Infographic: Is Insect Farming the New Ag Frontier?

Raising bugs instead of beef? You bet—for food, research and fun, insects may be the farm animal of the future.

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by Lisa Munniksma

Since the 4th century B.C.—and perhaps even earlier—people have relied on insects as a dietary protein source. With no Piggly Wiggly down the street, early Greeks and Romans turned to cicadas, locusts and grasshoppers for dinner. Today, many Asian, African, and Central and South American cultures still feature insects on their menus. More Western culinarians are even turning their attention to edible insects, as well, as both a foodie trend and a more sustainable protein source for a growing world population.

With insects being put on the table—plus a market for research, agricultural and recreational purposes—farmers are looking to bugs to bring home the bacon for the small-scale farm. You can now find books, Internet discussion groups, cooperative-extension publications and more to support your bug-farming dreams. Here you’ll find some details and statistics to back up the current growing insect interests.

If you like what you see here, Open Bug Farm lets you learn from, share ideas with and ask questions of other insect-farming pioneers.

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Infographic: Is Insect Farming the New Ag Frontier? - Design by Emily Wong (HobbyFarms.com)
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About the Author: Freelance writer Lisa Munniksma blogs every week about ag news and opinion forHobbyFarms.com’s The News Hog, and you can also check up on her adventures in sustainable living, agriculture and food systems around the world at www.freelancefarmerchick.com.

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