Insects have been approved as a foodstuff in Switzerland for about one year now. However, the insects are currently bred and imported mainly from abroad. This is now set to change: Starting in September, Ensectable from Endingen in the canton of Aargau will breed organic mealworms and organic crickets, which will then be processed into snacks, protein bars or as ingredients for burgers.
According to the Swiss Climate Foundation, Ensectable will be in a position to produce around 12 tonnes of insects per year.
“If meat is replaced, this will save at least 290 tonnes of CO2 per year,” said Vincent Eckert, CEO of the Swiss Climate Foundation, which is why the foundation is providing financial support to the company.
“Precisely these types of innovations from SMEs have a positive impact on the climate,” said Eckert.
While the conventional meat and dairy industry requires large amounts of land and feed, insects live on a very small area and do not require feed from others, explained Mina Gloor, co-founder and breeder at Ensectable. Their mealworms and crickets feed on the by-products of organic beer and cereals, as well as organic vegetables that can no longer be sold.
Ensectable will hold an open door day on 8 September where visitors can see just how the insects are being bred. Tasty treats will also be available to sample.
