Recommendations

ONEI recommends a rigorous evaluation of insect farming practices and encourages the search for more environmentally efficient alternative solutions. 

Recommendations for policymakers

• In-depth environmental assessment

  • Before adopting policies to support large-scale insect farming, such as subsidies or regulatory approvals, a moratorium may be considered until evidence demonstrates a clearly positive environmental impact of the sector.

• Resource optimization 

  • Avoid feeding insects with raw materials suitable for human or animal consumption.

• Waste considerations 

  • Before approving other types of food waste as insect feed, consider not only potential sanitary concerns but also unintended environmental and economic consequences, such as competition with other uses (e.g., energy production).

• Alternatives to using insects 

  • Before using insects, assess whether other strategies, such as better management of existing resources (e.g., soy), could be more effective.

• Food security 

  • Consider that regions with cheaper labour and higher temperatures, such as Southeast Asia, may be more economically competitive than France for this industry, which is thus at risk of being offshored. This point is important because the sector benefits from the support of public research, particularly INRAE. As the optimal temperature for insect growth is 30°C, temperate climates are at a disadvantage.

• Risks of invasive species 

  • Conduct thorough research before authorizing the farming of new insect species to minimize the risks associated with invasive and/or genetically modified species.

To learn more about ONEI and its activities, contact us via our contact form or subscribe to our newsletter using the form below.