Grant Award View - GA64089

• GA64089-V1 - Grant activities are interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic situation. (21-Apr-2020 )

Mexico and Australia share some contemporary environmental and social problems, including clearing land for agriculture and grazing. Both countries also have high rates of obesity and diabetes. Developing the Mexican and Australian edible insect industries not only helps address the above challenges; but also promotes Indigenous traditions, and creates innovative business opportunities.  

In August 2019, CRISO organised a three-day international symposium on edible insects in Brisbane, Australia.  The symposium brought together leading Mexican and Australian scientists, members of the local Indigenous community and representatives of the Australian edible insects industry. Across the three days, CSIRO identified the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of including native Australian insects in our diet. CSIRO looked to establish future research collaborations in the areas of culture, environment & biosecurity, health & diet, and commercialisation. 

Building from the symposium, CSIRO will produce a bilingual industry roadmap to identify the strategic priorities and knowledge required to grow an Australian insect industry. The roadmap will outline the potential environmental benefits and health implications of including insects in our diet. It will also include assessment of the edible insect industry’s potential to empower Indigenous communities. Through a collaboration with world edible insect expert, Dr Rene Cerritos (UNAM-Mexico). This Australia-based project will draw lessons from the Mexican experience.