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Edible insects in guaranteeing of food security
The purpose of this article is to assess the current state of knowledge on edible insects and their use in ensuring food security for society. In addition, the current legal status of edible insects is discussed, the economic and environmental benefits of their use are indicated. In addition, consumer opinions on the consumption of edible insects are presented. To achieve the goal, an analysis of the literature on the subject related to such issues as the legal regulation of “new foods”, environmental, economic and nutritional aspects of the consumption of edible insects, products with edible insects available on the market was used. Surveys on the benefits and risks of consuming unusual products and the willingness to undertake the consumption of edible insects were used. Edible insects can become a good alternative for satisfying food security in EU countries. Based on a literature study, it can be concluded that edible insects, are increasingly regulated and allowed for consumption. Currently, products based on edible insects from four species can be consumed in Europe. Edible insects fit into the theme of sustainability, as they can ensure food security in light of a growing population and limited natural resources.
Mitigating the effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on global food security – does the transit of Ukrainian cereals through Poland matter?
The article presents the results of empirical research, which constitutes a case study focused on the route through Poland as an alternative export channel for Ukrainian grain, developed under the conditions of the Russia-Ukraine war. It employs analytical methods and statistical description. By analyzing the volume, dynamics, structure, and geography of the transit, the significance of this route in unleashing Ukraine's export capabilities and its role as a substitute for traditional routes during periods of disruption is assessed. It was established that almost exclusively corn and wheat are transited (in a quantitative ratio of 2:1). The railway crossings in Dorohusk, Medyka, and Hrubieszów are of key importance, as rail transport dominates in land transport, handling over 4/5 of the total mass of transited goods. More than half of the transited grain is transported by rail and road in scattered European directions, and only less than half reaches Polish Baltic ports, mainly Gdańsk (over 3/5) and Szczecin (almost 1/5). The degree of containerization exceeds 1/4. Practically all container cargo reaches the terminal in Gdańsk, while the port in Szczecin is the leader in bulk transport. The volume of Ukrainian grain transited through Poland is relatively small compared to Ukraine's export potential, and intercontinental transport concerns only a tenth of the grain transited through Poland. It was concluded that the route through Poland primarily serves as a new export channel for Ukrainian grain to the European market and only marginally substitutes traditional routes.