Engagement #2 – Engaging policy makers to drive innovation

europe flag roundPROteINSECT Logo

Engaging policy makers to drive innovation

Minerva, a consortium member of the EC funded project PROteINSECT, is working to develop a positive regulatory framework for the inclusion of insect protein in animal feed.

The international conference ‘Insects to Feed the World’ provided a timely opportunity to (1) present project updates to an audience of interested stakeholders, and (2) engage with the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection (DG-Sanco), to understand their needs for evidence on safety and quality.

Briefings to DG-Sanco sent by e-mail prior to the event secured an opportunity to meet at Conference, following speaker contributions from both DG-Sanco and Minerva for PROteINSECT.

This meeting not only established a relationship with DG-Sanco, it provided clarity around the requirements which will assist the agency to brief its staff and national delegations on the state-of-the-art regarding the use of insect protein.  It also led to a follow-up visit by DG-Sanco staff to the Project Co-ordinator’s UK base, to witness first-hand the research being carried out.

In tandem, Minerva managed an effective traditional and social media campaign around the Conference and the information being presented by PROteINSECT partners.

The next step in the development of the pro-insect protein platform was a Key Opinion Leader round table meeting in Brussels this year. This is to be followed by the publication of a White Paper and a reception in the European Parliament in late 2015.