Microorganisms have been used in food systems for millennia, for example in food fermentation. The development of scientific knowledge in the field of microbiomes has recently accelerated considerably, thanks in particular to high-throughput sequencing techniques. We now know that microorganisms are omnipresent in our environment, and that they play a major role in the health of soils, plants, animals, human beings and ecosystems in general. Thanks to their multiple functions, microbiomes are presented as potential solutions to the challenges posed by the development of sustainable food systems, from farm to fork. In particular, they could help replace or reduce the chemical inputs used in agriculture (pesticides, fertilizers), reduce the use of antibiotics in animal production, reduce food loss and waste, improve the taste of plant products through fermentation...

The aim of this foresight study is to build exploratory scenarios for sustainable, health-promoting European agricultural and food systems based on microorganisms. These scenarios will be based on contrasting hypotheses related to the evolution of the various components of the system under study, for example: production methods for microorganisms, their uses, consumer behavior, public policies and regulations, knowledge, techniques and innovations, etc.

The final phase of the project will be dedicated to presenting and debating the scenarios with different audiences.

This project is supported by INRAE and by three programs: the INRAE Holoflux metaprogram, the “Ferments du Futur” Grand Challenge supported by INRAE and ANIA, and the “Food Systems, Microbiomes and Health” Priority Research Program and Equipment co-sponsored by Inserm and INRAE.