Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: 2025 Snapshot and Outlook to 2028
- Market Size, Growth Forecasts, and Key Drivers
- Core Technologies in Non-Transgenic Insect Rearing
- Leading Companies and Industry Pioneers
- Major Applications: Agriculture, Feed, and Beyond
- Regulatory Landscape and Industry Standards
- Sustainability, Environmental Impact, and Circular Economy
- Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific
- Emerging Trends, Innovations, and R&D Pipelines
- Future Outlook: Opportunities, Risks, and Strategic Recommendations
- Sources & References
Executive Summary: 2025 Snapshot and Outlook to 2028
Non-transgenic insect rearing systems—those not relying on genetically modified organisms—are gaining significant momentum in 2025, driven by regulatory preferences, consumer demand for natural solutions, and the rapid scaling up of insect-based protein and bioconversion industries. As of 2025, Europe remains a leader in the commercial application of non-GMO insect rearing, notably for black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and cricket (Gryllidae) production. Companies such as Innovafeed and Protix have expanded their facilities, reporting annual insect protein output in the tens of thousands of metric tons, with product streams targeting aquafeed, pet food, and fertilizer markets.
Non-transgenic rearing systems emphasize closed-loop, highly controlled environments to optimize growth rates and feed conversion ratios without recourse to genetic modification. These systems utilize carefully managed substrates—often derived from agri-food byproducts—and advanced monitoring technologies to maximize yield and maintain product traceability. For example, AgriProtein continues to refine their waste-to-protein platforms, and is actively pursuing new partnerships across Africa and Asia, focusing on scalable, non-GMO insect meal production.
Regulatory frameworks are reinforcing this trend: the European Union, under its Novel Food Regulation, requires explicit authorization for new genetically modified insect species, making non-transgenic approaches more commercially viable in the short term. Likewise, in North America, producers such as Entocycle and EnviroFlight are expanding their non-GMO insect protein operations, aiming to meet increasing demand from sustainable agriculture and animal nutrition sectors.
From 2025 through 2028, the outlook for non-transgenic insect rearing systems remains robust. Expansion is expected to be driven by further integration of automation and artificial intelligence for process optimization, as well as by stronger collaborations with food, feed, and waste management industries. Several leading operators are investing in R&D to improve substrate utilization, disease management, and lifecycle assessment methodologies, all within non-GMO frameworks. Industry organizations, such as the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF), anticipate continued regulatory support and wider acceptance of insect-derived products, projecting double-digit annual growth rates for non-transgenic insect rearing through at least 2028.
Market Size, Growth Forecasts, and Key Drivers
The global market for non-transgenic insect rearing systems is poised for significant growth in 2025 and the coming years, driven by surging demand for sustainable protein sources, animal feed, and organic waste management solutions. Unlike genetically modified (GM) insects, non-transgenic systems utilize conventional breeding and rearing techniques, aligning with stringent regulatory frameworks and consumer preferences for natural products. This sector is particularly dynamic in regions with proactive sustainability agendas and strong circular economy policies.
In Europe, market momentum is accelerating due to regulatory clarity around insect-derived feed and food. The European Union’s authorization of several insect species for use in aquaculture feed and poultry feed has catalyzed commercial investments. For instance, Innovafeed is expanding its flagship facility in France, aiming to produce tens of thousands of tons of black soldier fly protein annually, with all rearing operations based on non-transgenic methods. Similarly, Protix in the Netherlands has inaugurated new production sites and secured supply agreements with major feed manufacturers, projecting double-digit growth rates through 2027.
The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid adoption, particularly in China and Southeast Asia, where insect farming is being scaled for both animal feed and direct human consumption. Companies such as Entoprotech are establishing vertically integrated rearing facilities, emphasizing non-GM processes to access export markets and comply with diverse regulatory requirements across borders.
North America, led by the United States and Canada, is seeing increased capital inflows and pilot projects focused on black soldier fly larvae and mealworms for pet food, aquaculture, and organic fertilizer. EnviroFlight has expanded its Kentucky-based facility, targeting a production capacity of over 3,200 metric tons per year, all using non-transgenic stock.
Key market drivers include the rising cost and environmental impact of traditional protein sources, tightening waste management regulations, and growing consumer acceptance of insect-based products. In addition, technological advances in climate-controlled rearing, automation, and feedstock optimization are enhancing scalability and profitability. Industry organizations such as the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) forecast continued strong demand, supported by favorable policy developments and increasing integration of insect-derived ingredients into mainstream agricultural and food systems.
