and one of the world’s leading pioneers in the edible-insect sector, and Laura Gasco from the University of Torino, who will coordinate the Insects to Feed the World conference (June 9–12, 2026, in Torino).We discussed common misconceptions and doubts surrounding edible insects, addressing legitimate questions while distinguishing them from misinformation or even intentional distortions. Among the topics we covered were food safety, chitin, the carbon footprint of insect farming, and potential environmental risks. Professor Van Huis also shared his views on the growing potential of insect farming today and the need for supportive public policies and effective science communication.Laura added a couple of key points to the conversation:“Insects are considered farmed animals, and because of that, they can only be fed with materials listed in the Catalogue of Feed Materials under Regulation (EU) 2022/1104. But outside Europe the rules are different, and this means the sector can evolve much more sustainably. I’m convinced that in Europe former products containing meat and fish, or catering waste, could be valuable and safe substrates, and research can play a key role in this process.”She also introduced us to the next edition of Insects to Feed the World. The venue will be the Lingotto Conference Center in Torino, and the call for abstracts is already open, with a deadline of January 23rd. All information is available on the conference website: https://www.ifw2026.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 9/30/25 |  #28 Insect Farming in Asia: Challenges, Growth, and Opportunities, with Cameron Richards. | In this episode, you will hear from Cameron Richards, president of AFFIA, the Asian Food and Feed Insect Association, and senior manager at Veolia in the R&D innovations team.We talked about the current state of insect farming in Asia, with a special focus on findings from AFFIA’s ongoing survey, which is mapping production capacities, business models, and market dynamics across the region. As he said, while companies often advertise their capacities to attract investors, the survey is shedding light on the more realistic picture of the sector.AFFIA supports its members by facilitating networking, collaborations, and funding opportunities:“We are building a community around insects for food and feed in Asia” Cameron said. “Supporting collaboration, and helping companies secure funding to grow sustainably.”Cameron also discussed the potential of specialization, noting that some companies are beginning to focus on specific parts of the production chain, such as egg production or feed processing, a trend that mirrors other industries and could accelerate sector growth.Finally, we explored the emerging topic of frass — insect residuals used as fertilizers. A growing opportunity, particularly in Asia, where local markets and agricultural demand make it easier to sell and experiment with new applications. My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centres, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts, visionary entrepreneurs, activists and people working in the field. I do believe insects could be the next game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 9/23/25 |  #27 From Waste to Flavor: How Insects Can Improve Fish Farming – with Hidayah Taufek. | In this episode, you will hear from Hidaya Taufek, senior lecturer in animal nutrition and feed technology at the University of Malaya.With Hidaya, we discussed insect farming as an inclusive activity for small farmers and students, the valorization of palm oil waste, the challenges posed by the absence of regulations on substrates, and even blind taste tests that revealed surprising flavors in fish fed with insect meal.For the past decade, Hidaya has been studying insects as alternative protein sources in aquaculture. Current feed for fish often contains around 30% fishmeal, an unsustainable ingredient linked to overfishing and competition with human food resources like soy and corn. Hidaya explained that their research shows fishmeal use can be reduced by up to 50% when replaced with insect protein, without compromising growth or health. In fact, by supplementing diets with black soldier fly meal and small amounts of seaweed, the fish developed a distinct and appealing flavor profile, reminiscent of the briny taste of algae.Beyond the lab, Hidaya works closely with local communities. Farmers often visit her university to learn how to rear black soldier flies at small scale, using them both to manage waste and to provide additional protein for their animals."It’s not just about producing alternative protein — it’s also about valorizing waste and empowering communities," she explains.At the same time, Hidaya leads a social enterprise called Insective Lab, which involves underprivileged students and combines insect farming with scientific research, community engagement, and education.Hidaya also points out that in Southeast Asia, large-scale insect production is often tied to palm oil waste, a resource unavailable to small farmers who must rely instead on food waste. This presents challenges, since nutritional quality can vary, and without existing