Policy Activities
Insects as Strategic Enablers — EU Livestock Strategy for Insect Producers
IPIFF submitted its Position Paper towards the European Commission Consultation towards an EU Livestock Strategy.
IPIFF in its Position Paper argues that the EU Livestock Strategy positions insect farming as a strategic activity within a multi-level, regionally tailored governance framework.
IPIFF calls for regulatory clarity to be a core priority: insect-specific pathways for organic production, insect frass as a fertilizer, and expanded, traceable feeding substrates guided by EFSA risk assessments.
IPIFF argues for a clear push to unlock investment, market access, and consumer trust through targeted funding, procurement pilots, and a formal protein-diversification pathway.
Moreover, IPIFF argues the need for alignment with broader EU goals (circular economy, environment, Horizon Europe, digital agriculture, trade) to scale insect-based inputs and products across livestock, aquafeed, and related markets.
IPIFF propositions in the Strategic pillars of an EU livestock Strategy
1) Governance, Regions, and Administrative Burden
- Insects must be recognised as a strategic farming activity within a multi-level governance framework.
- Regions can design insect-related interventions aligned with national livestock objectives.
- Regulatory procedures should be harmonised and risk-based, with simpler reporting and approvals.
- Data and monitoring will include insect-sector metrics; a standing IPIFF–EC engagement body will help steer policy updates.
2) Regulatory Clarity and Standards
- Tailored pathways for organic insect production, fertilizers (frass), and broader feeding substrates, grounded in EFSA risk assessments.
- Transitional provisions to avoid delays; parallel EFSA risk assessments to accelerate approvals.
- Secure, traceable supply chains with lifecycle monitoring; robust origin labelling and risk communication to support market uptake.
- A formal protein-diversification pathway will anchor insects in sustainable feed and related markets.
3) Insect-Driven Market Development and Public Support
- Eligibility for rural development funds, innovation schemes, and public–private financing to scale insect production.
- Reduced barriers for insect SMEs via accessible financing and risk-sharing arrangements.
- Promotion, procurement policies, and lead markets to drive awareness and uptake of insect-derived products across EU and export markets.
- Public procurement can set sustainability criteria to stimulate demand pull for organic soil fertilizer from insect frass, sustainable protein rich animal feed and/or food; Horizon Europe partnerships can co-finance scaled deployment.
4) Innovation, R&D, and Governance
- R&D aligned across Horizon Europe, CAP-like instruments, and the bioeconomy to advance breeding, feed safety, automation, frass processing, and lifecycle assessment.
- Insect-sector indicators to be integrated into EU livestock monitoring with annual updates.
- Preparedness provisions to address crises (conflict, climate risks, market shocks) via scalable production paths.
Read the IPIFF Position Paper, here.
Other Policy Activities- European Commission
IPIFF is currently working towards the delivery of the following Position Papers, while simultaneously participating in different policy meetings promoted by the European Commission targeting the mentioned policies and building strategic partnerships with other EU sector-wide organizations to advance the sector.
Products derived from animal by-products as component materials in EU fertilising products
Topic: Single market
Type of act: Delegated regulation 2026
Feedback period: Until 11 May
National targets and flexibilities in the EU climate policy framework after 2030 – review
Topic: Climate action
Type of act: Proposal for a regulation
Feedback period: Until 04 May 2026
Legal framework for the possible use of international carbon credits towards the 2040 EU climate law target
Topic: Climate action
Type of act: Proposal for a regulation
Feedback period: Until 04 May 2026
Food and feed safety – simplification omnibus
Topic: Food safety
Type of act: Proposal for a regulation
Feedback period: Until 25 May 2026
Industrial Accelerator Act – speeding up decarbonisation
Topic: Single market
Type of act: Proposal for a regulation
Feedback period: Until 08 June
Biotech Act
Topic: Food safety, Public health
Type of act: Proposal for a regulation
Feedback period: Until 08 June 2026
Other Policy Activities- European Parliament
IPIFF maintains close engagement with Members of the European Parliament across several parliamentary committees on dossiers of strategic importance to the sector. On behalf of EU insect producers, IPIFF seeks to counter proposals that could adversely affect the sector, while advocating for research opportunities, funding and competitiveness-support measures for insect producers. These efforts at the European Parliament level also reinforce our engagement with the European Commission, helping to secure broad sector backing from EU institutions that play a central role in shaping and finalizing policy proposals.