Overall, the non-transgenic insect rearing sector in 2025 stands at a pivotal growth point, with the outlook for the next few years marked by robust expansion, geographic diversification, and technological refinement—all underpinned by a growing emphasis on natural, sustainable approaches.
Core Technologies in Non-Transgenic Insect Rearing
Non-transgenic insect rearing systems have gained significant traction as the global demand for sustainable protein and bioconversion solutions accelerates in 2025. These systems are engineered to rear insects—such as black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and house cricket (Acheta domesticus)—without genetic modification, focusing on optimizing environmental conditions, feed conversion, and biosecurity. The widespread adoption of these systems is driven by regulatory preferences for non-GMO production, consumer acceptance, and alignment with zero-waste and circular economy principles.
Key technologies in non-transgenic insect rearing include advanced climate control modules, automated feeding and harvesting solutions, and scalable vertical farming architectures. For example, Innovafeed’s large-scale facilities in France and the US feature proprietary, closed-loop rearing environments that tightly regulate temperature, humidity, and airflow to ensure optimal insect health and yield. Sensor-based monitoring systems continuously track growth metrics, enabling real-time adjustments and traceability throughout the production cycle.
Automation and robotics are increasingly central, reducing labor costs and minimizing contamination risks. Ÿnsect has implemented fully automated vertical farms where mealworms are fed with agri-food byproducts and monitored through artificial intelligence-powered imaging systems to detect health or development issues. Similarly, Protix in the Netherlands has developed modular, scalable rearing units for black soldier fly larvae, integrating waste valorization and process data analytics to optimize conversion rates and minimize resource use.
Feedstock flexibility and biosecurity are critical components, with companies investing in pre-processing technologies that sanitize and standardize organic inputs. Entocycle in the UK, for example, employs automated sorting and quality control systems that ensure only safe, consistent feedstock enters the insect rearing cycle, reducing the risk of pathogen introduction and supporting regulatory compliance.
Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to bring further integration of IoT, machine learning, and blockchain for end-to-end traceability and predictive maintenance. Industry leaders are collaborating on standardized protocols and certification schemes to facilitate international trade and consumer trust in non-transgenic insect-derived products. As capacity scales and unit economics improve, these core technologies will underpin the expansion of insect rearing as a mainstream solution for animal feed, pet food, and even direct human consumption in 2025 and beyond.
Leading Companies and Industry Pioneers
The global non-transgenic insect rearing sector, which avoids the use of genetically modified organisms, is driven by demand for sustainable protein, organic waste valorization, and circular economy solutions. As we move into 2025, several companies have established themselves as industry leaders and pioneers by deploying scalable, biosecure, and efficient insect farming systems. These systems focus primarily on species such as black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and house cricket (Acheta domesticus), all cultivated without genetic modification.
- Protix (Netherlands) continues to expand its flagship automated black soldier fly facilities, providing insect-based protein and lipids for animal feed, pet food, and fertilizer sectors. The company’s recent facilities, built with a focus on closed-loop, biosecure operations, are among Europe’s largest non-GMO insect rearing plants, with annual capacity exceeding 15,000 metric tons of insect ingredients as of 2025.
- Innovafeed (France) operates state-of-the-art, vertically integrated insect farms, leveraging advanced data analytics and automation. Their non-transgenic black soldier fly larvae are processed for aquafeed, poultry feed, and plant nutrition. In 2024, Innovafeed inaugurated a major US facility in Illinois, aiming to reach an annual production of 60,000 metric tons of insect protein by 2025.
- Entocycle (UK) supplies non-GMO insect farming technology and modular rearing systems to commercial producers globally. Their Entosight® system emphasizes efficient breeding, traceability, and adaptability for diverse feedstocks, helping to lower the barrier to entry for new insect farming ventures.
- NextProtein (France/Tunisia) deploys large-scale, non-transgenic black soldier fly farms in North Africa and Europe, transforming organic waste into high-quality insect meal and oil. Their focus on local sourcing and circularity aligns with EU sustainability directives.
- EnviroFlight (USA) has established one of North America’s first commercial-scale, non-GMO black soldier fly production facilities. Their operations emphasize regulatory compliance, food safety, and integration with the US animal feed supply chain.
Looking forward to the next few years, these companies are expected to further scale production, enhance automation, and develop new applications for non-transgenic insect-derived ingredients. Regulatory support, consumer preference for non-GMO products, and continued innovation in rearing infrastructure will drive mainstream adoption across feed, food, and biofertilizer markets.
