Conference: eating insects: are we ready? 10.15: Eating insects: is the policy ready?Which insects can currently be marketed in the EU? And in Belgium? Why these and notothers (yet)?A concise summary of the current rules and changes in legislation (Federal Public HealthService).11.00: Eating insects: is the sector ready?
Main research questionRearing insects is considered a new, challenging agricultural activity. But what is possible on an existing farm? Which insect thrives best in an existing space? What adjustments are needed and what difficulties are experienced with this type of husbandry?
Transmission occurs by insects, but which ones were not yet clear.
Some insects and mites steal genes from other organisms to make themselves immune to plant toxins.
University College Ghent (HoGent) takes soil samples to measure the carbon reserves, follows up the evolution of the vegetation, uses camera's to study insects and conducts surveys supported by images for the people using the area for recreation.Relevance/ValorizationOutput includes organization of workshops and preparation of fact sheets for nature
technology with special attention for possible resistance, (2) develop a decision-supporting tool for grain storage management, and (3) raise awareness about resistance to plant protection products and grain storage techniques.Research approachNovIGRain will develop a new type of plant protection product that targets the larval development stage of insects
Research approachThe response of native species to a range of green-coloured traps will be studied; all traps, with or without decoy insects, will be compared in Belgium under different conditions. The best trap type will then be equipped with lures.
For the insects we will cover: three species on pines, namely Chionaspis pinifoliae (an armoured scale insect), Crisicoccus pini (a mealybug) and Toumeyella parvicornis (a soft scale insect); the moth Garella musculana on walnut; and the polyphagous winged cicada Pochazia shantungensis.Research approachDetermining the status of these plant pathogens
One example is to plant flowering borders that attract beneficial insects.Research approachWe bring farmers together and provide them with knowledge to implement these farming practices. Other actors in the landscape (landowners, managers of public green space) are also involved to exchange experiences and ideas during networking sessions.
There is now a status determination of the insects, mites, fungi and viruses listed in the DROPSA alert list in Belgium.2.