A free online webinar this Friday will delve into the market trends and consumer behaviors shaping the insect farming industry. Geared toward producers and growers interested in a new source of income, the event will provide key insights into the socioeconomic factors driving the adoption of insect-based proteins.
Scheduled for Friday, July 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. CST, the webinar features two leading experts: Dr. Lonnie Hobbs, Jr., and Dr. Kotsou Konstantina.
Dr. Hobbs, an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, will present “Consumer Demand and Market Signals: Socioeconomic Drivers of Insect Protein Adoption in Food and Feed.” His presentation will focus on consumer perceptions and willingness to pay for insect-based proteins in pet food and other food and feed industries. He will share recent survey and experimental data, revealing how factors like environmental values, income, education, and trust in food innovation influence pet owners’ acceptance of insect proteins. These insights are critical for understanding how market signals can support the equitable and sustainable growth of the insect farming sector.
Dr. Kotsou, who holds a PhD in Novel Foods and Edible Insects from the University of Thessaly, will present “Novel Foods and Novel Challenges: Consumer Perspectives on Insect-Based Products in Europe.” Her talk will explore the use of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) as a sustainable protein source in common food products like bread, biscuits, and crackers. Drawing on scientific studies, she will examine the nutritional value and consumer acceptance of these products in Europe, as well as the challenges and strategies for integrating them into the European food system.
The Insect Farming Initiative Webinar Series was created to give people a way to learn about the growing field of insect farming, regardless of location. This installment of the series will provide valuable insights from global leaders and professionals to help producers and growers understand the opportunities and challenges in this evolving market.