Eight years ago, I stumbled upon a 2013 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization titled “Edible Insects – Future Prospects for Food and Feed Security.” It talked about a future where the world’s population would hit 9 billion by 2050, and how our current food systems simply wouldn’t be enough to feed everyone. One of its boldest ideas was that insects could be the answer — a sustainable source of food and feed.
I was fascinated. Even though I had never tasted a bug in my life, the logic behind it made sense to me. From that moment, a small idea took root — one day, I wanted to start an insect-related business.
Back then, insect farming wasn’t even allowed for human consumption in Singapore, and honestly, I wasn’t sure anyone would care about such an idea. So I tucked that dream away and went on with life. But it never really left me — it kept buzzing at the back of my mind.
Fast forward to May 2025, I graduated with a Diploma in Urban Agriculture Technology. Part of the reason was a desire for a career switch, but deep down, it was that same persistent dream pushing me forward. Around the same time, something remarkable happened — the Singapore Food Agency finally approved 16 species of insects for human consumption. The doors were finally open.
But as I looked around, I realised the market still wasn’t ready. Changing people’s minds — and tastes — takes time. Food is deeply personal, tied to culture and memory. Yet, I see that as an opportunity, not a setback. It gives me time to perfect my craft and build something meaningful.
So today, I’m starting small — Bernie’s Bug Farm. My first species is the humble mealworm. They’re friendly little creatures — don’t need much space, eat voraciously, and yes, they poop a lot. That poop, known as frass, is actually a fantastic organic fertilizer, and it’ll be my first product.
At the same time, I’ve made it a point to eat what I farm. I fry up my mealworms and eat them almost daily — partly to understand the product, but also to embrace what it means to truly believe in what I do.
My journey will be slow, and yes, it’s completely self-funded. Maybe I won’t see my big dream fully realised — but I’ll be grateful for every step of the way.
In 2026, you’ll start seeing Bernie’s Bug Farm Frass available online. I feed my mealworms only human-grade food, because I eat them too — which means their frass is top quality. Good for humans, great for plants.
Thanks for following along — I’ll share more updates as this journey unfolds.