regulations it is up to each farmer to carefully choose substrates that can be used safely.We are facing enviromental and social challenges. I decided to explore how insects can address global issues through local solutions.My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centres, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts, visionary entrepreneurs, activists and people working in the field. I do believe insects could be the next game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/20/25 |  #26 On Sustainable Futures For Food, With Oliver Schlüter. | In this episode, you will hear from Oliver Schlüter, the spokesperson for the Healthy Foods program area at the ATB, the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy.We talked about the potential role of insect farming and insect biotechnology in connecting and leading the way in research and discussions about alternative proteins and new food systems.Our conversation stemmed from INSECTSplus, the event hosted by the German Institute of Food Technologies this May, from May 12th to 14th, and co-created by the ATB, which will host the next edition.Oliver highlighted that PLUS stands for plant-based, lab-based, unicellular, and sea-based biomass. Insects are the key to connecting these different organisms, contributing to circularity and sustainability in biomass production. He emphasized that while edible insects have made significant progress in research and acceptance over the past decade, there are still challenges. Initially, there was little knowledge of edible insects, and no legal framework existed for their use. Today, however, several insect species are approved for human consumption in Europe, and companies have developed expertise in insect processing."It’s essential to create a platform for exchanging knowledge and solutions across disciplines," Oliver explained. "Researchers from different fields can learn from each other’s experiences and overcome the hurdles they face together." He went on to explain that ATB focuses on several program areas, including diversified crop production, individualized livestock farming, and healthy foods. He is the spokesperson for the Healthy Foods program area, where researchers investigate edible insects, as well as macroalgae, and plant-based foods. Additionally, they work on multifunctional biomaterials and integrated residual management, focusing on utilizing side streams from production processes to generate biogas or biochar, which can be used in agricultural fields. Oliver emphasized the importance of integrating these technologies into new bioresource processing systems to promote sustainability in the food and biomass industries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/11/25 |  #25 Beyond Composting & Biogas: Insects in Organic Waste Management, with Sergiy Smetana. | In this episode you will listen to the conversation I recorded with Sergiy Smetana, Head of the Food Data Group at the German Institute of Food Technologies.We talked about organic waste, how to define it and how it is treated, and the role of insect farming in all of this.All of these topics, and many many more, will be discussed at INSECTSplus, the event hosted by the same German Institute of Food Technologies, which will celebrate its kick-off from May 12th to 14th. Sergiy discussed the complexity of food waste, emphasizing that there is no clear legal or scientific definition for it. He explained that food waste is often classified as biomass or discarded materials, and once a product is thrown away, it legally becomes waste, even if it remains in its original, untouched packaging. However, if biomass is repurposed in a hygienic and environmentally safe manner, it is not considered waste. And this opens up opportunities for utilizing discarded materials sustainably, reducing waste and creating new production models.He outlined common food waste treatment methods, starting with composting. While beneficial, composting generates emissions and often requires transportation, adding to environmental impacts. Another widely used method is anaerobic digestion, where food waste is mixed with other organic materials and processed in biogas plants to produce methane, which is then burned for energy. However, this method generates large amounts of digestate, which can lead to nitrogen overconcentration in agricultural soils, posing environmental challenges.Transitioning to insect-based waste treatment, Sergiy explained that insects, particularly black soldier flies, can bioconvert organic matter into valuable byproducts. Insects not only process waste but also improve soil properties through their frass, which acts as a soil enhancer rather than just a fertilizer.Regarding the present and future of edible insect research at the German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL), Sergiy described how their work with insects was exploratory—assessing their potential and providing recommendations to companies. Over time, DIL established a small research facility for producing insect biomass, which was used in projects such as feeding poultry.As interest in the insect industry grows, DIL aims to facilitate partnerships and