Farm Animals

Farmed Insect Welfare Standards

Insect farming is expanding rapidly as a sustainable protein source, but welfare standards remain almost entirely absent despite growing scientific evidence that some insects can suffer.

Key Facts

Around one trillion insects are farmed globally each year
Black soldier fly, mealworm and cricket are the most commonly farmed species
Current slaughter methods include freezing, boiling and shredding, often without prior stunning
EFSA concluded in 2023 that there is 'some scientific evidence' for black soldier fly larval sentience

Welfare Considerations

Evidence for insect sentience is contested but growing. Some species show pain-avoidance learning, nociception and physiological stress responses. Farming at extreme densities in often poor conditions, followed by slaughter methods that may cause prolonged suffering, represents a welfare risk at enormous scale given numbers involved. Precautionary welfare standards are justified.

What You Can Do

Support research into insect sentience and welfare-conscious rearing methods
Choose insect protein products from producers who address welfare in their standards
Advocate for the inclusion of insect welfare in agricultural certification schemes
Engage with the Global Coalition for Insect Welfare's evidence and policy work