On April 8, B2E – Blue Bioeconomy CoLAB, in partnership with the InsectERA consortium, organized a networking session dedicated to the theme “Insects vs. Fish Feed.” The event brought together various entities from the aquaculture and animal nutrition sectors, with the aim of publicizing the advances and impacts of the InsectERA Agenda on the use of insects as a protein source for aquaculture feed.

Held at the EntoGreen facilities in Santarém, the meeting included a guided tour of the production unit and a networking lunch, during which the results already achieved under the InsectERA Agenda were presented. Luísa Valente from CIIMAR and Tiago Aires from Sorgal shared their contributions in the areas of scientific research, animal nutrition, and industrial innovation.

The coordinator of B2E CoLAB, Maria Coelho, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“This session was a unique opportunity to strengthen synergies between the different actors in the aquaculture value chain and to highlight concrete solutions to make the sector more sustainable. The collaboration with EntoGreen and InsectERA partners has been fundamental in demonstrating the potential of insects as a viable and ecological alternative to traditional sources of protein.”

The InsectERA Agenda, part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), aims to explore the bioindustrial potential of insects, promoting innovation and sustainability in the blue bioeconomy. One of the main objectives of the project is to develop innovative insect-based feed formulas, reducing dependence on fishery resources.

Maria Coelho also stressed that “the blue bioeconomy needs innovative and sustainable responses, and this visit highlighted the strategic role of applied research and knowledge transfer to industry.”

EntoGreen, host of the session, is a Portuguese company specializing in the valorization of agro-industrial by-products through insect bioconversion. Its work contributes directly to the circular economy and the reduction of food waste, principles aligned with the objectives of the InsectERA Agenda.

The event was attended by representatives from aquaculture, feed production, scientific research, food distribution, and regulatory bodies, promoting dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of incorporating insects into fish feed.

This initiative was part of the InsectERA Agenda’s strategy to promote knowledge and acceptance of new sustainable products, also contributing to the development of policies and regulations that encourage more responsible and circular practices in the food sector.