Major Applications: Agriculture, Feed, and Beyond
Non-transgenic insect rearing systems—those that rely on conventional breeding and environmental controls rather than genetic modification—are becoming increasingly central to the sustainable production of protein and specialized biomaterials. In 2025 and beyond, these systems are being rapidly adopted for major applications across agriculture, animal feed, and emerging sectors, responding to regulatory, consumer, and ecological pressures favoring “natural” and non-GMO solutions.
In agriculture, non-transgenic insects such as black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), mealworms, and crickets are primarily reared for use as organic fertilizers and bioconversion agents. Companies like AgriProtein and Protix operate large-scale facilities that convert organic waste streams into high-value insect biomass, which is further processed into soil amendments or directly applied as natural fertilizer. These systems are meticulously controlled by optimizing factors such as humidity, temperature, and feedstock composition, ensuring consistent yields without recourse to genetic modification.
The animal feed industry is experiencing significant growth in the adoption of non-transgenic insect protein, especially in aquaculture and poultry diets. For instance, Innovafeed and Entocycle have expanded their production capacities, focusing on rearing BSFL and other insects under strictly non-GM conditions. Their operations are subject to stringent traceability and certification schemes to meet both regulatory and market-driven non-GMO requirements in Europe and North America. Recent data indicate that the global insect protein market, dominated by non-transgenic products, is projected to exceed several hundred thousand metric tons annually by the late 2020s, with the majority destined for feed applications (Protix).
- In addition to feed and fertilizer, non-transgenic insect systems are expanding into new markets, such as chitosan extraction (from insect exoskeletons), pet food, and even human-grade ingredients. EnviroFlight has launched new product lines targeting pet nutrition, emphasizing environmental sustainability and non-GMO standards.
- The outlook for non-transgenic insect rearing is further strengthened by evolving food safety regulations and consumer demand. The European Food Safety Authority and other regulatory bodies continue to clarify and streamline the approval process for non-GMO insect-derived products, encouraging innovation and investment in this segment.
Looking ahead, non-transgenic insect rearing systems are poised to become a cornerstone of circular bioeconomy strategies. Companies are investing in automation, AI-driven monitoring, and closed-loop infrastructure to scale production without compromising non-GMO status or traceability, thereby solidifying their role in resilient food, feed, and fertilizer supply chains (Innovafeed).
Regulatory Landscape and Industry Standards
The regulatory landscape for non-transgenic insect rearing systems is rapidly evolving as the global insect industry matures and diversifies, particularly in the context of food, feed, and waste valorization applications. In 2025, non-transgenic rearing—meaning insect production without the use of genetically modified organisms—remains the prevailing standard for commercial operations due to both regulatory caution and consumer demand for “natural” production methods.
The European Union continues to play a pivotal role in setting industry benchmarks. Insect-derived products for feed and food are regulated under the EU Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and relevant feed legislation. The International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF)—the EU’s main industry body—actively engages with regulators to harmonize safety standards, including traceability, substrate controls, and hygiene. In 2024, the EU expanded the list of insect species allowed in food and clarified substrate rules, emphasizing non-GMO substrates and production processes.
In North America, regulatory oversight is primarily handled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for feed. The Protix facility in the United States, operational since 2023, adheres strictly to non-transgenic rearing protocols to comply with U.S. and export requirements. Similarly, Canadian producers like Entoma Petfoods follow the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards, which currently do not permit transgenic insects in commercial production.
In Asia, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issues guidance for insect protein production, with a firm regulatory preference for non-GMO strains. Innovafeed, a leading player with a global footprint, operates facilities in both Europe and Asia under strict adherence to national and international non-transgenic standards, reflecting their clients’ requirements in the aquaculture and livestock sectors.
Industry-wide quality assurance schemes are also emerging. The IPIFF established a sector-specific Code of Practice in 2024, including guidelines for non-GMO traceability, biosecurity, and documentation. Independent certifications, such as those by DNV, are increasingly sought after by producers to demonstrate compliance with non-transgenic protocols and build trust with downstream users.
Looking ahead, the regulatory emphasis on non-transgenic systems is expected to persist through at least 2027, with ongoing updates to address novel substrates, cross-contamination risks, and international trade harmonization. Companies that invest in robust, transparent non-GMO rearing systems are likely to maintain a market advantage as consumer scrutiny and regulatory demands continue to intensify.