cooperation to advance the sector. Sergiy concluded by mentioning an upcoming event, Insects Plus, which aims to further explore opportunities in insects and alternative proteins more generally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 2/4/25 |  #24 A Journey Through Sustainability, with Insects, Plus... – Ft. Volker Heinz. | In this episode, you will hear from a very special guest: Volker Heinz, the director of the German Institute of Food Technologies.We discussed circularity in the food system, CO2 and nitrogen cycles, new fields, trials and errors, and alternative proteins.Dr. Heinz's journey into the world of insect-based protein began 15 years ago during a visit to the pet food industry. He recalled that during a discussion about protein sources, his interlocutor mentioned the inevitability of insect consumption in Europe. "At first, I thought he was crazy," Dr. Heinz admitted. However, during his three-hour drive back to the institute, he began contemplating the role of circularity in food systems.As an engineer, Dr. Heinz decided to establish an insect farm, driven by the belief that nothing was impossible. During this phase, he invited a leading FAO expert on insect farming, who shared insights and examples from his global research. But the expert was skeptical. "Young boy," he said, "what you are planning is like flying to the moon. Many have tried and failed." Despite this warning, Dr. Heinz remained determined. He saw an opportunity to revolutionize the industry by developing a continuous system.At the DIL (Deutsches Institut für Lebensmitteltechnik), Dr. Heinz and his team experimented extensively, creating an environment optimized for insect reproduction, including controlled light, wind, temperature, and humidity. It took several setbacks and considerations of abandoning the project before they finally succeeded."I still expect problems to come because it is indeed like a flight to the moon—but they made it, and we hope to succeed as well."Discussing sustainability, Dr. Heinz highlighted the significance of nitrogen and carbon cycles in global food production. "We rarely read about the nitrogen cycle, but it is of similar importance to the carbon cycle, particularly with 8 billion people on the planet." He explained that while nitrogen is essential for protein formation, only 20% of it is effectively recycled back into the atmosphere, with the remainder causing environmental harm. "One way to make better use of activated nitrogen is through animals," he noted. Historically, livestock played a role in nitrogen storage, but insects offer a far more efficient alternative. "Since insects are so much more efficient than livestock, there are completely new potentials that are badly needed on the planet."Looking ahead, Dr. Heinz spoke about the upcoming InsectPlus event hosted by DIL in May. "We will invite people to take part in the journey of how biomass can be used efficiently." He emphasized that the entire food system revolves around biomass conversion and that various methods—plants, animals, algae, and even precision fermentation—must be considered. "It’s all about focusing on the most efficient conversions, ensuring sufficient resources for feeding the world, and minimizing waste. Because anything we don’t circulate, we call footprint.My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centres, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts and people working in the field. I do believe insects could be the next game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
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| 1/9/25 |  #23 Rethinking the Food System Through Insect Farming, with Michael Place. | Michael is back! In this episode you will listen to the conversation we recorded at the Insects to Feed the World conference in Singapore.Michael Place, Chapul Farms CTO, free thinker and natural philosopher, always boosts my curiosity and commitment, and I bet this episode will do the same for you.Chapul Farms is an innovative company specializing in insect agriculture. They design, build, and operate modular insect farms that convert organic waste into high-value food and agricultural products. Their mission is to advance sustainable and regenerative practices by integrating insects into agricultural and energy systems.We talked about: rethinking the food system, food and protein waste, the promise of “Frass”, the biofertilizer derived from insect farming, and new frontiers.Micheal explains that frass holds immense potential for soil health and sustainability. It’s especially promising as a bio-fertilizer that could help address soil degradation caused by overuse of synthetic fertilizers. He envisions a future where frass pricing becomes competitive with the potential of accelerating the industry’s growth. Although Chapul Farms is focused on insect protein production, Michael highlights the importance of optimizing both frass and larvae to create a more balanced, sustainable agricultural ecosystem.We are facing enviromental and social challenges. I decided to explore how insects can address global issues through local solutions.My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centres, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts, visionary