April 23-24, 2010: Exploring Alternative Foods for World Hunger: The Potential of Edible Insects

Click here to download a flyer about this workshop.

Did you know that almost 80 percent of the world's population includes insects in their diets? More than 1400 species of insects are edible. Insects are a valuable source of critically needed protein and micro-nutrients. What are the pros and cons of promoting insects as a solution for world hunger? Why does the Western attitude toward entomaphagy matter? Join us on SIFAT's 176-acre international training campus for this conference to participate and learn more from global experts.

Conference Goals:

1. To bring together leading international experts on edible insects to foster understanding about entomophagy based on the latest science and research.
2. To examine what role entomophagy currently has in nutrition globally.
3. To evaluate the potential entomophagy could have as a solution to world hunger.
4. To help combat the Western phobia of entomophagy and promote more cross-culturally sensitive views of nutrition.
5. To encourage additional research, networking and collaboration in edible insects and world hunger.

Speakers included: (click each name to download a short bio)

• Kathy Bryson, MPH, MHS, International Training Director, SIFAT, Lineville, Alabama
• Xiaoming Chen, Ph.D., The Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China
• Douglas Coutts, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
• Florence Dunkel, Ph.D., Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
• Frank Franklin, M.D., MPH, Ph.D., Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
• David Gracer, Entomaphagy Enthusiast, Providence, Rhode Island
• Walter Hill, Ph.D., Dean of College of Agriculture, Environmental and Natural Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama
• Bart Hogebrink, Food Factories Foundation, Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Julieta Ramos-Elorduy, Ph.D., The Institute of Biology, National University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
• Marianne Shockley Robinette, Ph.D., Department of Entomology University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
• Feng Ying, Ph.D., Thre Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China

Co-sponsored by

• Auburn University/UN World Food Programme's Universities Fighting World Hunger
• Auburn University, College of Agriculture
• Tuskegee University, College of Agricultural, Environmental and Natural Sciences
• SIFAT

In the News...

06/09/10 - How to eat dried worms
By Lisa Davis - The Anniston Star

04/28/10 - BUG BANQUET: SIFAT sponsors conference on edible insects
By Ken Corson - The Randolph Leader (Roanoke, Ala.)

Questions?

Contact Kathy Bryson, international training director, by e-mail (brysonk@sifat.org) for additional information.