The Insect Protein Association of Australia provides support, referral and advocacy for individuals and companies who are engaged or interested in working with insects as a product, or farming insects for sale as a protein for livestock feed. The insect for feed steering committee is a sub-committee within the IPAA. It is currently investigating relevant issues and policy needs of the sector, and continues to provide insight and support to members in this area.
The insect for feed industry in Australia comprises of five fly farms scaling to commercial capacity and a variety of smaller operations either developing their processes or commencing their research and development. In total, currently there are 45 individuals or companies who are actively pursuing farming fly larvae for livestock feed in Australia.
The feed steering committee has the determined the following:
Substrate
The IPAA recommends that all insect for livestock feed farmers consider both the waste management and handling regulations relative to their state or territory, in addition to the relevant livestock feed regulations relating to restricted animal material and other labelling standards and regulations. It is important to note that insects are considered animals as per the Livestock Feed Act of Australia – guidance relative to what can be fed to insects in each state can therefore be determined, based on the relevant information, for feeding livestock in each state.
Livestock feed
All insects destined to commercial livestock feed or pet food must meet the regulation requirements for these products as outlined by feed regulation, labelling and processing laws outlined by each state. The IPAA encourages all members to establish connection with relevant governing bodies on these issues in addition to consulting with the Stock Feed Manufacturers Council of Australia.
Steering committee
The IPAA will continue to work on building best practice and a portfolio of referral for members who are stakeholders in the insects for livestock feed industry, and will update member information accordingly. For more information, visit insectproteinassoc.com