entrepreneurs, activists and people working in the field. I do believe insects could be the next game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 1/9/25 |  #22 Research and Insect Farming, with David Giron. | In this episode you will listen to the conversation I recorded with David Giron, CNRS research director and IRBI director.The Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI) is a research institute located in Tours, France. Established in 1960 the institute has evolved into a multidisciplinary center integrating ecology, physiology, genetics, chemistry, physics, bioinformatics, and mathematics. Understanding how insects react to environmental changes in particular is a major challenge in order to preserve the sustainable functioning of ecosystems and halt the loss of biodiversity, ensure sustainable food production strategies and minimise the health risks associated with disease-carrying and invasive insects. The Institute therefore focuses part of its activities on insects as a solution, for example through the production of insects as an innovative source of bioconversion of organic matter.Insect farming is growing globally, with France and the Netherlands leading the way. While insect consumption has cultural significance in some regions, there’s a growing recognition of its potential as a future food source in Europe. However, public perception still links insect consumption with poverty.David emphasizes the importance of collaboration between research and industry to anticipate and address challenges such as disease management, insect welfare, and regulation. The opportunity exists to optimize the industry from the start, learning from research to avoid future missteps.With David, we discussed insect welfare, potential risks in insect farming, the biodiversity crisis, mismatches, and the current French insect farming landscape.My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centres, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts, visionary entrepreneurs, activists and people working in the field. I do believe insects could be the next game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 1/9/25 |  #21 Regulations: Unlocking the Insects Potential in Agriculture, with Nathan Preteseille. | In this episode you will listen to the conversation I recorded with Nathan Preteseille, insects as food and feed expert, AFFIA Founder, project manager at at La Compagnie des Insectes, and Vouvray producer.We talked about regulatory limitations in Europe, South East Asia and US, unlocking the insects potential in agriculture, frass, the insect-based biofertilzer - and French wine.Nathan shared how his background in biochemistry and food engineering led him to the insect industry, particularly in Thailand, during a pivotal time of growth around 2014. He co-founded AFFIA in 2016 to unite actors in this space, emphasising the role of regulation in enabling or hindering industry development. Nathan detailed the evolution of insect-related regulations in Europe and Southeast Asia, noting Europe’s leadership in setting clear but stringent rules, contrasting with Southeast Asia’s approach and the U.S.’s more flexible, opportunity-driven regulatory landscape.He discussed challenges like limited use of food waste for insect feed due to strict regulations and he highlighted the potential of insects in sustainable food and feed systems but stressed that regulation remains a critical barrier to scaling these opportunities globally.My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centres, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts and people working in the field. I do believe insects could be the next game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 10/8/24 |  #20 Black Soldier Fly Farming Unpacked: Metrics and Challenges with David Eshed | In this episode you will listen to the conversation I recorded with David Eshed, from FreezeM. David is in charge of the business development of FreezeM, an Israeli company focused on the breeding stage of Black Soldier Fly. We talked about bad waste and good news, insect protein production, vertical integration and specialisation within the industry, and the present and the future of the sector.We explored the significance of Black Soldier Fly in addressing global waste management and sustainable protein needs. While BSF larvae can effectively manage organic waste and provide an alternative protein source, their adoption remains limited due to challenges in breeding and transportation. David explained that breeding is essential for scaling BSF production. He highlighted FreezeM’s innovative PauseM technology, which allows for the shipment of paused BSF neonates at room temperature, facilitating access for farmers. The conversation also touched on the competitive landscape, where David acknowledged that the BSF industry currently cannot compete with traditional protein sources like fishmeal... "but we will get there.” Furthermore, he discussed the need to utilize waste that other industries cannot. We also talked about regulatory barriers around feeding practices for BSF in Europe, though David