Sustainability, Environmental Impact, and Circular Economy
Non-transgenic insect rearing systems—those that utilize wild-type or selectively bred insects without genetic modification—are playing an increasingly significant role in the sustainability landscape of the agri-food and feed sectors. As of 2025, a growing number of companies are scaling up these systems, citing environmental benefits and strong alignment with circular economy principles.
A primary environmental advantage of non-transgenic insect farming is its capacity to convert low-value organic side streams (such as food waste, agricultural by-products, and brewery residues) into high-quality insect protein and oil, with greatly reduced land and water requirements compared to conventional livestock. For example, Protix, a leading European insect producer, estimates that its black soldier fly (BSF) larvae can upcycle several tons of organic waste daily, transforming it into animal feed ingredients, pet food, and organic fertilizers, all without the need for genetically modified organisms.
Non-transgenic systems also help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. According to Innovafeed, their large-scale BSF facilities have demonstrated a significantly lower carbon footprint per kilogram of protein produced than traditional animal agriculture, highlighting the sustainability of non-GMO insect farming at scale. Additionally, the use of non-transgenic insects helps address regulatory and consumer acceptance barriers in key markets, especially in Europe, where strict rules and public skepticism toward GMOs persist.
Recent years have seen the adoption of advanced automation, digital monitoring, and data-driven process controls in these rearing systems, which further enhance resource efficiency. Entocycle has developed automated rearing solutions that optimize feed conversion and environmental conditions, minimizing resource inputs and waste. The company’s focus on modular, scalable infrastructure is expected to reduce the environmental footprint of insect protein production as the sector expands in the coming years.
Looking forward, the outlook for non-transgenic insect rearing systems remains strong. With the EU’s Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy promoting sustainable protein sources and waste valorization, industry forecasts anticipate continued investment in non-GMO insect farming infrastructure. Companies such as Ÿnsect are expanding production capacities and partnerships across Europe and North America, aiming to further close nutrient loops and reduce reliance on unsustainable protein sources.
In summary, non-transgenic insect rearing systems represent a sustainable, circular solution for protein and fertilizer production, poised for substantial growth in 2025 and beyond as regulatory, environmental, and market drivers converge.
Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific
Non-transgenic insect rearing systems—those that do not employ genetic modification—are being increasingly adopted across major global regions as the edible insect industry matures and diversifies. In 2025, North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are witnessing distinct trajectories in the development and scaling of these systems, driven by regulatory environments, consumer preferences, and investments in sustainable protein production.
North America continues to see significant expansion in industrial-scale insect rearing using non-GMO methods, largely in response to consumer demand for natural and sustainable ingredients. Companies such as EnviroFlight in the United States are operating large facilities focused on black soldier fly larvae production for animal feed and pet food, emphasizing non-transgenic breeding and sustainable inputs. Canadian players like Entomos focus on mealworm and cricket rearing, leveraging non-GMO substrates to meet regulatory requirements and supply contracts with food manufacturers. Regulatory clarity from agencies such as the FDA and AAFCO is supporting the growth of these systems, particularly as sustainability goals become integral to North American agri-food policy.
Europe is characterized by a robust regulatory framework and a strong emphasis on traceability and safety, making non-transgenic insect rearing the industry norm. The European Union’s approval of several insect species for food and feed applications has spurred investments in closed-loop and vertically integrated rearing systems. Firms like Protix in the Netherlands and Innovafeed in France operate some of the world’s largest non-transgenic insect farms, with a focus on black soldier fly and mealworm production. These operations use locally sourced, non-GMO feedstocks and advanced environmental controls to ensure product purity and compliance with EU regulations. The sector is expected to see continued growth, especially as the European Commission expands the list of approved substrates and insect species for feed and human consumption.
Asia-Pacific stands out for its diversity in insect species and traditional consumption patterns. While some regions have long histories of edible insect use, industrial-scale rearing systems are now being modernized, with a strong emphasis on non-transgenic practices to address both export market requirements and domestic food safety standards. Companies like YumGrubs in Thailand and EntoGreen (operating in both Asia and Europe) are scaling up production of crickets and black soldier fly larvae, using agricultural byproducts as non-GMO feedstock. Governments in countries such as Thailand, South Korea, and China are promoting insect farming through targeted policies, aiming to position the region as a global leader in sustainable protein sources. The outlook for Asia-Pacific is particularly strong, with export-driven growth and increasing integration of advanced, non-GMO rearing technologies.
