Ynsect, a French company that grows farmed worms to create high-protein feed, has managed to raise about USD 15.2 million in funds it will invest to expand its insect protein production capacity.

This announcement comes shortly after EU Member States approved a proposal from the European Commission to allow a wider use of insect proteins in animal feed.

The outcome of the vote during a session of the EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, opens the way for insect protein to be used in fish feed in Europe from July 2017.

The main product of Ynsect is TMO – Tenebrio molitor protein – a de-fatted protein meal made of farmed mealworm larvae. It is the only such protein that shows considerable benefits to animal growth and health, when substituted for fishmeal in their diets.

The company uses a mix of robotics and artificial intelligence to breed worms with maximum efficiency. In addition, it takes advantage of all parts of the insects, so it generates very little waste.

So far, the resulting feed is used in animal feed and pet food.

Source: FIS // Original Article