INERA, IITA AND STAKEHOLDERS HOLD WORKSHOP TOWARDS THE VALIDATION OF THE STANDARDS FOR BLACK SOLDIER FLY PRODUCTS.

As part of the BSF for Bio-Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability (BBEST) project activities, led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), the Institut National pour l'Etude et la Recherche Agronomiques (INERA), one of the project's partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo, held a two-day technical workshop in Kinshasa on 19-20 July. The aim of the workshop was to propose an inter-ministerial decree and define the standards for the use of black soldier fly larvae in animal feed. The event brought together various technical experts, representatives of the relevant ministries, researchers, members of environmental civil society and actors in organic waste recycling. The highlight of the workshop was a review of standards for the use of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) and its by-products in animal feeding and vegetable production. The discussions highlighted the critical importance of these standards in ensuring food safety and promoting environmental sustainability. Participants explored how these standards can ensure safe and healthy food by reducing pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella in animal feed. From an environmental perspective, the use of black soldier fly larvae offers an innovative solution for recycling organic waste, thereby reducing waste volumes and the cost of agricultural products. This practice makes a significant contribution to sustainability by transforming food residues into useful resources, thereby promoting more environmentally friendly agriculture. In addition, the proposed standards structure a market for these products, increasing the competitiveness of local products and offering small producers viable alternatives in the face of economic and climatic challenges. In terms of regulatory compliance, these standards ensure that production practices comply with European regulations, making it easier to place products on international markets. They cover the production, preparation, import, processing and marketing of organically produced feed. By ensuring a sustainable and secure value chain, these standards are essential for the development of organic farming in the Democratic Republic of Congo, opening up new opportunities for local producers.