On 23 June, the WHEATBIOME project welcomed researchers, industry representatives, policymakers and other stakeholders to GreenUPorto – Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto for a full-day Technical Visit and Research Demonstration dedicated to the role of soil and plant microbiomes in building more sustainable cereal-based agri-food systems.
The event highlighted how understanding and harnessing the wheat microbiome can contribute to healthier crops, climate resilience and innovative food products while strengthening collaboration across the entire cereal value chain.
A day of science, innovation and collaboration
The programme began with an introduction to the WHEATBIOME project, presenting its vision of unlocking the potential of the wheat microbiome to develop healthier, more sustainable and resilient food and feed systems.
Participants then explored key scientific topics, including:
- How soil microbiomes influence wheat production and the environmental factors shaping microbial communities.
- The potential of the wheat phytomicrobiome to develop biological solutions that enhance resilience to climate change.
- Emerging opportunities for microbiome-based innovation in sustainable agriculture.
From research to real-world applications
The event also demonstrated how research can translate into practical solutions. Participants experienced demonstrations and tastings of novel wheat-based food products, illustrating the project’s commitment to connecting scientific advances with consumer-oriented innovation.
A roundtable discussion brought together experts from academia, agriculture, industry and public institutions to discuss the sustainability challenges facing the cereal value chain and the importance of collaborative innovation. The exchange of perspectives reinforced the need for integrated approaches that combine scientific knowledge, agricultural practices, industrial expertise and policy support.
Hands-on demonstrations
During the afternoon, attendees participated in practical demonstrations focused on soil health, gaining first-hand insight into methods used to evaluate and improve soil quality.
The day concluded with guided visits to WHEATBIOME’s experimental fields and laboratories, where participants observed ongoing research activities and learned more about the project’s experimental approaches for studying wheat-associated microbial communities.
Strengthening Europe’s transition to sustainable agriculture
The Technical Visit demonstrated the value of bringing together researchers, farmers, industry representatives and policymakers to accelerate innovation in sustainable cereal production.
By fostering knowledge exchange and showcasing cutting-edge research, WHEATBIOME continues to contribute to the development of resilient agri-food systems capable of addressing climate change while supporting healthier food production.
