Insect farms have the potential to transform the food system, but also pose new challenges. From animal welfare to biological control to ensure diseases form farmed insects don’t reach wild populations, responsible insect farms must ensure they follow the best science on welfare and sustainability issues.

As with any farmed animal, having many homogenous species in a small, contained area may result in an increase in diseases, including in native populations outside the farms. Our standards help farms ensure that sick insects are removed from populations, to prevent the spread of disease both within the farmed population and into native insect populations.

While there isn’t much evidence on insect sentience, there is a growing body of evidence that indicates that they may experience negative affective states, like other farmed animals. We work with farmers to ensure insect farming is done as humanely as possible.

Our guidelines were created in partnership with researchers, producers, and investors in the industry. Our guidelines are based on the best available scientific research, and incorporate feedback from both animal welfare scientists and leading industry experts.