Insect farming is growing rapidly as a sustainable protein source. Whether insects can suffer remains scientifically debated, but precautionary welfare standards are emerging for the sector.
The scientific community remains divided on insect sentience, but the scale of insect farming — potentially trillions of animals — means the stakes are very high. The precautionary principle argues for welfare consideration even where sentience evidence is uncertain. Key welfare concerns include crowding density, temperature management, and killing methods that minimise potential suffering.