MICROBIOMES4SOY

Healthier diets and sustainable food and feed systems through employing microbiomes for soya production and further use

The challenge

Transforming Food Systems Through Microbiome Innovation

Microbiomes are crucial for food system sustainability, however, our current understanding of their key roles remains fragmented. This limits the ability to harness the full potential of microbiome-based understandings for positive impact. 

MICROBIOMES4SOY aims to address this challenge by researching microbiome pathways that support a sustainable food system, with soyabean serving as a model crop system for exploring microbiome interactions.

Despite the soya bean’s promise as a sustainable protein source, obstacles such as climate change and the need for reduced chemical inputs underscore the urgency for innovative solutions. 

Hence, the project will focus on improving soya crop productivity to contribute to healthy plant-based protein alternatives, while also developing improved soya-based fish feed for the aquaculture industry.

In summary

MICROBIOMES4SOY aims to improve the knowledge around microbiomes found all along our food systems, from production to consumption.

The MICROBIOMES4SOY approach

MICROBIOMES4SOY employs a multifaceted approach; by developing microbiome-informed approaches, including agricultural management and predictive models, the project aims to improve yield stability, enhance environmental sustainability, and ensure food safety and quality. The research extends its scope beyond plant microbiomes, investigating the influence of soya-derived protein diets on the human gut microbiome and health. Additionally, innovative soya-based aquafeeds will be created and evaluated for their effects on fish gut microbiome and health.

The project spans from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028. Over this period, the consortium will work collaboratively to achieve its goals, which include developing microbiome-based knowledge and awareness, creating sustainable solutions for food production, and promoting healthy soya-enriched diets.

Our mission

The main objectives:

Click on an objective to read the description.

1

Understanding Soya Plant Microbiomes: Enhancing Crop Productivity

2

Microbiome-Informed Dietary Recommendations: Exploring Human Health Impacts

3

Soya-Based Aquafeeds: Innovating Aquaculture Sustainability

4

Joint Efforts for Food
Systems Transformation

5

Improved Microbiome-Based Knowledge and Skills for Food Systems Actors

Understanding Soya Plant Microbiomes: Enhancing Crop Productivity

MICROBIOMES4SOY aims to explore the dynamics and potential of plant microbiomes, specifically focusing on the soya bean model. The project seeks to understand how plant microbiomes impact soya crop productivity. Additionally, it aims to develop microbiome-informed approaches, including agricultural strategies and prediction models, to improve yield stability, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure food safety and quality during production.

Microbiome-Informed Dietary Recommendations:
Exploring Human Health Impacts

Moreover, human health is a central theme, with a dedicated objective to investigate the impact of soya-derived protein diets on the human gut microbiome. The project aims to provide microbiome-informed dietary recommendations, contributing valuable insights to the intersection of nutrition and microbiology.

Soya-Based Aquafeeds: Innovating Aquaculture Sustainability

In the realm of aquaculture, MICROBIOMES4SOY seeks to pioneer solutions by creating innovative soya-based aquafeeds. The project aims to evaluate the effects of these novel feeds on the fish gut microbiome and overall health, addressing both environmental and nutritional aspects of aquaculture.

Joint Efforts for Food Systems Transformation

MICROBIOMES4SOY aims to work collaboratively with food system stakeholders to define regional transition pathways towards plant-based protein diets, contributing to broader shifts in dietary practices.

Improved Microbiome-Based Knowledge and Skills for Food System Actors

Knowledge and skill empowerment is a key objective, intending to equip food system actors with expertise on microbiome interactions, benefits, and industrial applications. This will be achieved through a multi-actor approach, that shares understanding of microbiomes within the broader context of food systems.