New Insect Farming Substrate Increases Productivity

With food, water, and land becoming scarcer resources in some areas, finding alternative solutions to meet people’s basic needs is becoming a necessity. One solution to help alleviate food shortages is to take advantage of the health benefits and rapid reproduction rates of insect farming, or entomoculture.

To support the industry’s growth, Smithers-Oasis has developed Aqua Land™ foam, a substrate that creates a perfect environment for the cultivation of insects. Laying and incubating eggs in the foam is highly effective for hassle-free harvests with common species. By finding quicker, more productive ways to farm, this food source becomes more widely available to those who need it.

While edible insects are not popular in all areas of the world, they play a vital role in keeping an estimated two billion people well nourished! They may be small, but they are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, fat, and minerals.

 

Though Aqua Land™ foam can be used for a variety of insect species, this article will highlight the successes within the cricket farming industry. By using Aqua Land™ foam, cricket cultivators can simplify their setup, incubation, and cleanup operations. For example, the foam doesn’t need to be sterilized before use since it is free of pests, parasites, and fungi, and does not require humidity checks like many other substrates, because Aqua Land™ foam absorbs and retains water. Not only is Aqua Land™ foam easy to handle and lower maintenance, but it has also been shown to increase yield and growth rates, while boosting the survival rates of pinhead crickets.

Harvested crickets can be used as both food for people and feed for livestock, allowing people in areas with harsh farming conditions an alternative to produce vital nutrients in an accessible way. In addition, insect cultivation is a much more sustainable and eco-friendly option when compared to traditional animal agriculture. Entomoculture produces less greenhouse gas emissions, takes up less space, and provides valuable economic opportunities all over the world. Smithers-Oasis Engineered Products is thrilled to take such an active role in the sustainable, growing industry that is insect agriculture.