AdamSmith Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 How insects could feed the world Is eating bugs the solution to feeding the world's growing population of human beings and livestock? Emily Anthes chews on locusts, beetles, mealworms and more as she tries to find out ...The attendees are all familiar with the same dire facts. By the year 2050, the planet will be packed with 9 billion people. In low- and middle-income countries, the demand for animal products is rising sharply as economies and incomes grow; in the next few decades, well need to work out how to produce enough protein for billions more mouths. Simply ramping up our current system is not really a solution. The global livestock industry already takes an enormous toll on the environment, gobbling up land and water. Its a potent polluter, because of the animal waste and veterinary medicines that seep into soil and water. And it emits more greenhouse gases than planes, trains and automobiles combined. The insect authorities assembling in Ede believe that entomophagy could be an elegant solution to many of these problems. Insects are full of protein and rich in essential micronutrients, such as iron and zinc. They dont need as much space as livestock, emit less greenhouse gases, and have a sky-high feed conversion rate: a single kilo of feed yields 12 times more edible cricket protein than beef protein. Some species of insects are drought resistant and may require less water than cows, pigs or poultry. Insect meal could also replace some of the expensive ingredients, such as soybeans and fishmeal, that are fed to farm animals, potentially lowering the cost of livestock products and freeing up feed crops for human consumption. As an added bonus, bugs can be fed with food scraps and animal manure, so insect farms could increase the worlds supply of protein while reducing and recycling waste... http://www.theguardian.com/news/2014/oct/30/-sp-how-insects-could-feed-the-world lookin 1 Quote
Members RA1 Posted October 31, 2014 Members Posted October 31, 2014 While I understand the concept and applaud the research, squash casserole may look like pumpkin but still tastes like squash. Best regards, RA1 Quote
AdamSmith Posted October 31, 2014 Author Posted October 31, 2014 Indeed. The article mentioned that the conference included a talk by a psychologist who is an expert on the psychology of disgust. Quote
Members lookin Posted November 1, 2014 Members Posted November 1, 2014 How insects could feed the world . . . Simply ramping up our current system is not really a solution. I think she underestimates us. AdamSmith 1 Quote
Members lookin Posted November 1, 2014 Members Posted November 1, 2014 The article mentioned that the conference included a talk by a psychologist who is an expert on the psychology of disgust. Perhaps we could get him to post here. AdamSmith 1 Quote
