4 April 2024

09:00 – 09:45

Amphi 2

Marie-Hélène Deschamps

As a biologist specializing in ecology, physiology and animal nutrition, I work to find innovative solutions in animal production. Since 2015, I’ve been particularly interested in the valorization of residual organic matter and the mass production of edible insects, with a view to redirecting them towards animal feed. My work is aimed at acquiring and transferring new knowledge in this emerging field; creating a stimulating research environment to address the various issues in the sector and, acting as a structuring player in the sector, a general effort to implement an applied circular economy model and optimize the exploitation of Quebec’s agri-food resources. Holder of the Leadership Chair in primary production and processing of edible insects and President of the Table filière d’insectes comestibles du Québec, my fields of interest are the valorization of residual organic matter, edible insects, nutrition, physiology and reproduction, optimization of primary production and processing, and the circular economy.

Is the overcycling of organic matter via insects a source of energy?

The overcycling of organic matter through the production of edible insects is an emerging circular economy model, both here and elsewhere. Increasing the number of insect farms in our regions would enable us to better manage our organic residues, while producing eco-responsible animal feed and creating circular economy loops. Insects have all the qualities needed to meet the many energy challenges facing our agri-food systems. Not only can insects reduce large volumes of wet matter on the farm without heat treatment (reducing methane emissions and GHGs linked to transport), they are also veritable energy factories, synthesizing and storing large quantities of lipid reserves (27-35%, fats) to ensure their phenomenal fecundity. Their frass is not to be outdone, with a methanogenic potential similar to that of other manures. This presentation will thus provide an overview of current concepts that would enable us to reduce our energy consumption via insects.