Microbiome and the future for food and nutrient security

We envisage the development of technologies which will allow the manipulation of the crop microbiome in situ. These technologies will become an integral part of the sustainable increase in agricultural productivity ensuring food and nutrient security for future global populations. If this is to be achieved, both theoretical and technological advancements are needed (Box 1), utilizing multidisciplinary approaches to integrate emerging technologies (omics, 3D printing, synthetic biology) with more traditional approaches of microbial ecology, plant ecophysiology and genetics. These approaches will then be further embedded with remote sensing, satellite and sensor- based technologies with the ability to handle big data to realize the true potential of microbiome tools in agriculture and food sectors. In addition, challenges associated with social and regulatory policies will require simultaneous attention. Public acceptance of microbiome-based products will be crucial for the success of these technologies, and multidirectional communication among all stakeholders will ensure success. Standardization of regulatory requirements at intergovernmental levels will provide easy access to the market, but at the same time ensure efficacy and safety of these products to maintain public confidence in technologies. There are significant challenges to achieve the potential microbiome approach for food and nutrient security, but these are dwarfed by the potential economic, environmental and social benefits of taking this approach. For example, in addition to food and nutrient security, microbiome tools can substantially increase economic performance by commercializing new products, improve environmental health by reducing chemical contamination and create jobs in green industries.