Insects as a sustainable feed source: a key solution for agriculture in Colombia
In a pioneering effort to advance sustainable and agricultural practices with a lower footprint, the Dutch organization New Generation Nutrition is leading a transformative project to establish insect production, upscaling waste steams for animal feed in Colombia. This initiative harnesses Dutch expertise in insect farming, facilitating the transfer of knowledge to local centers of innovation like Agrosavia and empowering key social communities, such as the Kankuamo indigenous group. By fostering economic opportunities and promoting innovative systems thinking to support environmental sustainability in the Caribbean region, the project aims to generate long-term benefits for rural livelihoods, enhance Colombia’s agricultural sector as well as introduce NL private sector active in this field.
Insect farming is emerging in the Andes region as an innovative solution to address global challenges related to food security, environmental conservation, and sustainable agriculture. By producing protein-rich insect meal, this project aims to reduce reliance on conventional animal feed sources, such as soybean and fishmeal, which have long contributed to environmental degradation and compromised food security. The Netherlands has led the way in insect farming research, pioneering cutting-edge technologies and production methods that have become global benchmarks for sustainability in feed production. The knowledge developed in the Netherlands will be pivotal in ensuring the success and scalability of this initiative in Colombia.
Knowledge Transfer and Local Empowerment
New Generation Nutrition (NGN) is collaborating with local partners in northern Colombia to establish a demonstration farm focused on insect production. A cornerstone of the project is the active participation of the Kankuamo Indigenous community, which will take a central role in managing and operating the farm. This partnership is in line with broader goals to promote sustainable livelihoods, honor traditional knowledge, and integrate innovative agricultural practices. Through hands-on training and technical support, the project will equip local farmers with the skills necessary to run efficient and profitable insect farming operations.
The demonstration farm will utilize organic waste as feed for the insects, thereby reducing food loss and waste, creating a more circular production system which optimizes resource efficiency. This approach not only supports Colombia’s sustainability goals but also contributes to global efforts to build more resilient food systems.
Dutch-Colombian Cooperation
The collaboration between NGN and Colombian partners is a prime example of international cooperation driving positive change in agricultural innovation. Dutch expertise in insect farming is among the most advanced globally, with well-established research institutions and private sector initiatives leading the way in sustainable protein production. By sharing this knowledge, NGN aims to support Colombia’s transition toward more sustainable and locally-driven feed production, ensuring that small and medium-scale producers can benefit from technological advancements and global best practices.
The demonstration farm is expected to serve as a model for scaling up insect farming in Colombia, benefiting not only the Kankuamo community but also broader agricultural sectors, including poultry and aquaculture. By demonstrating the economic viability and sustainability of insect farming, the project has the potential to attract investment and policy support for further expansion. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for future partnerships and commercial-scale insect farming which will also benefit the Dutch private sector as well as operations across the country, reinforcing the role of insects as a viable and eco-friendly protein source.
This project marks a significant step in the journey toward sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices, demonstrating the power of cross-border cooperation and Indigenous engagement in shaping the future of food production.
More information
For any inquiries or further details about this project, please feel free to contact the LAN office in Bogotá at bog-lvvn@minbuza.nl.