Two Background Study Papers published.Background Study Paper No. 76 Sustainable use and conservation of fermentation-associated microorganisms within the agrifood system examines the roles of fermentation-associated microorganisms in food processing and agro-industrial processes and how they can best be managed to promote food security and the circular bioeconomy. Background Study Paper No. 77 Sustainable use and conservation of edible fungi and invertebrates used as dietary components of food/feed explores the management of fungi and terrestrial invertebrates cultivated or gathered in the wild as food or feed

Two Background Study Papers published. Background Study Paper No. 75 Sustainable use and conservation of microorganisms of relevance to ruminant digestion explores the management of the microbes found in the forestomachs of ruminant animals, discussing their roles both in animal nutrition and in greenhouse gas emissions. Background Study Paper No. 74 Sustainable use and conservation of soil microorganisms and invertebrates contributing to bioremediation and nutrient cycling examines the management of soil microorganisms and invertebrates that contribute to plant nutrition and to the removal of pollutants from soils. 

Two Background Study Papers published. Background Study Paper No. 72 Sustainable use and conservation of invertebrate pollinators discusses the status and trends of invertebrate pollinators, and maps regional and international initiatives, targeting them and identifying gaps and needs in their management. Background Study Paper No. 71 Sustainable use and conservation of microbial and invertebrate biological control agents and microbial biostimulants discusses the management of microorganisms and invertebrates that help to control pests or act as biostimulants in food and agricultural systems. 

Publication of The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture, which highlights the importance of microorganisms and invertebrates to sustainable agriculture and discusses their status and trends, and the state of their management worldwide.

At its Seventeenth Regular Session, the Commission adopts a Work Plan for the Sustainable Use and Conservation of Micro-organism and Invertebrate Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It agrees to address functional groups of invertebrates and/or micro-organisms as follows:

• CGRFA-18: (a) Pollinators, including honey bees and (b) Biological control agents and biostimulants
• CGRFA-19: (a) Soil micro-organisms and invertebrates, with emphasis on bioremediation and nutrient cycling organisms and (b) Micro-organisms of relevance to ruminant digestion
• CGRFA-20: (a) Edible fungi and invertebrates used as dietary components of food/feed and (b) Micro-organisms used in food processing and agroindustrial processes.

Three Background Study Papers published. Background Study Paper No. 65 Status and trends of the conservation and sustainable use of microorganisms in food processes reviews the roles of microorganisms in food processing, highlighting successes and challenges in their use. Background Study Paper No. 64 Status and trends of the conservation and sustainable use of microorganisms in agroindustrial processes examines the use of microorganisms in agro-industrial processes such as biofertilization, biological control, composting and bioremediation. Background Study Paper No. 63 The conservation and use of micro-organisms and invertebrates in root crop-based systems: state of knowledge, trends and future prospects considers the roles of microorganism and invertebrate diversity in root-crop systems and identifies research priorities related to their sustainable use. 

Two Background Study Papers published. Background Study Paper No. 62 Invertebrates in rice production systems: status and trends reviews the status and trends of invertebrates in rice production systems, identifying important species, risks to biodiversity and ecosystem services, and management challenges and opportunities. Background Study Paper No. 61 Micro-organisms and ruminant digestion: state of knowledge, trends and future prospects provides a historical overview of rumen microbiology, highlighting the microbial ecosystem’s role in enhancing livestock productivity and addressing the environmental and health impacts of ruminant farming.