Grow-at-home insect farm breaks crowdfunding goal

Billed as a sustainable solution to the ecological issues currently surrounding agriculture and livestock rearing,​​ BeoBia’s insect growing pods allow consumers to farm insects at home in order to reduce food waste and provide a source of protein. BeoBia claimed the product had the capacity to generate protein 22,000 times more water-efficient than beef.

The pods are made from recycled plant-based plastics from renewable sources – such as corn starch – using 3D printing techniques, which can be composted via industrial methods.

Recovering from the pandemic ​

Thomas Constant, founder of BeoBia, said: “As Western economies start recovering from this global pandemic, we are expecting to see a rise in consumer awareness around food – specifically its environmental impact and its nutritional benefit.​

“We believe that we are living through a food-enlightening period, with consumers aiming to become more self-sufficient, reducing pressure on the global supply chain.”​

The insect growing pod has been designed to be completely modular, allowing consumers to place it anywhere that is dry and at house temperature.

Ease of use​

Users feed each tray with fruit and vegetable waste, wait for the insects to develop, harvest them, and then turn them into sustainable, healthy food. They can be eaten whole or as a powder, and used in all meals, salads and baked goods.

“It’s all about what is available, sustainable, and affordable,”​ Constant added. “Edible insects are well-placed to solve this global issue. Already, over two billion people around the world eat insects, and we expect to see the edible insect industry continue to grow in Western countries throughout the 2020s.”​

Meanwhile, in May, gluten-free noodle manufacturer Mr Lee’s Pure Foods smashed its £1.75m crowdfunding target in less than a week,​​ as it set its sights on further international expansion.