Unsustainable agricultural practices have resulted in 40 percent of land becoming too degraded for productive farming, according to the United Nations. Meanwhile, farming also requires an unsustainable 70 percent of the world's fresh water supply.

Businesses around the world are racing to find technological solutions. This week technology is center stage at one of the world's largest agricultural shows, the annual Salon de L'Agriculture in Paris.

French company Ÿnsect is seeking to educate a new generation of agricultural workers at the show about its work. Established a decade ago, Ÿnsect uses mealworm beetles to produce protein sources for human and animals, oil and fertilizer using minimal land and water resources. 

Last year it joined with new partners in the U.S., Mexico and the Netherlands and launched the 'Ÿ burger' in Europe after getting the green light from food regulators. 

"I was talking to a farmer who produces beef," Anais Maury, Director of Communication and Public Affairs at Ÿnsect, told CGTN Europe.

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"At first he was against it because he thought it was going to replace his meat, but no, it's an alternative. So maybe we can eat better beef less often and add more insect protein to get that protein needed for human development. That's our vision." 

While European regulations don't cover insect welfare, Ÿnsect says it abides by the directives on animals, to give their beetles a better life. Agriculture is a huge part of France's economy, bringing in just under $100 billion in 2023. 

Like other countries France is looking for agritech solutions to keep up food production, while keeping prices down and the environment in good shape. But it's shown it can embrace new trends.  

It seems France, known for its love of meat, could become a leader in the manufacture of insect protein. 

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