Fera Science Ltd (Fera), based in York, UK, has been appointed project lead for the Insect Farming Accelerator Programme to aid the UAE in further strengthening and diversifying its food and farming systems, whilst also advising on the safe and reliable use of certain insect species to assist in the management of food and agriculture residues, by-products and waste across the country.

This research on Insect Bioconversion (IB) has gained attention and support from the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and also aligns with the UAE’s sustainability goals.

Edward Hobart, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE confirms the existing close associations between the UK and the UAE:

"The UK and the UAE have always been strong partners in sustainable initiatives with this FCDO funded project further cementing our shared commitment to addressing global challenges, such as food security and climate change. This is another example of the important collaboration between the UK and our Emiratis friends in advance of the UAE hosting COP28 later this year."

For Fera, Damian Malins, Venturing Director says:

“Ongoing discussions between the UK and UAE on IB technology aim to explore the potential benefits of sustainable waste management and alternative protein production. The upcoming COP28 provides an opportunity to further discuss and implement these innovations.”

Project lead Dr Maureen Wakefield, Fera’s Principal Scientist and entomologist, says:

"Our collaborative and innovative project aims to establish benchmarks for safety and sustainability, aligning perfectly with the urgent themes of COP28, whilst also assessing the value of insect farming to the UAE and compatibility with existing food and feed safety regulations. The project will also consider the controls needed to ensure safe insect farming is adopted in the UAE protecting native species and making best use of cosmopolitan insect species such as black soldier fly.   
We call on experts and stakeholders to join us in our Insect Task Group and help play a central role in this project."

The Reforming the Food System – Insect Farming Accelerator Programme will encompass a food waste testing programme, create the Insect Task Group including the appointment of a Youth Champion, publish the UAE Insect Farming Road Map and drive wider awareness through webinars and implementation toolkits.

Damian Malins of Fera concludes:

"As a business, Fera is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, and this project represents the contribution of the UK’s expertise in supporting the need for sustainable agriculture and food security across the Gulf region.

It is an honour for Fera to collaborate with partners in the UAE and the UK and, most importantly, to contribute to the goals of COP28."

To learn more about the project and how to register interest in becoming a member of the Insect Task Group visit Fera's website or email damian.malins@fera.co.uk.