On 8 June 2026, the WHEATBIOME project hosted a field trip in Obory, near Warsaw, exploring the potential of recirculating wheat by-products through fermentation to create more sustainable poultry feed. The event was jointly organised by the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) and the Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology (IBPRS), bringing together researchers and stakeholders from across the poultry and feed sectors.
The event welcomed 21 participants, including farmers, feed manufacturers, animal breeders, animal science specialists and representatives of government agencies. Throughout the morning, attendees learned about the latest progress and findings from the WHEATBIOME project and discussed how innovative feed solutions can contribute to more circular and sustainable agri-food systems.
Sharing research on sustainable feed innovation
Following the opening session, participants were introduced to the WHEATBIOME project by Łukasz Woźniak, who presented the project’s objectives and recent achievements.
The scientific programme focused on the role of fermentation in enhancing the value of wheat by-products for animal nutrition. Renata Choińska presented the fermentation process and its potential to transform wheat discards into valuable feed ingredients. This was followed by presentations from Krzysztof Damaziak and Wojciech Wójcik, who shared research on the effects of fermented feed on broilers and laying hens, respectively, highlighting its potential to support poultry production while contributing to resource efficiency.
From research to practice
After the presentations, participants visited the poultry facilities in Obory, where they observed practical aspects of poultry production and discussed how research findings could be translated into on-farm applications.
The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion, providing an opportunity for researchers and stakeholders to exchange ideas on future developments and practical implementation of fermentation technologies within the poultry sector.
Positive feedback and future directions
The event concluded with a participant feedback session. Seventeen attendees completed the evaluation questionnaire, with overall responses indicating a high level of satisfaction.
Participants particularly valued the opportunity to engage directly with scientists and other actors across the food supply chain, exchanging knowledge and discussing practical challenges and opportunities.
Several attendees suggested extending the duration of future events to allow for more in-depth discussions. Topics proposed for future meetings included biosecurity in poultry production and the industrial-scale implementation of fermentation technologies.
By fostering dialogue between research and practice, the WHEATBIOME project continues to support the transition towards more circular, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, demonstrating how innovative approaches to wheat by-product valorisation can benefit both animal production and environmental sustainability.
