Farm Animals

Farmed Black Soldier Fly Larvae Welfare Standards

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are grown at enormous scale for animal feed, and their welfare status is uncertain but the scale demands precautionary consideration.

Key Facts

BSFL farming is one of the fastest-growing insect farming sectors globally
Larvae are harvested by heat or desiccation - methods whose welfare impact is unclear
BSFL are raised on organic waste materials, creating circular economy benefits
Larvae can be kept at very high densities as they show aggregation behaviour
Research into BSFL sentience and pain capacity is limited but growing

Welfare Considerations

Given the enormous numbers of BSFL farmed and the precautionary principle, developing welfare standards for their rearing and harvesting is prudent. Even if the probability of sentience is low, the scale of production means expected welfare impact could be significant. Humane harvest methods should be explored.

What You Can Do

Support research into invertebrate welfare including BSFL
Advocate for welfare standards for farmed insects regardless of sentience uncertainty
Choose insect-based products from transparent producers