Catching the insect-eating bug? Third of Britons predict rise in insect consumption amid food production challenges

02 Sep 2019 --- As challenges in food production loom, a third of UK adults believe an increase in insect consumption is likely, while nearly three quarters support an increased emphasis on new technology and innovation. This is according to a YouGov survey of over 2,000 people, commissioned by the Agricultural Biotechnology Council (abc). The group is now calling for the UK government to use Brexit as an opportunity to use technology such as gene editing and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are currently heavily restricted under EU law.

“We commissioned YouGov to undertake this survey of adults in the UK, which set out a series of questions to understand the perception of the UK population about how well-equipped the UK is to tackle key food production challenges,” a spokesperson for abc tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

The finding that 32 percent of Britons predict insect consumption will increase comes as many people believe that a drastic change in UK diets is likely. Over a third (37 percent) of the respondents are supportive of dietary changes – including increased insect consumption – occurring in the next decade. Support rose to 48 percent within the 18 to 24 age-group. 

Men were more likely than women to predict that insect consumption will become more common (34 percent;30 percent), while those aged 25 to 34 were the most likely age-group to share this belief at 36 percent, in comparison to just 29 percent of those aged 35 to 44. Additionally, 33 percent of households with zero, one or two children in the household saw the potential of insects, in comparison to 23 percent of households with three or more children. Interestingly, full-time students were the most likely to think insect consumption will increase (42 percent), in comparison to those working part-time or retired (both 30 percent). 

Researchers have previously highlighted the potential of insects, with some noting that the technological and processing approaches that could be used to reach that goal have been neglected. Some companies have responded, with Bühler opening a €45 million (US$49 million) black soldier fly processing plant in the Netherlands. The company is also commissioning and installing a facility for the complete production of yellow mealworms.

Another potential avenue for insect consumption is lab-grown meat fed on plants and genetically modified for maximum growth, nutrition and flavor. This could be a viable and even a “superior” green alternative for high volume, healthy food production. Additionally, eating insects ties into other trends surrounding health and sustainability, as well as the launch of EU guidance, which signals how seriously the invertebrates are being taken.

abc argue that genetic technology could help post-Brexit Britain.New technology to increase food security
Climate change and growing pressure from plant diseases and pests are placing unprecedented challenges on food production. This is exacerbated by an increasing need to boost productivity and compete with imported products, while also becoming more sustainable and reducing overall environmental impact. 

This could be part of the reason why 72 percent of UK adults support the use of new technology and innovation to increase crop diversity and security. Additionally, 82 percent believe that there will be an increased emphasis on new technology and innovation in food production and farming. abc notes that this could take the form of gene editing, which can help make crops more nutritious and pest- and disease-resistant.

The respondents agreed that farmers and scientists are the most trusted groups to help the UK to deal with food production challenges, trusted by 76 and 75 percent of the respondents, respectively. Meanwhile, UK politicians were the least trusted, with only 16 percent of the respondents having faith in them. In the middle ground came supermarkets, with 49 percent trusting them to ensure that the country is well-prepared in the event of any future food production challenges.

“We are delighted to see UK consumers embrace innovation and new technologies as the future of farming. Using cutting-edge technology and growing techniques will enable the UK to deal with the serious challenges of keeping our farmers competitive, maintaining a safe, affordable food supply, and protecting our natural environment. With Brexit on the horizon, techniques such as editing individual genes in crops to make them more resistant to diseases offer a fantastic opportunity to help British farmers lead the world in agri-science,” says Mark Buckingham, Chair of abc.

The group argues that the use of gene editing and GM technology post-Brexit could help UK farming flourish while maintaining high levels of consumer safety and environmental protection. Although the technology is controversial among consumers pursuing “natural” foods, most scientists agree that the tools are generally beneficial. 

“The debate around GM and other technologies is often polarized. However, the reality is that UK farmers need access to a diverse range of technologies to improve food production and increase choice for consumers. Consumers should have the choice of being able to consume products that have been produced using more innovative farming techniques,” the spokesperson notes. 

Recently, 126 research institutes signed an open statement calling for a rethink on the restriction of genome editing technology by the newly-elected European Parliament and European Commission. Meanwhile, the Under Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture has hinted that gene-editing methods should be allowed within organic production, while UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also in favor of the technology. 

By Katherine Durrell