The Microbiology Society responds to UK Parliament’s inquiry on innovation and global food security

30 September 2025

The Microbiology Society has submitted evidence to the UK Parliament’s Science, Innovation and Technology Committee as part of the Committee’s inquiry into innovation and global food security.

To keep pace with projected population growth, global food production must increase by 70% by 2050. Meeting this demand will require scientific and technological innovation to sustainably enhance agricultural productivity.

Drawing on the views of its members, the Society’s submission showcases the role microbiology plays in securing long-term food security. Some microbial innovations featured in our response include:

• Using biofertilisers (micro-organisms that convert or produce nutrients for plant uptake) as alternatives to artificial, environmentally damaging fertilisers.
• Protecting and enhancing the soil microbiome by adapting agricultural practices.
• Applying genetic tools, such as CRISPR, to improve the ability of micro-organisms to support soil and plant health.

Our response highlights these and other ways to innovate agricultural productivity. You can read the full response here.

Read the full response now