Insect protein: Vogelsbergkreis becomes a pioneer of sustainable agriculture!

Insect protein: Vogelsbergkreis becomes a pioneer of sustainable agriculture!

In the Vogelsberg district, an important initiative to promote insect protein in agriculture is underway. Andreas Köck and Oliver Klein, founder of Entosolutions GmbH, presented their vision at the local farm assembly in Frischborn, which took place on April 2, 2025. They strive to make the Vogelsberg district a model region for the production of insect protein that comes directly from regional farmers. They are supported by the Justus Liebig University Gießen and the Fraunhofer Institute.

district farmer Andreas Kornmann emphasized that 2025 was an “eventful year” for agriculture. In this context, political changes were also discussed, in particular the desire for less bureaucracy in agricultural administration. Michael Ruhl, State Secretary in the Hessian Ministry of Agriculture, spoke about the climatic conditions and the challenges of animal diseases. He also expressed confidence in relation to EU agricultural policy and ongoing bureaucracy.

animal welfare and structures in focus

The Hessian state government has known itself to maintain animal husbandry and is committed to the preservation of regional slaughterhouse. Ruhl also spoke of the introduction of the “Trendar Weam” in Hessian hunting law, which is supposed to offer additional protection for farm animals. In this context, District Administrator Dr. Jens Mischak his concerns about animal rights activists who enter agricultural businesses.

dr. Mischak also called for a departure of the crusted bureaucratic structures and a clear signal from the federal government for the fair payment of the services of farmers. The discussion about animal welfare and the role of agriculture for nutritional security remains centrally in the debate.

insect protein as solutions for challenges

A central concern of Entosolutions is the integration of insect protein into pig feeding. The aim is to replace animal protein with insect protein and thus make a sustainable contribution to nutritional security. This vision is to be put into practice by a joint project to produce insect proteins in a system hall.

In a broader European perspective, the EU-financed Susinchain project shows how insects can help as an alternative protein source to meet the food needs of a growing population and to promote sustainability in agriculture. The project brings industry, government and science together to reduce obstacles in the insect sector. The goals include the development of risk management strategies, new processing technologies and ecologically sustainable business models.

A result of research shows that the transfer of toxins and pathogens is minimal on breeding insects. Innovative approaches to optimize existing processes and the development of standardized protocols are intended to help facilitate the market launch of insect protein. In addition, two real laboratories were set up to practically analyze insect breeding and learn first -hand.

The fragmentation of European insect research is viewed as an obstacle to the optimal use of insect protein. Nevertheless, the Susinchain project has placed basic prerequisites for the high scaling of the insect sector in Europe in order to offer a resource -saving solution for agriculture in the long term.