With the objective of paying tribute to the native Lao cuisine and encouraging the continued use of edible insects in the Lao diet for improved nutrition and food security, SAEP LAAI LAAI! 2010 is the first major food celebration in Lao PDR that focuses on the use of insects as a main element in local and international cuisines. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will hold the event “SAEP LAAI LAAI! 2010 – A Celebration of the Delicious Lao Insect” on Saturday, the 28th of August, from 4pm to 8pm, at the Lao International Trade Exhibition and Convention Center (ITECC). Read more   

An innovative project promoting sustainable insect farming and harvesting for better nutrition, improved food security and income generation, could provide part of the answer to Laos chronic malnutrition rates and benefit farmers across the country.

The practice of collecting and eating insects goes back thousands of years and today there are said to be around 1,700 edible species worldwide. But the real benefits of insect consumption are only just being realized.

"Insects can provide a good source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, calcium, vitamins and other minerals, this is an essential part of human nutrition,” said Dr Vonglokham Phouvanh, of the Food and Agriculture Organization. Read more

A one day meeting to discuss the problems related to parasites in fish in Lao PDR was held in Vientiane on 03 December 2009. The invited participants included Department of Livestock and Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, public health personnel and fish farmer representatives. 

The meeting was opened by Dr. Bounkhouang Khamounhouang, Director General, Department of Livestock and Fisheries and Mr. Serge Verniau, Representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to Lao PDR. In the opening remarks the importance of fish and the safety of this source of food in Lao PDR were stressed. 

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Mr Vongtavanh Chiemsisoulath is the winner of a 150,000 kip food basket. He became the lucky winner after having answered correctly to four questions related to insects and insect farming. Mr. Chiemsisoulath, 58, participated in the insect quiz at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) booth at the World Food Day and Poverty Eradication Week expo that was held at the Cultural Hall in Vientiane from 16 to 18 October. 

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