again expressed optimism about ongoing tests that could validate the safety of BSF processing urban post-consumer waste. The industry is evolving from vertical integration to specialization, David forecasts that in the next decade, small to medium-sized operations will dominate the market, the mantra is: "bring the larvae to the waste, not the waste to the larvae".My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centres, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts, visionary entrepreneurs, activists and people working in the field. I do believe insects could be the next game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 10/1/24 |  #19 Long Time No See (from the Insect To Feed The World 2024). | In this episode you will listen to the conversation I recorded in Singapore with Dennis Oonincx and Teun Veldkamp from Wageningen University, Shaphan Chia, from the ICIPE, Kenya, Karol Barragán Fonseca, professor at the Universidad Nacional De Colombia and “Insects For Peace” founder, and Micheal Place and David Eshed, from two companies: Chapul Farms and FreezeM.Dennis Oonincx discussed the current hype around frass. He highlighted that while frass is gaining attention, similar to how black soldier flies did initially, it's still uncertain if frass will become the primary product, with BSF larvae taking a secondary role. Dennis pointed out that while the protein value of insects is well established, the science around frass is still lacking. Despite this, frass shows promise with antimicrobial peptides and other value-added products. Currently, while people believe in the value of frass, serious work on optimization is still to be done.Shaphan Chia - who has recently moved to Nairobi, Kenya at the ICIPE - observed that investors are showing increasing interest in insect production, which provides hope for those skeptical about its feasibility. He emphasized economic sustainability is essential for long-term business viability, investors' commitment to the sector is encouraging. He highlighted that profitability needs to follow for the industry to thrive in the long run and the fact that combining the sale of insects and frass can enhance profitability. In Kenya, the increasing involvement of farmers in insect production for various purposes reflects the survey results from 2020.Shaphan added that at ICIPE, they are working on mass-producing grasshoppers by mimicking their wild conditions, given their status as a delicacy in countries like Uganda.Karol Barragán Fonseca gave us good news: the *Insects for Peace* project is expanding, with a new facility being set up with the indigenous Arhuaco community to integrate black soldier flies into their agroecological practices.Michael, with his appreciated ability to connect the dots, noted that while the protein crunch initially drove the insect farming industry, the recent surge in fertilizer prices highlights another issue. He pointed out that the agro-food system has underinvested in understanding soil as a living biological ecosystem. In his opinion, the real promise of frass lies in its potential to rebuild soil infrastructure and reduce dependence on hydrocarbon inputs.David Eshed discussed FreezeM’s specialization in supplying Black Soldier neonate larvae to BSF farms. David emphasized that newer companies should focus on specialization for future success. He believes there is potential for collaboration between established and newer companies.Teun Veldkamp introduced us to the brand new Academic Society for Insects as Food and Feed. My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges. I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centres, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts, visionary entrepreneurs, activists and people working in the field. I do believe insects could be the next game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 9/16/24 |  #18 Global Perspectives on Insect Research. | My name is Umberto Diecinove, I am a documentary photographer and I am currently leading a project titled I N S C T S which explores the potential role of insects in addressing environmental and social challenges.I’m doing it traveling, photographing research centers, farms, communities and companies all over the world and engaging with world experts, visionary entrepreneurs, activists and people working in the field.In this episode you will listen to the conversation I recorded in Singapore with Marie-Hélène Deschamps, assistant professor at the animal science department at the Université Laval, Quebec, Canada. She was the moderator of the panel “Global Perspectives on Insect Research” at the “INSECTS TO FEED THE WORLD 2024. You will also hear directly from some of the leading researchers in the sector who participated in the panel. Some of them have already appeared on the Get The Bug Podcast (as Jeffery Tomberlin and Arnold Van Huis) as my goal from the start has been to spotlight the cutting-edge minds in the field of edible insects. We explored three major topics: global perspectives on insect research, innovation in insects as food and feed, and the role of collaboration between academia and industry. Arnold Van Huis, a pioneer in insect research, emphasized the urgent need for alternative proteins to address the environmental challenges posed by livestock farming. 