Advanced tools for integration and synergistic inTeRconnectIon of microBIOMEs in resilient food systems

Project Information

TRIBIOME

Grant agreement ID: 101084485

DOI

10.3030/101084485

EC signature date 14 October 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 30 June 2027

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 4 914 723,50

EU contribution

€ 4 914 723,50

Coordinated by

INSTITUTO TECNOLOGICO DEL EMBALAJE, TRANSPORTE Y LOGISTICA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - TRIBIOME (Advanced tools for integration and synergistic inTeRconnectIon of microBIOMEs in resilient food systems)

Reporting period: 2024-07-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

TRIBIOME's vision is to develop and implement a systemic solution to transform current food production systems. To this end, TRIBIOME aims to advance alignment with the Green Deal and Farm2fork strategies, by deepening the knowledge of soil/plant/ animal and human microbiomes, as well as their interrelationships and interconnections, so that they can play a leading role in the resilience of food production systems in the near future. TRIBIOME will face the main challenges such as the need to minimize resources, reduce the environmental impact and promote healthy and plant-based food chain while feeding a constantly growing world population under the paradigm of climate change. This project aims to drive this concept from its base, establishing its central nucleus in current agricultural production systems based on the relevancy of the soil and plant microbiome, in order to produce more with less, through knowledge of microbial biodiversity and its interaction with the plant, developing novel technologies to influence its modulation (i.e. those enhancing plant growth, nutrient use efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance and better nutritional and health quality of food products) in such a way as to generate an upgrade quality food and have a positive influence on the microbiomes of both animals and humans. To this end, we will work cooperatively in a multiactor approach framework with all actors in the food production systems chain, from farmers to consumers, industry, investors and policy makers, in order to develop systemic solutions that guarantee their implementation and solve the real problems and needs of society.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In the following section are detailed the main achievements and the significant activities carried out in support of them:

With the aim of addressing an innovative multi-stakeholder approach for agri-food sustainability through a decision support network:
DSN has been functioning as an environment for innovation adoption, knowledge exchange and co creation. The Stakeholder Platform integrated more than 50 EIP Agri Operational Groups, farmers, industry representatives, NGOs and researchers across all European countries. Engagement tools included thematic groups, surveys in 7 languages, and on farm participatory events in Italy and Spain. TribiomeSmartFarm Digital Decision Support Tool (d DST) advanced, including technical integration and architecture consolidation. Presentation and demonstration of upgraded second functional version with full recommendation workflow, complete review and feedback system, end-to-end ordering module, notification system and refined user experience.

In regards of modelling microbiomes to boost soil microbiome dynamics for a better crop quality and productivity:
A specialised microbiome database is under preparation via the operative computational infrastructure, harmonising metadata and integrating metabarcoding datasets and shotgun metagenomes across Spain, Italy, and South Africa. Analysis of correlations resulted in predictive models integrating microbiome, soil, and plant data to estimate the effect of microbiome modulators in diverse environments.

Regarding the circularity and climate change adaptation through valorisation processes:
The circular process conditions to produce wheat modulators from agrowates was optimized at lab scale in Europe and South Africa. This encompasses 20 cultures of microbial isolates (including 4 designed putative Syncoms) and 3 botanical extracts that reached high viable cell counts and phenolic content, respectively. Modulators have also been evaluated for initial scalability (5-25 L) and for compatibility in fertilizer formulations. The baseline LCC, sLCA and Safe by Design scenario is being fed with technical data for scaling TRIBIOME solutions.

To demonstrate and validate the new microbiome tools developed:
Screening activities identified several promising biological modulators, including beneficial microorganisms, botanical extracts and microbial consortia (SynComs), capable of improving plant performance in vitro. Pot trials in Europe enabled the selection of the most effective treatments with selected modulators in terms of biomass and grain yield , while field trials confirmed positive effects on early-season crop nutritional traits. In South Africa, additional microbial candidates also showed strong performance under local conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of sustainable biological solutions to improve crop performance and support more efficient nutrient use across different agricultural environments.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The achieved results are described below:
• Establishment of a pan European DSN, linking soil microbiome research to real farm practice via multi actor dynamics.
• Creation of a large scale Stakeholder Platform with >50 EU Operational Groups, a rare achievement for a Horizon project.
• Generation of one of Europe’s largest wheat microbiome datasets: >1,200 rhizosphere samples, >150 microorganisms isolated and 10 prioritised
• Development of advanced d DST prototypes, integrating real time recommendations, reviews, and order flows.
• Production of novel fertiliser prototypes, integrating microbial and botanical modulators.
• Extensive dissemination: 100+ social media posts, 10 articles, 2 videos, TRIBIOME website launched, Farmer trainings and cross visits established positive perception and demand for future testing.