Insect farming is growing rapidly as a sustainable protein source, raising emerging welfare questions about the sentience of farmed insects.
Insect farming raises novel and complex welfare questions. The scientific evidence for insect sentience and pain capacity is uncertain and varies between species. Given this uncertainty, applying the precautionary principle suggests that farming and slaughter practices that minimise potential suffering should be preferred over those that do not. Research into insect welfare is needed to inform evidence-based standards.