The insect farmers turning to AI to help lower costs - BBC News

Makers of insect-based animal feed hope to be able to compete with soybeans on price.

15 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Full Circle Image caption, Felix Collins hopes that AI will enable him to farm insects more efficientlyBy MaryLou CostaBusiness reporterFelix Collins' job would not be suitable for anyone who is squeamish about insects.

The founder and boss of a company called Full Circle Biotechnology, he is in charge of 20 million black soldier fly larvae.

Based at a small, indoor facility on the outskirts of Bangkok, the firm rears the insects to produce animal feed for the country's shrimp and pig farms.

The larvae, which live in a dark, warm and humid environment, feed on fruit and vegetable waste sourced from food and drink manufacturers, before being harvested and combined with probiotic bacteria and mushrooms.

Mr Collins says the product is a more environmentally-friendly alternative to the soybean-based animal feeds that dominate the market. The latter have been repeatedly linked to deforestation in South America.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68880241

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