Agriculture is key to address global challenges like climate change, soil degradation, and food security. The Tribiome project, is delivering groundbreaking solutions by optimizing the power of microbiomes to enhance sustainability, crop resilience, and soil health.
At the midpoint of the project, significant progress has been made, highlighting the potential of microbiomes to transform agriculture and align with Europe’s policy goals, such as the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy, and the EU Soil Strategy for 2030.
Key innovations and research progress
In the first 24 months, the TRIBIOME project has developed a Decision Support Tool (TribiomeSmartFarm app) designed to empower farmers with real-time insights into soil and crop health, enabling them to make evidence-based decisions for adopting sustainable microbiome solutions. The app’s prototype is now available with the final version planned by the end of the project. The next steps include design validation, development, data integration, technical testing, continuous improvements, and deployment. Extensive microbiome research has been conducted, with soil and plant samples collected in Spain, Italy, and South Africa. This has generated critical multi-omics data, which is being used to identify microbial communities that improve soil health and enhance crop resilience under stress. The genomic data collection phase is now complete.
Field trials have been carried out to optimize crop performance using microbiome modulators, showing promising results in reducing chemical inputs while maintaining productivity. Column soil tests with selected modulators are ongoing in Italy, with sample analyses in progress. However, extractions in Spain have been delayed due to adverse weather conditions (heavy rains).
The project is also evaluating the impact of microbiome innovations on animal health and the environment. Studies on wheat-based feed are conducted to check its effects on ruminants’ gut microbiota and digestibility, while environmental assessments, including gas emission measurements, are ensuring that these solutions contribute to reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint. In addition to these advancements, Tribiome has made progress in promoting circular practices. By developing bioconversion processes, the project has transformed wheat waste and other vegetable waste into biofertilizers and biostimulants, showcasing their potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic inputs. However, some challenges have emerged, such as the incompatibility of certain microbiome modulators with fertilizers, requiring separate applications.
Policy support and future steps
To complete its objectives, initial environmental and economic assessments, such as Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Social Cost Life Assessments (SCLA), are being conducted to measure the impact of these innovations while ensuring regulatory compliance with EU safety standards. Engineers will soon begin fermentation modeling as part of the environmental impact evaluation.
To engage stakeholders and policymakers, Tribiome has implemented a comprehensive communication strategy. This includes the creation of promotional videos, blog articles, and educational materials. A stakeholder survey has also been conducted to identify key actors to involve in the project. Preliminary policy recommendations are being prepared to support the integration of microbiome innovations into EU regulations, ensuring a broader adoption of these transformative solutions.
Unlocking the full potential of microbiome innovations
The progress achieved by TRIBIOME demonstrates the potential of microbiome-based solutions to address key agricultural challenges while aligning with Europe’s sustainability goals. However, realizing their full potential requires targeted support from policymakers:
- Encouraging regulatory clarity by establishing harmonized standards for evaluating microbiome-based products to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Providing incentives and supporting the adoption of biofertilizers and biostimulants through subsidies or eco-schemes under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
- Promoting knowledge exchange and facilitating collaboration among researchers, farmers, and industry stakeholders to accelerate innovation and adoption.
- Investing in research by expanding funding for microbiome-related projects to advance sustainable agricultural technologies.
As Tribiome enters its next phase, we remain committed to delivering impactful solutions that bridge the gap between science, farming, and policy. Policymakers play a critical role in creating an enabling environment for these innovations to develop. Together, we can build a future where agriculture is both productive and sustainable. Stay connected for more updates as we continue to transform agriculture through microbiome innovation.
Want to know more?
Contact catherine.malingreau@wagralim.be or Follow the project’s LinkedIn page