Interest in insect breeding grows among European companies and the research sector

On July 6, the French company Agronutris, which specializes in biotechnology and the breeding and processing of insects into protein for animal feed, visited the University of Turin together with Ceipiemonte to discuss possible collaborations and research project.

During the visit, Agronutris representatives met with Prof. Luisella Celi, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, and members of the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Turin. Among the topics discussed was the training of Italian and foreign students in animal husbandry and food at the Tetto Frati Agrozootechnology Centre. In this centre, Professors Laura Gasco, Manuela Renna and Sara Bellezza Oddon conduct their experiments on insects.

The University of Turin has been internationally recognised for its research and scientific publications on insects, which include studies and formulations of diets based on food waste to increase the environmental sustainability of the insect breeding process.

During the meeting, representatives of Agronutris also discussed the University of Turin’s Butterfly Area, the special project of the University of Turin that through an ecosystem of over 300 companies aims to strengthen experiments with companies in this field as well. With the increasing focus on insect breeding and research in this field, collaboration between companies, universities and research centres could lead to important innovations and sustainable solutions for the food and livestock industry.