Microbiomes, the diverse communities of microorganisms present within a particular environment, play a crucial but often overlooked role in our food systems. They influence various stages of food production, from farm to fork – holding significant potential for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving human health, and promoting environmental sustainability. However, despite their importance, our understanding of microbiomes within the food system remains fragmented, limiting our ability to harness their full potential for positive impact.
Recognising the urgency to better comprehend the interconnectedness of microbiomes along the food system, the MICROBIOMES4SOY project aims to address this gap by investigating the microbiomes of the soyabean value chain.
The outcomes will be used to develop novel fish feeds for the aquaculture sector and assess the effects of soyabean consumption on the human gut microbiome. By using the soyabean crop as a model to deepen microbiome understanding and develop microbiome-based innovations in the food sector, the project will help facilitate the transition to healthier, more environmentally friendly, plant-based diets.
The activities of the project regard:
- Understanding the dynamics and potential of plant microbiomes, focusing on the soya bean model
- Developing microbiome-informed approaches, including agricultural management and the use of prediction models to improve yield stability, environmental sustainability, and food safety/quality
- Investigating the impact of soya-derived protein diets on the human gut microbiome and health, offering microbiome-informed dietary recommendations
- Creating innovative soya-based aquafeeds and evaluating their effects on fish gut microbiome and health
- Collaborating with food system stakeholders to establish regional transition pathways towards plant-based protein diets
- Equipping food system actors with knowledge and skills on microbiome interactions, benefits, and industrial applications through a multi-actor approach
The expected outputs consist of:
- Fostering the transition to better planetary health
- Developing microbiome-based knowledge and awareness
- Creating microbiome-based solutions for more sustainable food production; and
- Facilitating healthy soya-enriched diets.