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Insect Production: A Circular Economy Strategy in Iceland

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Hvanneyri, 311 Borgarbyggð, Iceland)

  • Runar Unnthorsson

    (School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, VR-II, Hjardarhaga 6, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Aysan Safavi & Runa Thrastardottir & Ragnheidur I. Thorarinsdottir & Runar Unnthorsson, 2024. "Insect Production: A Circular Economy Strategy in Iceland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-25, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:20:p:9063-:d:1502230
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kathrin Specht & Felix Zoll & Henrike Schümann & Julia Bela & Julia Kachel & Marcel Robischon, 2019. "How Will We Eat and Produce in the Cities of the Future? From Edible Insects to Vertical Farming—A Study on the Perception and Acceptability of New Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-22, August.
    2. Kathrin Specht & Rosemarie Siebert & Ina Hartmann & Ulf Freisinger & Magdalena Sawicka & Armin Werner & Susanne Thomaier & Dietrich Henckel & Heike Walk & Axel Dierich, 2014. "Urban agriculture of the future: an overview of sustainability aspects of food production in and on buildings," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 31(1), pages 33-51, March.
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