Insect-Based Feed Acceptance amongst Consumers and Farmers in Ireland: A Pilot Study

Leocardia Ranga, Francesco Noci, Ana P. Vale and Maria Dermiki ()
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Leocardia Ranga: Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland
Francesco Noci: Department of Sports Exercise and Nutrition, Atlantic Technological University, H91 T8NW Galway, Ireland
Ana P. Vale: UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
Maria Dermiki: Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-19

Abstract: The potential of insect-based feed (IBF) as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal feed is widely reported, yet there is extremely limited information on its acceptance in Ireland, a country with a strong farming background. Therefore, this study aims to provide baseline data on factors affecting acceptance of IBF amongst a segment of consumers and farmers in Ireland. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected amongst 233 consumers, 73 of which were farmers. Non-parametric statistical tests revealed that the willingness to consume foods from animals fed with IBF depends on the type of food and is affected by a combination of consumer- and product-related factors. Consumers’ age, gender, diet, and education level, the foods’ packaging information, safety, and price, and whether insects are part of an animal’s natural diet or environmentally friendly had a significant effect. Safety concern regarding use of IBF was the main factor affecting farmers’ willingness to use it. Qualitative findings revealed concerns emanating from the bovine spongiform encephalopathy outbreak and a general need for more information. Accordingly, information on the benefits of using IBF increased its acceptance. Thus, IBF acceptance might depend on dedicated educational interventions which include addressing the safety aspect of the feed even among those with higher level of education.

Keywords: insects; animal feed; insect meal; sustainability; consumer acceptance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:14:p:11006-:d:1193565

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