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
- Establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Union’s biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors particularly in the area of health and amending Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 1394/2007, (EU) No 536/2014, (EU) 2019/6, (EU) 2024/795 and (EU) 2024/1938 (European Biotech Act).
- Establishing the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2028-2034, laying down the rules for participation and dissemination under that Programme.
Committee on Fisheries
- Committee Opinion on Establishing the conditions for the implementation of the Union support to the Common Fisheries Policy, to the European Ocean Pact and of the Union’s maritime and aquaculture policy as part of the National and Regional Partnership Fund for the period from 2028 to 2034.
Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
- Establishing the conditions for the implementation of the Union support to the Common Agriculture Policy for the period from 2028 to 2034.
Committee on Regional Development
- Opinion from the Committee – Establishing the conditions for the implementation of the Union support to the Common Agriculture Policy for the period from 2028 to 2034.
Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
- Opinion from the Committee – Establishing the conditions for the implementation of the Union support to the Common Agriculture Policy for the period from 2028 to 2034.
- Establishing the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund.
Policy Meetings
IPIFF’s Secretary-General will meet the President of the Bio-Based Industries Consortium, Mr. Phillipe Mengal, to explore how the consortium’s role in implementing the Bioeconomy Strategy can translate into concrete support for the sector.
Following IPIFF’s official membership, the organization has become a pivotal voice in shaping support measures and, now representing the European insect sector, is committed to ensuring proposed policies deliver tangible benefits for insect farmers.
To recall, that this meeting follows the previous meeting held by IPIFF President, Adriana Casillas and IPIFF Secretary-General, Steven Barbosa with the Director-General of the Circular Biobased Europe Joint Undertaking in early March.
Organizational Work
YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS IMPORTANT
European Commission survey on finance in the Aquaculture sector
We invite you to participate in this short survey on access to finance in the aquaculture sector. This questionnaire is part of a study commissioned by the European Commission (DG MARE) to support the preparation of a background paper on “Attracting investments for aquaculture – competitive and sustainable production growth.”
The study aims to better understand:
- the main barriers aquaculture producers face in accessing finance
- the types of financing currently used and needed
- and the conditions required to attract more private investment into the sector.
Your input will help identify practical solutions and inform future policy and investment approaches at EU level.
The survey should take 10–15 minutes to complete. All responses will be treated confidentially and analysed in an aggregated form only.
The deadline for completing this survey is April 26th, 2026.
DEADLINE: 26 April 2026 — Please submit your answers directly via the EC survey link and return the completed document to the IPIFF Secretariat so that we can consolidate member responses and compile a sector report on your behalf.
The answers compiled on behalf of IPIFF members will enrich the already developed work on scientific, market and institutional validation of the role of insect meal in aquaculture. This compiled data to showcase the European Commission that sustainable aquafeed producers need specific and targeted support measures.
Please reply to the European Commission survey, here >
Please share your answers to the survey with IPIFF, by returning the filled form >
Shape the Future of European Insect Sector: Participate in the Critical 2026 IPIFF Industry Survey!
The European insect sector is no longer an emerging concept—we are in the midst of a rapid upscaling and commercial consolidation phase. Our progress is being watched by investors, policymakers, and value chain partners across the globe. To ensure our collective voice is heard clearly and backed by the most compelling evidence, we must speak with one voice, supported by the most current and robust data.
This is why the IPIFF Secretariat is thrilled to announce the relaunch of our flagship Industry Data Survey, now supercharged by the participation of the 50+ member companies of the UK Edible Insect Association. This unprecedented collaboration marks a significant step forward in the representativeness and impact of our advocacy work.
Why Your Participation Matters Now More Than Ever
The information you provide will be the bedrock of our upcoming advocacy toolkit, designed to support your business and the entire sector.
This updated brochure, scheduled for publication in May 2026, will be an indispensable tool for your own outreach to investors, commercial prospects, and media.
PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY NOW >
The 3-day onsite programme is designed by industry experts and combines technical lectures, hands-on practice, and real-world field visits. It is aimed at entrepreneurs, agri-food professionals, and anyone looking to start or scale a BSF farming operation with confidence.
Groups are intentionally kept small — 4 to 6 participants per session — to ensure personalised attention and direct mentoring from experienced practitioners.
Upcoming Dates
- 28–30 April 2026
- 19–21 May 2026 — fully booked
- 30 June – 2 July 2026
- 29 September – 1 October 2026
- 27–29 October 2026 — fully booked
- 24–26 November 2026
What to Expect on Site
- Engaging lectures: BSF biology, feed optimisation, rearing techniques, climate control, and business development.
- Hands-on activities: practical experience with rearing, sieving, and state-of-the-art breeding systems.
- Field trips: visits to real-world waste handling and commercial BSF operations.
- Expert guidance: one-on-one support from seasoned professionals.
For further information, contact: info@insectengineers.com
Save The Date | Events
Join Us in Turin: IPIFF General Assembly & IFW 2026
June 2026 | Turin, Italy
The countdown is on. This June, the global insect sector gathers in Turin for two landmark events that will shape the future of insect-based food and feed. IPIFF warmly encourages all members to secure their place and be part of these important moments for our community.
IPIFF General Assembly — Members Only
The IPIFF General Assembly provides a dedicated forum for members to exchange insights and sector updates, discuss strategic priorities, and contribute to shaping the future direction of the organisation. This exclusive meeting remains a cornerstone for strengthening collaboration within the IPIFF network.
Registration deadline: 15 May 2026
📅 June 8, 2026, from 14h00 to 17h30, followed by a B2B event between Industry & Academic Members and Joint Dinner.
🏢 Hilton Double Tree Hotel, located within the same Lingotto complex that hosts the IFW conference, in Turin
➡️ Register here to attend the IPIFF Physical General Assembly on the 8th of June in Turin.
IFW 2026 — Insects to Feed the World
IFW 2026 is the leading global event focused on insects as a sustainable solution for food and feed. Participants will include researchers and academic experts, industry leaders and entrepreneurs, and policymakers and institutional representatives — all working together to explore innovations, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of insect-based production systems.
Early bird registration ends: 22 May 2026 | www.ifw2026.org
📅 June 9–12, 2026
🏢 Lingotto Conference Center
➡️ Register here to attend the Insects to Feed the World Conference. IPIFF Members enjoy an extended early bird fee until the 22nd of May.
Sponsorship Opportunities
IPIFF invites organisations to participate as sponsors and gain visibility on an international stage. Benefits include enhanced exposure to a global, high-level audience, direct engagement with stakeholders across the value chain, and positioning as a leader in sustainable food innovation.
Explore sponsorship opportunities: www.ifw2026.org
IPIFF Annual Event in the European Parliament:
Mark Your Calendars!
We are delighted to announce that planning is now well underway for IPIFF’s flagship Annual Event, which will take place on 8-9 December in the heart of European decision-making: the European Parliament.
This year’s edition is titled “Insects for Europe: A blueprint for EU leadership in the Circular Bioeconomy – from Farm to Sea.” It promises to be a landmark occasion to showcase the insect farming sector’s pivotal role in advancing sustainable food systems, circularity, and innovation across the EU.
More updates to be provided very soon! Stay Tuned!
Mark Your Calendars New Dates
We kindly ask you to reserve both 8 and 9 December in your calendars:
- 7 December: IPIFF General Assembly Meeting (location and details to follow).
- 8 December: IPIFF Annual Event at the European Parliament.
Behind the Scenes
IPIFF is working closely with the Parliament Magazine and the European Parliament to deliver the best event ever! IPIFF is supported by Event and Content Managers.
Who’s already confirmed?
Already confirmed speakers include representatives of Argenta, EU Federation of Aquaculture Producers, FEFAC, Biomar, German Agricultural Society and Members of the European Parliament taking part of the Committees on Agriculture & Rural Development and Fisheries.
Stay Tuned
Further details—including the full programme, registration information, sponsorship opportunities and logistical notes—will follow in the coming weeks. We look forward to gathering with you in Brussels for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful moment for our sector.