Across all three regions, the outlook for non-transgenic insect rearing systems in 2025 and beyond is positive, with capacity expansions, regulatory alignment, and consumer acceptance driving increased adoption. The industry is set to benefit from ongoing investments in automation and traceability, which are expected to further enhance the scalability and safety of non-GMO insect protein production globally.
Emerging Trends, Innovations, and R&D Pipelines
In 2025, the landscape of non-transgenic insect rearing systems is marked by a strong emphasis on scalable, sustainable, and biosecure technologies that respond to the growing demand for insect-derived protein, chitin, and frass. With regulatory and consumer pressures steering away from genetic modification, leading companies and research organizations are advancing innovations that harness natural insect strains and optimize husbandry conditions through precision engineering and digitalization.
A prominent trend is the deployment of automated, modular rearing systems that maintain consistent climate, humidity, and feed delivery, minimizing labor and reducing contamination risks. For example, Protix in the Netherlands continues to refine its vertically integrated Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production platforms, focusing on non-GMO strains and leveraging proprietary environmental control systems to boost yield and traceability. Similarly, InnovaFeed in France has scaled up its insect farming facilities, integrating artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring of insect health, growth, and productivity, without recourse to genetic modification.
Collaborations between industry and academia are accelerating research into natural strain selection and breeding. The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics is supporting the European insect sector with projects on process optimization and waste valorization, working with industrial partners to develop rearing protocols that ensure disease resistance and robust growth in non-transgenic populations.
Feedstock innovation is also at the forefront, with companies like Entocycle in the UK pioneering the use of regionally sourced agri-food by-products, enhancing circularity while maintaining biosecurity and compliance with EU feed regulations. Their patented Entosight™ technology enables precise tracking of each cohort of larvae, further assuring the market of non-GMO provenance.
Looking ahead, the sector anticipates broader adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and advanced data analytics to streamline non-transgenic insect production. The International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) predicts that by 2027, over 80% of industrial insect farms in Europe will utilize adaptive, sensor-driven rearing systems, allowing for fine-tuned, transgene-free husbandry tailored to diverse species and market requirements.
These innovations collectively position non-transgenic insect rearing as a resilient, scalable pillar of the alternative protein and bioproduct economy, poised for significant expansion in the coming years.
Future Outlook: Opportunities, Risks, and Strategic Recommendations
Non-transgenic insect rearing systems—those that avoid the use of genetic modification—are poised for significant growth and innovation in the near future. As sustainability concerns and regulatory scrutiny over genetically modified organisms (GMOs) intensify, the demand for insect-derived products produced through conventional breeding and rearing is expected to rise steadily through 2025 and beyond.
The food, feed, pet food, and waste management sectors are at the forefront of this expansion. Companies such as Protix and Innovafeed in Europe, as well as Entocycle in the UK, have publicly committed to non-transgenic approaches. These firms focus on species like the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), leveraging advanced breeding, optimized feedstocks, and controlled environment production to enhance yields and product consistency without genetic engineering.
Recent infrastructure investments and partnerships signal optimism for scaling up production. For example, Protix is expanding its operations in the Netherlands and announced a joint venture with Tyson Foods to construct a large-scale insect ingredient facility in the United States, with an emphasis on non-GMO production for pet food and aquaculture (Protix). Similarly, Innovafeed is building one of the world’s largest insect protein plants in France and has received support from multinational partners committed to sustainable and traceable supply chains.
Opportunities for non-transgenic insect rearing systems include access to markets with strict GMO regulations—such as the European Union—and the ability to meet growing consumer demand for “natural” and “clean label” products. Non-GMO certification can add value in premium segments, including organic farming, eco-friendly pet foods, and specialty feeds. Additionally, ongoing advances in automation, precision feeding, and waste valorization are expected to improve cost-efficiency and scalability, further boosting sector competitiveness.
However, risks remain. Biological challenges—such as disease management, inbreeding, and maintaining genetic diversity—require vigilant husbandry and biosecurity protocols. Market risks include fluctuating regulations and the potential for future policy shifts in GMO acceptance. Strategic recommendations for industry stakeholders include: continued investment in R&D for non-transgenic breeding and nutrition; proactive engagement with regulators and certification bodies; and transparent communication of sustainability benefits to end-users. Close collaboration with industry groups like the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) will also be crucial for shaping future regulatory frameworks and market standards.
Sources & References
- Innovafeed
- Protix
- EnviroFlight
- International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF)
- Entoprotech
- Ÿnsect
- Protix
- IPIFF
- DNV
- Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics
