Networking session highlighted the use of insects in fish feed
On 8 April, B2E – Blue Bioeconomy CoLAB, in partnership with the InsectERA consortium, hosted a networking session dedicated to the theme “Insects vs Fish Feed”. The event brought together various stakeholders from the aquaculture and animal nutrition sectors to showcase the advances and impact of the InsectERA Agenda in promoting insects as a protein source for aquaculture feed.
Held at EntoGreen’s facilities in Santarém, the session included a guided tour of the production unit and a networking lunch, during which the achievements of the InsectERA Agenda were presented. Luísa Valente from CIIMAR and Tiago Aires from Sorgal shared insights on scientific research, animal nutrition, and industrial innovation.
Maria Coelho, Coordinator of B2E CoLAB, highlighted the relevance of the initiative:
“This session was a unique opportunity to strengthen synergies across the aquaculture value chain and showcase concrete solutions to drive the sector towards greater sustainability. Our collaboration with EntoGreen and the InsectERA partners has been essential in demonstrating the viability of insects as an ecological and effective alternative to traditional protein sources.”
The InsectERA Agenda, part of Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), explores insects’ bioindustrial potential to foster innovation and sustainability within the blue bioeconomy. One of its key goals is the development of innovative insect-based feed formulations for aquaculture, aiming to reduce dependency on conventional marine resources.
Maria Coelho further emphasised: “The blue bioeconomy requires innovative and sustainable responses, and this visit demonstrated the strategic importance of applied research and knowledge transfer to industry.”
EntoGreen, the host of the session, is a Portuguese company specialised in the valorisation of agro-industrial by-products through insect bioconversion. Its work contributes directly to the circular economy and food waste reduction – values that are fully aligned with the objectives of the InsectERA Agenda.
The event gathered representatives from aquaculture, animal feed production, scientific research, food distribution, and regulatory bodies, creating space for dialogue around the challenges and opportunities related to incorporating insects into fish feed.
This initiative formed part of the InsectERA Agenda’s broader strategy to foster awareness and acceptance of sustainable new products on the market, while also contributing to the development of policies and regulations that support more responsible and circular practices within the food production sector.
