Edible insects and export challenges: Insights from Thailand’s cricket industry

The Thai government has pioneered the establishment of the world’s first Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards for cricket farming, signalling a promising pathway for local Thai farmers and business operators to engage in the export of cricket and other edible insect products. However, despite this significant development, there exists a paucity of information on export activities among local farmers and business operators. This study investigates current export patterns and the challenges encountered by the Thai cricket farming sector. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we combine quantitative data from a survey with qualitative insights from interviews to delve into the intricacies of cricket farming, production practices, and export orientation in Thailand. Our research reveals that despite the immense potential of Thailand’s cricket industry for global export, farmers face significant obstacles stemming from knowledge gaps, adapting to evolving regulations, and financial limitations, while business operators must navigate export regulations at both national and international levels. This study provides an enhanced understanding of cricket farming, offering valuable insights for policymakers and businesses to formulate strategies fostering sustainable growth in this burgeoning sector.