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Bringing Insect Farming to the Next Level (IFNext)
Project
Project code: 2816PROC19
Contract period: 15.02.2019
- 31.12.2022
Budget: 671,093 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: small-scale farming, animal husbandry, quality management, other animal species, nutrition education, food processing, nutrients, nutrition competence, regional value addition, packaging
In both Thailand and Cambodia, children and mothers in particular are severely affected by malnutrition. In order to improve this situation, the project IFNext ties in with the tradition to consume insects (entomophagy) in these countries. In order for food insects and their nutritional benefits to play a greater role in the diets of the local population, breeding techniques will be necessary instead of wild-catching. Breeding is already practiced in some areas of Thailand and Cambodia and has the potential to be used as 'mini live stock units' by families. Producing higher quantities of insects requires better preservation techniques and compliance with food safety aspects. Novel and insect-based products can both enrich the families' diets and generate additional income through sales on local markets. Therefore, the objective of IFNext's is the sustainable production and safe processing of insects for both self-consumption and marketing. The project will develop and evaluate insect breeding starter kits that will enable families to breed insects sustainably and under simple local conditions. All project partners work with the Mediterranean or two-point cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus). In addition, the silkworm (Bombyx mori) is used in Thailand, the Teleogryllus mitratus cricket (previously known as 'T. testaceus') in Cambodia and the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) in Germany, as there is an increased national interest in these species. The aim of the breeding techniques is to produce edible insects that on the one hand enrich and enhance the diet of the families and on the other hand enable the production of 'preserved insect-base products' (PIBP). These PIBP are evaluated with regard to consumers and breeders acceptance, sensory properties, composition and microbiology. The results of the projects will be tailored and published according to the target groups.
Section overview
Subjects
- Special animal species
- Food Processing