Transition to safe & sustainable food systems through new & innovative detection methods & digital solutions for plant-based products derived from new genomic techniques, under a co-creation approach

Project Information

DARWIN

Grant agreement ID: 101136462

DOI

10.3030/101136462

EC signature date 8 December 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 30 June 2027

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 4 999 635,00

EU contribution

€ 4 999 635,00

Coordinated by

NORCE RESEARCH AS
Norway

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DARWIN (Transition to safe & sustainable food systems through new & innovative detection methods & digital solutions for plant-based products derived from new genomic techniques, under a co-creation approach)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

DARWIN aims to co-develop a pioneering detection strategy by integrating targeted analytical PCR-based methods, untargeted sequencing methods, and digital solutions. A new generation of innovative and reliable DNA-based analytical detection methods is meant to be developed, ranging from enhanced PCR methods for NGT detection, identification and quantification in single and multi-target systems, to untargeted sequencing methods related to whole-genome sequencing, laser capture microdissection-based sequencing and high throughput metagenomics sequencing for NGT screening and characterization. DARWIN will bring a cutting-edge approach developing genetic fingerprints using artificial intelligence to overcome challenges related to event-specific targeted methods, unambiguously identifying specific NGT lines. In line with the European Commission’s Farm-to-Fork Strategy, presented as part of the European Green Deal, DARWIN will set technical validation procedures, contributing to policy and governance recommendations for a more transparent food/GMO legislation.

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

The main achievement during this reporting period has been the development and transfer of the genetic fingerprint for rice lines, that lays the foundation for untargeted (i.e. whole sequence based) detection methods of NGT products. Several lines of NGT rice have been developed and fingerprinted in comparison to unedited lines. The methodology and approach have been worked into a scientific manuscript that was submitted in the reporting period. Expanding this approach to other species and other varieties is an important step for establishing surveillance, traceability and labeling of NGT products across the entire food chain.

In combination with a whole genome sequencing approach, DARWIN has established an enhanced PCR method that meets the required sensitivity and specificity. This method is in the process of being transferred to partners for a full ring trial.
Work package 1 is progressing according to plan. Fruitful co-creation workshops and collaboration with other relevant projects are in place. Stakeholder engagement and consumers interactions have also taken place. The untargeted methods in work package 2 are also progressing and yields exciting results at an early stage. The first scientific publication was submitted during the reporting period. DARWIN has experienced some delays in some methods in work package 2, and these are highlighted in this report. However, establishment of collaborating activities with DARWIN’s sister project, DETECTIVE was initiated, and has resulted in meeting activities and participation in workshops. We expect more collaborating activities to come in the coming reporting period. Transferability of the methods from work package 2 to 4 has partly been fulfilled, and a network of GMO laboratories have been identified to participate in the validation process of the methods. Interaction with work package 3 has started, but the output there is dependent on input from work package 2, which is a bit delayed. Nevertheless, efforts have been made to start development of the bioinformatics tools and support systems. DARWIN has had considerable activities tied to presentations, online exposure and publications directed at the general public.

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)

Further research and testing of other variants and other species are key to understand fully what type of information is needed for rapid and cost-effective genetic fingerprinting. As more crops are tested, also the applicability of detecting known edits through enhanced qPCR methods will be unraveled. DARWIN strives toward standardization of targeted and untargeted methods that is more feasible.

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