The ŸNFABRE project looks set to enable the creation of pioneer units that will both select and multiply effective, resilient insect lines and help further our understanding of insect biology.
Lying, as it does, on the interface between industry and R&D, the ŸNFABRE programme is sustained by a consortium of companies established in their field, and a benchmark public laboratory. To Ÿnsect's leadership in the processing and breeding of insects has been added CEA-Gencoscope's know-how in sequencing and the genetics of mealworms, Aprex Solutions' digital imaging/video analysis tools based on artificial intelligence and the high-throughput sequencing and genotyping of Thermo Fisher Scientific.
The programme has received €4.34M in funding, as part of the call for 'Competitiveness Structuring Projects' as part of the State's Investments for the Future Policy (IFP) being managed by BPI. It was fostered by the support of the French poultry and aquaculture breeder's union (SYSAAF) and received a twofold endorsement: from the Vitagora competitiveness hub and by the Agri-Food Sector Strategic Committee. This programme, unique in the world, enables the reinforcement of real synergies towards dissemination and gaining acceptance of emerging breakthroughs in the industry, within the scientific community, and amongst decision-makers and society generally.
'The genome thus obtained by CEA in collaboration with Ÿnsect, using cutting-edge methods, is of exceptional quality, with DNA sequence lengths almost as long as the chromosomes themselves. This is a major breakthrough for the sector, enabling us to begin unprecedented studies on the relationship between genes. We are at the start of a new science of the beetle and have little doubt that new properties of our insect, particularly in the field of health, are set to be discovered over the coming months and years.' Adds Thomas Lefebvre, Ÿnsect's VP R&D BioTech Innovations Director of BioTech Innovations R&D.
The ŸNFABRE project is aimed at helping to provide tangible answers to food security issues and to have a real environmental impact in line with French, European and international sustainability programmes (EU Green Deal, FOOD 2030, COP21, FAO SDGs).
'The recognition and funding received by this project have been unprecedented and underline the strategic importance of genetics in Ÿnsect's development. With ŸNFABRE, we are taking part in a new breakthrough approach to bring out new cutting-edge technologies and advance scientific knowledge of insects. ŸNFABRE is also a major and structuring programme which has the potential to help strengthen the leadership of France and Ÿnsect in insect breeding even as global competition is intensifying,' Ÿnsect's CEO, Antoine Hubert adds.
For more information about Ÿnsect visit the website, HERE.
The Aquaculturists
No comments:
Post a Comment