Nettverksstøtte: Network on Insects in the Circular Economy

Novel insect economy, or the industrial production of insects for food and feed applications, is currently emerging in Nordic countries. Insects as part of the bioeconomy has the ability to connect biomass value chains and, with particular respect to the Nordic situation, valorise underutilized biomass side streams. The type of insect farming and the use of insects as feed and food largely depends on local availability of organic substrates for insect farming and the local market for insects or insect products. During several seminars in the Nordic countries over the past two years, we have witnessed the interest in insects as feed and food grow rapidly. Clearly, Norway and the Nordic countries face similar challenges and opportunities such as suitable insect species, availability of organic substrates, legislation and consumer perspectives. A number of activities related to research and development of insect farming and value chains are advancing locally in several research organisations and private enterprises in the Nordic region. This network will create a platform where researchers from various disciplines and industry partners can meet, discuss ideas and initiate new projects. A firm regional collaboration can boost expertise and competitiveness, making the Nordic region an important contributor to the emerging insect economy that is sustainable, safe and economically viable.