80% of the world’s land used for livestock is already occupied, it’s essential to shift to more sustainable options. Marie Helene and Louise Henault Ethier addressed the sustainability of insect protein, both agreeing that while more research is always necessary, there is already enough scientific evidence to support its potential. Beyond food and feed, insects are being increasingly recognized for their role in waste management, as well as their potential in producing valuable byproducts like biofertilizers and compounds for biotechnology.Jeffery Tomberlin professor of entomology at the Texas A&M University and Black Soldier Flye renowed expert discussed the importance of diversifying the insect industry. He explained how the insect sector could create novel products with higher value, allowing insect protein to become more affordable. “It's not just about food and feed. It's about creating an environment that allows us to feed the world.”The discussion was also about into the interaction between academia and industry.. While academics focus on fundamental research, industry must guide them toward practical solutions that optimize production systems and make the sector economically viable. Louise Henault Ethier pointed out that academic research can open doors to areas that industry might neglect, such as considering the broader societal and environmental implications. She suggested that the economic models of insect farming might shift, with a greater focus on social and environmental sustainability.In the discussion about the French insect research landscape, David Giron highlighted how the Insect Biology Research Institute (IRBI) in Tours collaborates with various companies on a range of topics. This partnership involves strategic discussions to explore new research directions and anticipate future challenges for the industry. Insect farming, with its potential for sustainable protein production, waste management, and biotech applications, represents a growing field that must balance profitability with global environmental and social challenges.I do believe insects could be the next game changer, That's why I'm working on exhibitions, I’m collecting materials for a photobook, and I’m hosting this podcast. Thanks for listening: Get The Bug! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 6/10/24 |  #17 Insect Biotechnology and Controlled Enviromental Agriculture, with Andreas Vilcinskas. | In this "Get The Bug" episode you will listen to a prominent and renowned figure of the “insect space”: Andreas Vilcinskas. Director of the Institute for Insect Biotechnology and Insect Biomedicine he is also heading the branch “Bioresources” of the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, both in Germany.Andreas Vilcinskas is recognized internationally for his expertise and continues to influence the field through his pioneering research and academic leadership.We talked about controlled environmental agriculture, yellow biotechnology, the Sustainable Development Goals, palm oil and insects farming, peptides and high added value insect based products. He will be also a keynote speaker at the "Insects to Feed the World 2024” in Singapore, the premier event of the insects-as-feed-and-food sector. Event I will also join as “invited artist” and where I will display some pictures from my project I N S C T S. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 6/6/24 |  #16 Wageningen Anthology | Which is the relation between insecticides and insect as feed and food? Is industry running ahead of the research? What a flexiterian is? What about Kenya and Black Soldier Fly farming? And (ghost questions): every tomato sauce makes your spaghetti “bolognese?”, what about reducing meat consumption and insects as food?Recorded at Wageningen University in 2022 with: Joop Van Loon, Teun Veldkamp, Somaya Naser El Deen, Shaphan Yong Chia (and Marcel Dicke).Wageningen University, in The Netherlands, is one of the best universities worldwide in the field of Life Sciences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 5/30/24 |  #15 Waiting for the "Insects To Feed The World 2024". With Moritz Gold and Leo Wein. | Where is the cutting edge research going? Which are the new prominent topics? Insect farming will be more about waste management and soil health? What about Singapore on the "insect space" map?We went through all of these questions with Moritz Gold and Leo Wein, both from the “Insects To Feed The World 2024” Committee.The IFW conference is the premier conference for the Insects as Feed and Food sector. This international event brings together researchers and industry professionals from around the world to exchange ideas and the latest advancements in the field of insects for feed and food. I will be there as “invited artist”, showcasing some pictures from my multimedia project I N S C T S and recording new podcast episodes. Keynote speakers: Prof. Dr. Andreas Vilcinskas, Fraunhofer IME & Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen; Dr. Chrysantus Mbi