The report, “Genome editing technologies in microbial food and feed: Pathways to sustainable production in Norway”, provides an in-depth analysis of how microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast, fungi, and microalgae, can be harnessed to produce proteins, oils, and other essential ingredients with a lower environmental footprint. This innovation could significantly reduce Norway’s reliance on imported feed ingredients for aquaculture and livestock.
– Genome editing in microorganisms opens up new possibilities for producing sustainable food and feed ingredients. By leveraging Norway’s strong research infrastructure and focusing on circular resource use, we can reduce reliance on imports, lower emissions, and create innovative solutions for the aquaculture and food industries, says Anne Ingeborg Myhr, SVP Biotechnology and Circular Economy in NORCE.
Why does this matter?
Norwegian aquaculture currently depends heavily on imported raw materials like soy and fishmeal, which account for a large share of greenhouse gas emissions from salmon farming. The government’s Mission on Sustainable Feed (Samfunnsoppdrag om bærekraftig fôr) aims to increase the share of Norwegian-produced feed ingredients from 8% to 25% by 2034. Microbial production offers a promising solution: microbes can be cultivated using industrial side streams and waste resources, supporting a circular bioeconomy.
The role of genome editing
Advanced tools such as CRISPR enable scientists to optimize microorganisms for:
- Higher efficiency and yield in protein and lipid production.
- Utilization of alternative feedstocks, including waste streams and CO₂.
- Improved nutritional profiles tailored for food and feed applications.
These technologies can help produce proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids, and other high-value compounds, reducing environmental impact compared to conventional sources. However, to unlock this potential, several barriers must be addressed:
- Regulatory adaptation: Current feed legislation does not fully accommodate genome-edited microorganisms.
- Research gaps: More data is needed on safety, animal welfare, and long-term health effects.
- Consumer acceptance: Transparency in labeling and proactive public communication of benefits and risks are essential to foster informed choices and societal confidence.
The report recommends:
- Updating feed regulations to include alternative ingredients and genome-edited microbes.
- Developing robust sustainability frameworks covering environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
- Strengthening research on microbial feed for aquaculture and circular resource use.
- Improving labeling and communication to build trust among consumers.
Norway’s opportunity
With strong research environments and advanced bioprocessing infrastructure, Norway is well-positioned to lead in microbial food and feed innovation. Scaling up these technologies could help achieve national sustainability goals and enhance self-sufficiency in feed production.
