The highly anticipated annual RES Insects as Food and Feed (IAFF25) conference took place at Roehampton University on Thursday, 9 October 2025. This influential event brought together a vibrant community of scientists, farmers, food technologists, academics, entrepreneurs, legal experts, and chefs to explore the latest advances in insect protein as a sustainable and novel source of food and feed.

Hosted in partnership with Michelmores, IAFF25 continues to foster collaboration and innovation across the insect protein sector. The hybrid format allowed attendees both in-person and online to engage with groundbreaking research, regulatory developments, and market opportunities shaping the future of sustainable protein.

Michelmores supports the insect protein sector with legal guidance that helps innovators navigate complex legislation, ensuring safe, compliant, and successful market entry.

Rachel O'Connor, a Partner in Michelmores’ Agriculture team, has developed an expertise in the law relating to insects as an alternative protein source both in animal feed and for human consumption. Rachel led the Michelmores team advising on the legislative aspects of the WWF Roadmap to Accelerating Insect Protein in UK Feeds, providing guidance on the regulatory landscape, identifying legislative barriers to the scale-up of the industry, as well as making recommendations for change.

David Thompson, a Partner in Michelmores’ Commercial & Intellectual Property team, has strong agri-tech credentials, supporting a comprehensive array of clients operating in this field, including animal feed manufacturers. 

Nicole Hambleton, an Associate in Michelmores’ Employment and Immigration team, has experience advising innovative businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs, and supports clients pioneering sustainable food technologies to navigate complex UK immigration pathways and employment practices.

The conference programme featured dynamic sessions on critical topics including:

• The ethics of insect protein and the position of insect protein within the UK food system
• Nutritional benefits of insects in both animal feed and human diets
• Practical applications of insect protein in food and feed formulation
• Insect welfare, consumer acceptance, and pathways to mainstream market integration

Participants engaged in robust discussions and debates, sharing knowledge that will propel the sector forward in the years to come.

IAFF25 reaffirmed the premise of insect protein as a key component of sustainable food systems, offering solutions to global challenges of food security, environmental impact, and resource efficiency.

For more information on the Royal Entomological Society’s Food and Feed SIG and upcoming events, please visit: Insects as Food and Feed (SIG) 2025 - Royal Entomological Society