CBS segment pushes insects as 'low-carbon solution to feed animals and the world's population'

A news segment featured on CBS over the weekend suggested that bugs are a "low-carbon solution to feed animals and the world's population."

"CBS Saturday Morning" stated that incorporating bugs into the human diet could be a "real solution to the global food crisis."

Host Dana Jacobson introduced the segment by stating, "We all know how important insects are for the environment, but climate researchers say bugs could be a game-changer in the fight to protect the planet in ways you may not have imagined."

Reporter Tine Kraus explained that eating bugs is customary in some cultures.

"Now climate experts think the protein-packed pests could offer a real solution to the global food crisis. Scientists in Germany are not pushing to get the critters on your plate; they see another benefit," Kraus said.

The scientist interviewed for the news piece noted that his goal is not to force people to consume bugs but to use them as an alternative to animal feed.

"Our interest is to make insects as an alternative for the use of soybean-derived proteins," he said.

Kraus claimed that "large-scale" soybean farming has been "blamed for extensive deforestation."

The scientist described insects as the "perfect tool" to supply a "more sustainable production of proteins" since bug farming requires less food and water than soybean farming.

"And you can make so many things out of insects, and to make the world better," he claimed.

Kraus noted, "It's estimated up to 1.2 trillion insects are raised on farms each year as companies race to find a high-protein, low-carbon solution to feed animals and the world's population."

A report titled "Insect Animal Feed Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028" published earlier this year found that the global insect animal feed market is projected to reach $18,202.35 million in 2028, compared to $1,321.92 million in 2021, GlobeNewswire reported.

Mealworms, house fly larvae, and black soldier flies are the most common bugs used in insect animal feeds.

"Research has been conducted on pigs, poultry, and edible fish that are fed an insect-based diet. For swine and poultry, insects can offer the same amount of protein and necessary amino acids that could conceivably replace soybean meal in a diet," the report stated.

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