The agreement, which was recently signed by Clinical Professor Niwes Nantachit, MD, President of Chiang Mai University, and Dr Pairat Srichana, senior vice president of CP Foods, aims at commercialising insect-based protein that is a sustainable alternative food source for animals and humans. It is also offering great circular economy opportunities since the insects can efficiently help recycle biowaste.

Associate Professor Dr Yuthana Phimolsiripol, director of Food Innovation and Packaging Center (FIN) at Chiang Mai University, said that, initially, the University researched on multiple black soldier fly products such as skincare from the insect’s larvae oil. The University has joined hands with CP Foods to explore commercial opportunities from the research.

Under this MoU, CP Foods will fund the project and jointly develop the first smart farm for black soldier fly in Thailand. This pilot farm will also be a learning centre for students, farmers, and the community.

“Chiang Mai University and CP Foods have the same goal, which is to explore the new products for driving Thai agriculture sector towards sustainable growth, using BCG economy model as an outline. This research will not only benefit both organisations, but also farmers across the country, who can generate extra income from this new economic insect.” Dr Yuthana.

Dr Pairat added that CP Foods has been working on alternative protein sources, whether it is plant-based protein, cell-based protein, and insect-based protein in response to the new sustainable food trend and building food security.

He explained that the company has a keen interest in insect sector. Previously, the company has developed cricket feed in 2013 and starting to research on the benefits of black soldier fly in 2016.

“Black soldier fly is a sustainable choice for alternative protein and fat sources. Therefore, we are making a traceable and value-added insect protein. We hope that our partnership with Chiang Mai University will pave the way for a sustainable and profitable insect industry in Thailand.” Dr Pairat said.