Tanga, nternational Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology; Dr. Meghan Barrett; Indiana University Indianapolis; Dr. Nalini Puniamoorthy, National University of Singapore; Kees Aarts, Protix CEO and founder. Main topics: Circular economy of insects as food & feed including food security & frass as fertilizer, Insect biodiversity and reproductive evolution, insect welfare on black soldier fly, mealworm, cricket & insect neurobiology & physiology, Insect biodiversitym Asian Aquculture, Global Perspectives on Insects Research and many more… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 5/26/24 |  #14 Insects as Feed and Food in South East Asia. | Featuring Rossita Sahpawi, lecturer and researcher from the Borneo Marine Research Institute in Malaysia - with Rossita we discussed the potential of black soldier fly larvae to serve as an aquaculture feed ingredient in marine species - Chujun Li, entomology post doc at Sun Yat-Se University and R&D manager at Unique Biotechnology in Guangzhou, China, Yodai Okuyama, Study Team Member of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Attawit Kovitvadhi, Assistant professor at Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.In most aquafeed industries, fishmeal is the primary protein source. This is problematic for a number of environmental reasons, but again: the black soldier fly could be part of the solution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 5/21/24 |  #13 Inclusive Venture and Cricket Farmers of All Abilities, with Ian Jones. | Ft. Ian Jones systems and design thinker, co-founder of (among many other things) Agri House, an innovation impact venture working with marginalized communities to overcome food and financial insecurity in Cambodia.Listen to our conversation to know more about Cambodian cricket farmers of all abilities, inclusive venture and adapting financing."If we can create an enabling and supportive environment for entrepreneurs of all abilities, then the success is built upon the abilities of the entrepreneur, and not how society defines or shapes them."Agri House is a Khmer women owned and women led registered company. Cricket production represents one of the best alternative livelihoods in Cambodia. As a replacement or complement to rice cultivation, it is a stable production that provides a margin and a regular income. Which can quickly exceed the income of a rice farm. Requiring little space and initial investment. Agri House developed climate-resilient solutions for marginalized communities promoting inclusion, alternative livelihoods and good nutrition for youth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 9/7/23 |  #12 The Environmental Impact of Insect Production, with Sergiy Smetana. | With Sergiy Smetana (Head of Food Data Group at the German Institute of Food Technologies) we talked about the big picture, alternative proteins, environmental impact, tasty ants, upcycling and High-Pressure processing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 9/7/23 |  #11 Insects For Feed The World 2024, insects in South East Asia and more… from the AFFIA Forum in Bangkok. | Featuring Emilie Devic (AFFIA vice secretary), Martin Zorrilla (General Chair of the IFW2024 Local Organizing Committee) and IAN JONES (Agri House).We talked about the South Est Asian context, networking and secrecy, the next Insects To Feed the World, which will take place in Singapore, in 2024, and about the role of insect farming in marginalized communities in Cambodia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 9/7/23 |  #10 About Insects and the Future Of Food with Robert Nathan Allan (RNA). | “We’re really quickly approaching a sort of tipping point where the broader agribusiness community, livestock community, and sustainable food community are recognizing insect agriculture as one of a variety of solutions. And it’s one that really elevates and increases the efficiency of other operations”, RNA (Robert Nathan Allan) executive director of the FUTURE of FOOD event series, cofounder and board member of NACIA, and founder of “Little Herds”.With RNA we talked especially about food, education, frame & reframe, derisk, sushi, gas stations, chapulines overharvesting and a lot of joy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 9/7/23 |  #09 Insectos, Economías Locales y Paz: con Karol Barragán Fonseca y voces de la comunidad del AETCR Jaime Pardo Leal. | Con la participación de Karol Barragán Fonseca, profesora en la Universidad Nacional de Colombia y fundadora y de “Insects For Peace” y Julieth Rodriguez, Erika Perez, Martha Nelly Castañeda, Juan de la Cruz Vega, Juan Antonio Castro y Alberto Ocampo que viven en el AETCR Jaime Pardo Leal.“Este es un proceso que puede independizar a las comunidades de la compra de insumos externos y por otro lado, puede fortalecer sus economías locales.” “Insects For Peace” es una iniciativa que implementa la producción de insectos en comunidades rurales de firmantes de paz y comunidades que han sido afectadas por el conflicto armado en Colombia. Promoviendo en esta manera la soberanía alimentaria y la agricultura circular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
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