Day: November 16, 2023

Farm Animals, General News

EU (Eurogroup for Animals): Insect farming: our three biggest concerns with the rapidly growing sector.

16 November 2023

Did you know that several insects are authorised for farming in Europe?

Insect farms are on the rise in the EU, and the growth of the sector has been rapid, with trillions of insects set to be farmed by 2030. Not only is insect welfare not being taken into account as this sector explodes, but the industry could have a major impact on intensive livestock farming as a whole.

Insect farming is not being widely talked about by key decision-makers at EU level, but it should be. 

Research into the welfare of insects is scarce compared to other vertebrates, but the science so far reveals they are sentient beings, with a range of feelings and needs.

Further, research into insect farming shows the growing sector could have a big impact on the planet if allowed to proceed at its current growth rate, without policies in place to manage it. 

Our three key concerns:

Insects are sentient beings

Insects are sentient beings that can feel pain, experience emotion, socialise, play, and much more. Like with any other animal, they should therefore have their welfare needs protected – however, no EU policies to this end are currently in place, leaving trillions of insects open to suffering in the coming years.

This must change – and policymakers could start by developing measures to improve insect diets on factory farms. Our report uses the latest research to make recommendations.

Insect farming is risky

Due to its fast growth, industrial insect farming poses several threats to the environment and other animals, especially by:

Facilitating the spread of pathogens

Possibly disrupting ecosystems

Using GMO to increase productivity on farms, the consequences of which are so far unknown.

This could lead to major issues for animal welfare, public health and the planet – making it even more critical that this expanding sector is closely monitored and regulated as soon as possible.

Regards Mark

Farm Animals, General News, Vegan Recipes

England: Keeping hens clucking, pigs oinking and cows mooing. Free to live their best lives. Now that’s what we call plant positivity.

Disclaimer.

The purpose of this site is to be informative of animal welfare / rights issues.  I never take any financial support for advertising products or anything else at all; what you see is input, nothing else.  What you see here in this post is my input to a food which I fully support.  It can be purchased here in the UK no problem – overseas ?; for more info and products go to Vegan organic Bakery baking delicious pies, quiches, tarts and nut roasts (clivespies.com)

They say:

We want to make eating animals a thing of the past.

With your help, we’re changing the world, one irresistible bite at a time. Choosing Clive’s keeps hens clucking, pigs oinking and cows mooing. Free to live their best lives. Now that’s what we call plant positivity.

We say:  Last night for dinner, as we have many times before, had a Clives nut roast with vegetables, seeds and herbs.  Click on link above. It was great as always; if you are able, then please give it a try.

Regards Mark

Enjoy – Going to the city by Hugh Cornwell.

Environmental, Farm Animals, General News, Vegan Recipes

England: German Analysis of 37 Studies Shows Meat and Dairy Out, But Changing to Whole Grains, Beans, Nuts and Olive Oil Significantly Reduces Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes. (Guardian London).

Plant-based swaps may cut diabetes and heart disease risk, major review finds

Analysis of 37 studies finds largest health benefits come from replacing processed meat, with 20% reduction in type 2 diabetes

Replacing meat and dairy with whole grains, beans, nuts and olive oil may significantly reduce cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, according to a major review into the impact of diet on health.

Researchers in Germany analysed 37 published studies to assess the benefits of switching from red and processed meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products to plant-based foods such as beans, nuts, whole grains, oils, fruit and vegetables.

Read in full at:

Plant-based swaps may cut diabetes and heart disease risk, major review finds | Health | The Guardian

Regards Mark