FARMŸNG Final project review meeting – not the end of the journey

CBE JU flagship project FARMYNG wrapped up after 6 years – what remains? 

When the FARMŸNG flagship project was kicked off in June 2019, none of the project partners thought they were embarking on such a long endeavour together. However, building a first-of-a-kind flagship does come with risks. While the internal challenges were met by the consortium, external challenges were harder to overcome: construction start scheduled right as a global pandemic hit, supply chain disruptions, global conflicts. Not least the rising inflation made it difficult for the coordinator and start-up Ÿnsect to keep its business on track and scale insect production.  

At the final project review meeting on 18 September 2025, all partners met with the CBE JU project officer and two expert evaluators to review the progress made. The evaluators appreciated the work accomplished in the project and complimented the consortium. Part of the enduring FARMŸNG legacy are improved quality control protocols for insect products, the first genome sequence and a genetic manipulation toolbox for Tenebrio molitor, optimised growing protocols for the larvae, the regulatory acceptance of frass-based fertiliser, and a boost for the insect industry as a whole. The Ÿnfarm production plant in Poulainville is built and ready for ramp up.  

It now remains for the partners to wrap up and cross their fingers for Ÿnsect to find the additional investment needed to ramp up the Ÿnfarm production – for sustainable, locally produced alternative proteins and oils from insects fed on agricultural side streams.  

Check out the FARMŸNG policy brief, written by CLIB, on more views on the potential of insect-derived products.