The Eating Insects Athens conference is underway at the University of Georgia. The conference features speakers, panel discussions, an art expo and artist market among other offerings. Experts include academics, researchers and insect producers. Cheryl Powers is found of Jord Producers in Nebraska.
She’s in Athens because she plans to start producing mealworms in the coming weeks. She’d like to learn about the best methods and practices available.
“What kind of diet are these insects being fed on,” Powers said. “Is there any type of farming practices being utilized to guarantee that there is no lead or mercury in these products that come from insects and are they safe? That’s what I’m trying to discover, what’s the fear that people have and get ahead of that.”
In addition, information the work UGA is doing with honey bees and innovative food startups will be available. Dr. Marianne Shockley is an Academic Professional with UGA.
“We’re going to be having another public event on Tuesday, it’s our vendor reception there at the Georgia Center” Shockley said. “More insect cooking demonstrations, there will be a couple of insect companies that will be featuring their products and it should just be a night of good fellowship and education.”
The event features a vendor reception this evening from 5:30 to 7 pm. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about history of eating insects, taste insect dishes and see a variety of exotic insect species up close.
