Insects in feed: a sustainable protein source with strong potential

DLG expert article highlights opportunities and challenges – topic to be featured at the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Show 2026 at EuroTier in Hanover, Germany

The use of insects in animal feed has emerged as a promising solution in the agricultural and food sectors. A recent expert article prepared for the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Show 2026, titled “Inhouse Farming: Insects in feed – utilisation, suitability and perspectives”, highlights the significant potential of insects in animal nutrition due to their high nutrient content and versatile applications. At the same time, it outlines the regulatory framework and assesses the current state of development in Europe. The topic will be part of the technical program of the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Show 2026, taking place from 10 to 13 November 2026 as part of EuroTier 2026 in Hanover, Germany.

The article makes clear that insect larvae — particularly those of the black soldier fly — represent an interesting source of protein. The larvae can be produced efficiently and used in various forms in animal feed. In addition to their nutritional suitability, factors such as processing, quality assurance and integration into existing feed concepts play an important role. The article also emphasises that further market development will largely depend on economic factors, regulatory requirements and the scalability of production.

Alternative protein source with high nutrient density

Insects offer a wide range of valuable components, including high-quality proteins as well as other nutritionally relevant substances. This makes them well suited as a supplement or alternative to established protein sources in animal nutrition. Various processing forms are in focus — from whole larvae to processed protein fractions — which can be flexibly used depending on species and application. Alongside nutrient composition, increasing attention is being paid to process quality, product safety and standardisation.

Building block for more resilient value chains

Insects can also be produced in controlled, closed systems and enable the targeted use of organic residual materials. This opens up new approaches for more efficient, circular value chains.

At the same time, further development depends strongly on overarching framework conditions, including regulatory requirements, economic scalability and the establishment of standardised production and processing processes. Within this context, new perspectives are emerging for the sustainable development of animal nutrition.

Perspectives for the food and feed industry

Insects are increasingly gaining importance as an ingredient in food applications as well. Through a series of expert presentations on the Expert Stage, the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Show 2026 will cover the full spectrum: from market developments in Europe and worldwide to processing and product development, as well as requirements related to quality, food safety and consumer acceptance — complemented by application areas such as pet food. The event thus offers a comprehensive overview of insects as a resource for both feed and food markets.

Conclusion: a key technology for transforming agriculture and food systems

Insect-based feed solutions exemplify the transformation of agricultural and food systems. They combine sustainability, innovation and economic potential. The Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Show 2026 will showcase these developments and foster interdisciplinary dialogue on the future of protein supply.

Inhouse Farming as a driver of new production systems

Industrial insect production is closely linked to innovative Inhouse Farming approaches, including controlled production systems, automated processes and integrated circular solutions that make efficient use of by-products while generating new raw materials.

The Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Show 2026 builds on this concept: as part of EuroTier 2026, it provides an international platform for technologies, innovations and business models across the entire value chain — from feed production to food.

Platform for innovation and knowledge transfer

EuroTier is the world’s leading trade fair for professional livestock farming and management. It brings together international industry professionals and showcases forward-looking solutions for sustainable and productive agriculture – under the guiding theme “Intelligence in Animal Farming” in 2026. With the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Show, DLG is expanding this portfolio to include future-oriented topics such as insect production, alternative proteins, aquaculture and controlled agricultural systems. The platform addresses companies, start-ups, research institutions and agricultural businesses alike.

Further information:
www.inhouse-farming.com

Read the full expert article here.

Media contact:

Malene Conlong
Tel: +49 6924788237
Email: M.conlong@dlg.org

About DLG

With more than 30,000 members, DLG is a politically independent and non-profit organisation. DLG draws on an international network of some 3,000 food and agricultural experts. DLG operates with subsidiaries in 10 countries and also organizes over 30 regional agricultural and livestock exhibitions worldwide. DLG’s leading international exhibitions, EuroTier for livestock farming and Agritechnica for agricultural machinery, which are held every two years in Hanover, Germany, provide international impetus for the local trade fairs. Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, DLG conducts practical trials and tests to keep its members informed of the latest developments. DLG’s sites include DLG's International Crop Production Centre, a 600-hectare test site in Bernburg-Strenzfeld, Germany and the DLG Test Centre, Europe's largest agricultural machinery test centre for Technology and Farm Inputs, located in Gross-Umstadt, Germany. DLG bridges the gap between theory and practice, as evidenced by more than 40 working groups of farmers, academics, agricultural equipment companies and organisations that continually compare advances in knowledge in specific areas such as irrigation and precision farming.

www.dlg.org