Have the environmental benefits of insect farming been overstated? A critical review

Abstract

Humanity's food system has an immense environmental impact, and insects have been frequently proposed as a more environmentally sustainable option. The industrialised farming of insects for livestock feed and human food has attracted the attention of industry, policymakers, and the scientific community. However, many of the benefits commonly mentioned by companies and proponents of insect farming are challenged by current scientific evidence. This review examines the evidence used to assess insect farming's environmental benefits and drawbacks for both human food and animal feed. Significant knowledge gaps remain. Most studies have been conducted in small-scale settings, which may not accurately reflect real-world, industrial conditions. There are significant uncertainties, with many authors highlighting the fact that the future environmental impact of large-scale insect production is largely unknown. This is especially true given claims that insects can be fed on food waste and that insect frass can be used as fertiliser, both of which have considerable challenges to overcome at scale. Lastly, most insect based foods replace plant-based products with limited environmental impact rather than meat, and several studies indicate that insects-based feeds and pet food can have a larger environmental impact than conventional products. By providing a comprehensive overview, this review highlights key areas for further research and ensures policymakers have a clearer picture of the remaining uncertainties surrounding this emerging industry.