Insect Production: A Circular Economy Strategy in Iceland

Aysan Safavi, Runa Thrastardottir, Ragnheidur I. Thorarinsdottir () and Runar Unnthorsson
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Aysan Safavi: School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, VR-II, Hjardarhaga 6, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland
Runa Thrastardottir: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Hvanneyri, 311 Borgarbyggð, Iceland
Ragnheidur I. Thorarinsdottir: School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, VR-II, Hjardarhaga 6, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland
Runar Unnthorsson: School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, VR-II, Hjardarhaga 6, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-25

Abstract: In this review, the multifaceted issue of food security is addressed, emphasizing the need for innovative and culturally appropriate solutions. Exploring insect livestock farming emerges as a potential remedy, offering a pathway to alleviate food insecurity and promote food sovereignty, particularly when integrated with social acceptability. Stakeholder engagement on both production and consumption fronts, coupled with sustained support, is vital for successful implementation. The expanding landscape of commercial insect farming in the West prompts questions about its broader scalability and equitable deployment, especially for vulnerable populations. Existing research gaps underscore the need for a coordinated effort across international, national, and legal frameworks to effectively integrate insect farming into existing agricultural systems. In this review, we have delved into the industrial-scale production processes of mealworms and black soldier flies (BSFs), known for their high protein content and organic waste conversion, covering small and industrial cultivation methods, offering insights into mealworm production life cycles, innovative rearing systems, and harvesting techniques. This review concludes with climate-specific recommendations for insect facilities, stressing the importance of sustainable practices, continuous research and development, effective market strategies and economic feasibilities in Iceland. In the context of escalating demand for sustainable protein sources, industrial-scale insect production emerges as a pivotal player in addressing global food security challenges.

Keywords: food security; mealworm; black soldier flies; industrial production; organic waste conversion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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