The Insect Farming and Trading
Agency (IFTA) has been in operation in Papua New Guinea since 1978, when the
innovative P.N.G Wildlife Department began fauna ranching initiatives to help
villagers
Their rural income previously only derived from traditional cash
cropping. Many villagers saw the selling of logging rights as the only way to
increase their standard of living, the advent of both crocodile and butterfly
farming meant that for the first time there were some eco-friendly alternatives.
Now over one thousand five hundred
village people participate in the insect farming and collecting industry in
Papua New Guinea.
At this website you can not only
find out what IFTA can offer the overseas insect collector in the way of species
and prices, but also some of the history and the rationale behind this unusual
business (functions and objectives).
Over the many years of its
operation, considerable research has been carried out by the IFTA on insect life
histories, breeding techniques and on conservation issues.
Price lists include those for
butterflies, other insects (e.g. beetles and stick insects) and mounted and
framed butterflies. A section on how to order is also available. Staff from IFTA
are also available on a consultancy basis for work in surveying potential areas
for insect farming and in farmer/collector instruction.
The Insect Farming and Trading
Agency is fully owned and operated through the P.N.G. University of Technology
as a part of their community development program together with its sister
establishment - The Rainforest Habitat. Both are self-funding organizations
dedicated to improving conservation awareness and rural incomes by promoting
rainforest friendly enterprises.