The U.N. has new weapons to fight hunger, boost nutrition and reduce pollution.

But the answer to food crises around the world may not be that palatable – because they want people to eat insects.

The Food and Agriculture Organization on Monday hailed the likes of grasshoppers, ants and other members of the insect world as an underutilized food for people, livestock and pets.

A 200-page report, released at a news conference at the U.N. agency’s Rome headquarters, says 2 billion people worldwide already supplement their diets with insects, which are high in protein and minerals, and have environmental benefits.
Insects are ‘extremely efficient’ in converting feed into edible meat, the agency said.

On average, they can convert 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of feed into 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of insect mass. In comparison, cattle require 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of feed to produce a kilo of meat.

Currently, most edible insects are gathered in forests and what insect farming does take place is often family-run and serves niche markets.

But the U.N. says mechanization can ratchet up insect farming production. The fish bait industry, for example, has long farmed insects.

Insect farming is ‘one of the many ways to address food and feed security,’ the food agency said.

‘Insects are everywhere and they reproduce quickly,’ the agency said, adding they leave a ‘low environmental footprint.’

They provide high-quality protein and nutrients when compared with meat and fish and are ‘particularly important as a food supplement for undernourished children,’ it said.

Insects can also be rich in copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc, and are a source of fibre.

But the question on everyone’s lips is – are they tasty?

The report noted that some caterpillars in southern Africa and weaver ant eggs in Southeast Asia are considered delicacies and command high prices.