French industry dominates the world insect market

French companies have become world leaders in insect-based products to feed animals, and soon humans. In Rethel (Ardennes), on a 16,000 m2 farm that emerged from the ground in 18 months, Cédric Auriol developed his business, Agronutris. 12 years of research and 100 million euros invested have made it possible to invent the breeding conditions for the black soldier fly. This species has the ability to transform its microscopic eggs into larvae 10,000 times larger. For ten days, they feed on plant waste recovered from nearby industries.

A market valued at several billion euros by 2030

Insect farming is a promising sector on which the French State has relied to ensure its food sovereignty. The public investment bank has supported several start-ups so that they develop on an industrial scale. The largest insect farm in the world is thus located in Nesles, in the Somme. This market is estimated at several billion euros by 2030, in a sector where France is positioned at the head.