The 5th edition of the "Insects to Feed the World" (IFW 2024) conference, organized by the Asian Food and Feed Insect Association (AFFIA), concluded with resounding success at the Singapore EXPO from June 19th to 22nd, 2024. The event served as a pivotal platform for advancing dialogue and collaboration in the insect feed and food sector.
Over 600 participants attended IFW 2024, underscoring its significance as a global gathering of industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and entrepreneurs committed to exploring innovative solutions for food and feed security.
Significant Talks and Regulatory Milestones
- Singapore Food Agency (SFA): Herman Teo discussed "Developing a Comprehensive Insect Regulatory Framework for Singapore."
- MUIS (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura): Nur Sharalyn Abdullah presented on “Assessing Halal Certification of Insects.” Singapore achieved its first halal certification for insects by MUIS, reflecting its commitment to diverse dietary needs and food security.
Sessions and Discussions
The conference featured five parallel sessions covering a wide range of topics:
- Insect regulatory frameworks
- Engineering and biology
- Market outlooks
- BSF (Black Soldier Fly) developments in China
- Breeding strategies
These sessions facilitated robust discussions and knowledge exchange among participants, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience throughout the event.
Technical Meeting on BSF Initiatives
A technical meeting focused on Singapore's Black Soldier Fly (BSF) initiatives, including community engagement and projects at the SFA Marine Aquaculture Centre on St. John Island. This provided attendees with insights into Singapore's sustainability projects using the Black Soldier Fly.
Culinary and Cultural Experiences
- Chef Joseph Yoon and students from Nanyang Polytechnic crafted insect-based dishes, showcasing innovative culinary applications.
- Documentary photographer and filmmaker Umberto Diecinove enriched the cultural dimension with his "I N S C T S" gallery, capturing diverse perspectives from the global insect industry, and hosted insightful discussions through his "Get the Bug" podcast.
Looking Forward
Reflecting on the success of IFW 2024, organizers expressed gratitude to participants, sponsors and partners for their contributions in advancing the transformative potential of insects in sustainable food systems.
The next IFW will be held in Turin, Italy, in 2026, managed by ASIFF (Academic Society for Insects as Food and Feed), with applications now open for IFW 2028. AFFIA will be hosting the next annual Asian Insect Industry & Research Forum in 2025. Details will be available on the AFFIA website and social media later this year. AFFIA will also be present at:
- AFTEA Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia 2024 from November 19-21 at the Singapore Sands Hall and Expo Convention Centre
- Taiwan Smart Agriweek 2024 conference from September 11-13 at TaiNEX 1, Taipei
- VIV Asia in Bangkok, Thailand from 12-14 March 2025
For more information, visit AFFIA.
