Tyson Foods Invests in INSECT Protein Production
Tyson Foods has announced plans to establish a facility in the United States that will produce insect-based protein.
The food company has invested a minority stake in Protix, a Dutch bug-protein firm. This partnership aims to raise insects for protein production, particularly the black soldier fly. These insects will be raised on a diet of livestock waste.
The black soldier fly “can grow on almost every type of food waste and byproduct you can imagine,” Protix CEO Kees Aarts explained.
While the bug protein produced in this facility is not intended for direct human consumption at the moment, it will be used in the formulation of animal feeds for pets, livestock, and fish.
According to reports from Fox News, the insect protein facility is expected to commence operations in 2025. The company’s investment in Protix underscores its aim to aid the “leading insect ingredients company” in expanding its global presence. A Tyson spokesperson also explained that the company’s intention is to lower its carbon “footprint” when producing protein.
“The insect lifecycle provides the opportunity for full circularity within our value chain, strengthening our commitment to building a more sustainable food system for the future,” Tyson’s CFO John R. Tyson said.
Tyson Foods’ decision to explore insect-based protein comes at a time when many world leaders have called for a deviation from traditional farm-animal protein sources. World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab, for example, has espoused the idea of shifting society to an insect-based diet to combat climate change and the human impact on the environment. Several companies have also invested in researching and manufacturing lab-grown meat, and this experimental venture has even received FDA and USDA approval.
