Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) and Chiang Mai University have signed an MoU to develop insect-based proteins.
The agreement aims to commercialize insect-based protein as a sustainable alternative food source for animals and humans. As part of this agreement, CP Foods will finance the project and jointly develop the first smart farm for black soldier flies in Thailand. This pilot farm will also be a learning center for students, farmers and the community.
The Memorandum of Understanding aims to commercialize insect-based protein as a sustainable alternative food source for animals and humans. Photo: Koos Groenewold
“Chiang Mai University and CP Foods have the same goal: To study the new products to move the Thai agricultural sector towards sustainable growth, using a BCG economic model as an outline. This research will not only benefit both organizations, but also farmers across the country who can generate additional income from this new economic insect, ”said Dr. Yuthana Phimolsiripol, director of the Center for Food Innovation and Packaging at Chiang Mai University.
Sustainable food trend
Dr. Pairat Srichana, senior vice president of CP Foods, noted that in response to the new trend and building more sustainable foods, the company has been working on alternative sources of protein, be it vegetable protein, cell-based protein, or insect-based food control protein. The company is very interested in the insect sector. He added that CP Foods developed cricket fodder in 2013 and began researching the benefits of the black soldier fly in 2016. “The black soldier fly is a sustainable choice for alternative sources of protein and fat. That is why we produce a traceable and value-adding insect protein, ”said Dr. Srichana.
