Thailand Approves Black Soldier Fly Larvae as Animal Feed

Thailand Sets New Standards for Black Soldier Fly Larvae as Sustainable Animal Feed

In a move to enhance sustainability and elevate the quality of Thai agricultural products, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has announced the approval of new standards for black soldier fly (BSF) larvae. This decision follows a meeting of the Agricultural Product Standards Committee No. 1/2024, chaired by Deputy Minister Anucha Nakasai, on April 4, 2024. 

Deputy Minister Anucha emphasized the importance of these standards in elevating the quality of Thai agricultural products in line with the policy of the Prime Minister, Mr. Settha Thavisin, who emphasizes increasing the income of Thai farmers.

Why is BSF important?

Farmers can utilize BSF larvae to reduce the cost of various animal feeds, including those for fish, chickens, and pigs. This sustainable and protein-rich option presents a promising solution for the agricultural industry. BSF larvae can be grown locally and serve as a nutrition supplement to animal farms.

Purchasing eggs from nurseries has become a usual practice making production much easier.  The setup for rearing can be minimal. At their larval stage, BSF worms consume a variety of organic matter, making them highly effective in decomposing organic waste.

The implementation of GAP standards will help farmer providing a guideline for production. Additionally, producing under similar conditions will contribute to normalize the market of BSF larvae products.

Approval of 5 Agricultural Product Standards

During the official meeting, 5 draft agricultural product standards were also reviewed and approved:

1. Durian Standards Update: Revisions to durian standards aim to reflect changing production and trade dynamics, enhancing the quality and commercial potential of Thai durian in domestic and international markets.
   

2. Orchid Farming Practices: Updates to orchid farming practices prioritize product quality, consumer safety, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that Thai orchids meet the highest standards.

3. Egg Collection Center Hygiene: The establishment of good hygiene practices for egg collection centers underscores food safety and hygiene, safeguarding the quality of egg products for consumers.

4. Sesame Farming Guidelines: Sesame farming guidelines promote sustainable agriculture and offer an alternative to off-season rice cultivation.

5. Antimicrobial Resistance Analysis: Guidelines for risk analysis of food-borne antimicrobial resistance. It specifies the steps and methods used to analyze the risk of foodborne antimicrobial resistance arising from the use of antimicrobials other than human use. (Non-Humanuse) such as the use of veterinary drugs and plant protection.

These developments highlight Thailand's government commitment to promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in its agricultural sector. By adopting new technologies and practices, Thailand is advancing sustainable agriculture and establishing standards that align with international benchmarks.