The 5th edition of the Insects to Feed the World (IFW 2024) conference, organized by the Asian Food and Feed Insect Association (AFFIA), was a resounding success at the Singapore EXPO from June 19-22, 2024. The event served as a pivotal platform for advancing dialogue and collaboration in the insect feed and food sector.
Over 600 participants attended IFW 2024, underscoring its significance as a global gathering of industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs committed to exploring innovative solutions for food and feed security.
Key highlights included significant talks by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Herman Teo, on Developing a Comprehensive Insect Regulatory Framework for Singapore and by MUIS (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura) representative, Nur Sharalyn Abdullah, on Assessing Halal Certification of Insects. Notably, Singapore achieved a milestone with its first halal certification for insects by MUIS, reflecting its commitment to diverse dietary needs and food security.
The conference featured five parallel sessions covering a wide range of topics, including insect regulatory frameworks, engineering, biology, and “Lunch and Learn” sessions on market outlook, BSF developments in China, and breeding strategies. These sessions facilitated robust discussions and knowledge exchange among participants, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience throughout the event.
Additionally, IFW 2024 included a technical meeting focused on Singapore's Black Soldier Fly (BSF) initiatives, including community engagement and projects at the SFA Marine Aquaculture Centre on St. John Island, providing attendees insights into Singapore's sustainability projects using the black soldier fly.
The culinary experience at IFW 2024 was enhanced by insect-based dishes crafted by chef Joseph Yoon and students from Nanyang Polytechnic, showcasing innovative culinary applications. Documentary photographer and filmmaker Umberto Diecinove enriched the cultural dimension with his "I N S C T S" gallery, capturing diverse perspectives from the global insect industry and hosting insightful discussions through his "Get the Bug" podcast.
Reflecting on the success of IFW 2024, organizers expressed gratitude to participants, sponsors, and partners for their contributions in advancing the transformative potential of insects in sustainable food systems. The next IFW will be held in Turin, Italy, in 2026, managed by ASIFF (Academic Society for Insects as Food and Feed), with applications now open for IFW 2028.
AFFIA will be hosting the next annual Asian Insect Industry & Research Forum in 2025. Details will be available on the AFFIA website and social media later this year. AFFIA will also be present at the AFTEA Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia 2024 from November 19-21 at the Singapore Sands Hall and Expo Convention Center, the Taiwan Smart Agriweek 2024 conference from September 11-13 at TaiNEX 1, Taipei and VIV Asia in Bangkok, Thailand from 12-14 March 2025.
