Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Co-developing transition pathways for sustainable Food Systems in Europe: Insights from MICROBIOMES4SOY

MICROBIOMES4SOY co-develops regional transition pathways with stakeholders to advance sustainable, plant-based protein diets by integrating microbiome applications into food and feed systems, aligned with EU FOOD 2030 priorities. 

Hence, the project is dedicated to co-developing regional transition pathways with food system stakeholders to enable a shift toward sustainable, plant-based protein diets. The focus is on integrating microbiome applications into plant-based food and feed systems, in line with the EU’s FOOD 2030 priorities. This is achieved by engaging diverse stakeholders—including farmers, advisors, industry, and policymakers—to identify leverage points for transforming food systems. 

This task applies a participatory, co-creation approach to identify leverage points and develop solutions with practitioners, industry, and policymakers. 

Key achievements include:

  • Structured workshops with stakeholders to map out transition pathways that account for impacts on education, innovation, and regulation. These sessions identify concrete actions that can lead to systemic change in food systems.
  • Development of educational materials—factsheets, webinars, and tutorials—targeting stakeholders across the soya bean value chain to increase understanding of the role and benefits of microbiomes in plant protein systems.
  • Identification of innovation opportunities that support sustainable plant protein production, including microbiome-based approaches in crop cultivation, feed systems, and product development. The task also explores viable business models and value chain improvements.
  • Co-development of policy and regulatory recommendations to address barriers to the adoption of microbiome applications in agriculture and food production.
  • A comprehensive meta-analysis of data from across the project to reveal key microbiome patterns and their potential benefits along the food and feed value chain, supporting decision-making for stakeholders.

Additional information

Transition pathways offer a powerful framework for navigating complex systemic change—particularly relevant in the context of food system transformation through microbiome applications. Unlike strategies that prescribe fixed steps, pathways map the scope, timing, and factors required to move from today’s food system toward a more sustainable future.

Transition pathways in relation to microbiomes in the food system refer to the strategic shifts needed to harness microbial communities for sustainable and resilient food production. Within the MICROBIOMES4SOY project, transition pathways are applied to foster co-developed, stakeholder-driven approaches that support the adoption of plant-based protein systems enhanced by microbiome science. These pathways consider barriers and opportunities at every stage—from agricultural practices and food processing to regulation and consumption.

These pathways involve changes in agricultural practices, food processing, and waste management to promote beneficial microbiomes that enhance soil health, plant productivity, food safety, and nutrition, aiming to reduce dependence on chemical inputs, lower environmental impact, and improve food system resilience to climate change and other disruptions. The structured approach ensures alignment among stakeholders—farmers, researchers, industry, and policy actors — by fostering a shared understanding of where change must occur, identifying leverage points for innovation, and enabling risk-aware, adaptive planning.

Source Project
Healthier diets and sustainable food and feed systems through employing microbiomes for soya production and further use
Ongoing | 2024-2028
Main funding source
Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Austria
Project details

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