M4SF Initiative | HealthFerm

HealthFerm is proud to be part of a cluster of EU funded projects under the joint name Microbes4SustainableFoods (M4SF). The founding members of this cluster comprise the following projects: HealthFerm, DOMINO, TRIBIOME, WHEATBIOME and PIMENTO Cost Action. Further projects joined the cluster as associated members: MICROBIOMES4SOY, MICROBE, FOODGUARD, DELICIOUS, FLAVOURFERM and MICROORC. Together, these projects share a commitment to advance sustainable food systems, health and environmental resilience through the study of microbiomes along food system value chains.

M4SF logo

M4SF collaboratively produces outcomes such as joint dissemination activities, including workshops, events, online webinars and social media awareness campaigns. The cluster works on the following objectives:

Unveiling the health benefits of fermented foods and their influence on the human gut microbiome, offering the promise of nutritionally enhanced and microbiome-friendly dietary choices.
Enhancing the dual impact of human wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
Elevating Europe as a standing leader in microbial foods with regional diversity and local food production.
Showing the potential of wheat microbiome’s potential by modulating soil-plant microbiomes and promoting circular economy processes, uniting the stakeholders along the entire food value chain.

For more information about M4SF, please have a read through our brochure:

M4SF Video

Projects of the M4SF cluster

Founding projects

Associated projects

Upcoming and past activities

Workshop "Microbiomes for the Future of Food Systems"

Location: Brussels

Harnessing Microbiomes for a Sustainable Food System: From Farm to Fork and Beyond, a dynamic one-day free workshop dedicated to exploring the latest advances and applications in microbiome research across the food system. Organised by eight EU-funded projects in the Microbes4SustainableFoods Cluster (M4SF), this event will present key results, challenges and opportunities from these EU funded projects, establishing an important dialogue how future research can translate into meaningful policy recommendations and impact.

Event Details:

Date & Time: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 09:00 – 18:00 CET
Location: Brussels, Belgium – BlankSpace Venue (Place du Luxembourg)
Format: In-person, with hybrid participation available

This workshop is designed for policymakers, farmers, company representatives, consumer organisations and researchers interested in advancing their understanding and collaboration in microbiome science and applications for innovation on the field, in food production and the wider food system.

Secure your spot!

Capacity: Limited to 100 participants