About the Project

At a time of rising population and decreasing resources, especially in a very densely populated area like North-West Europe, sustainable alternatives for food and feed resources are needed. Insects offer a promising solution to this challenge. As part of Interreg North-West Europe, ValuSect aims to strengthen the transnational cooperation and exploitation of research on insects as resources for the development of (semi) finished food and feed products. 

Approximately 30% of the EU consumers is willing to eat insect-based food, a practice also known as entomophagy. The ValuSect consortium aims to enhance such level of perception by improving insect production and processing and spreading relevant knowledge on this matter. Research on insect emissions, substrates, nutritional value as well as food safety and shelf life of insect-based food products has been conducted during the project. Obtained information is made publicly available across various target groups. 

ValuSect primary focusses on four insect species with high potential in food- and feed products, namely the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), the house cricket (Acheta domesticus), the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria), and the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens).

ValuSect's consortium counts 11 full partnersThomas More, Inagro, University of Aberysthwyth, ZHAW, Fontys, Innovatiesteunpunt, Teagasc, NGN Pro-Active, BIC Innovation, DGfZ and AlienorEU.

The project can also rely on 10 associated partners who will help spreading the knowledge on insect-based food and feed: Flanders Food, BIIF, Greenport Westholland, Eurasanté, Pole Valorial, Bio Treat Center, Food Processing, BAF, CCPA Groupe and the Welsh Government.

  • insects for food