Biofood

In 2025, Earth was home to 8.23 billion people, a number that’s expected to reach 9 billion by 2050 and 10 billion by 2100.

Feeding 10 billion human beings without compromising the planet is a tremendous challenge. With the accelerating climate crisis, shifts in consumer preferences, geopolitical upheavals and growing food insecurity around the world, we need sustainable, science-driven solutions to address these pressing issues.

That’s where genomics comes in with real-world applications that can lead to healthier food, cleaner production and the responsible use of natural resources.

Génome Québec’s investments in biofood
Biofood genomics to understand and harness the code of life

Biofood genomics provides a way to identify the genetic traits of plants, animals and microorganisms to boost the productivity, nutritional quality and sustainability of food systems. It encompasses all living beings in the food supply chain. Biofood genomics aims to improve the performance, quality and resilience of food production and processing systems.

In the agrifood sector, it is used to:

  • Observe and understand naturally occurring genes in a plant, animal or microbe.
  • Optimize food production processes by identifying the most effective microbial strains for fermentation, preservation and waste reduction.
  • Select genes with the best traits in terms of yield, resistance, taste and nutritional value.
  • Accelerate traditional selection programs by using genetic markers to choose the best lines without DNA alterations.

Example: Identifying cold-resistant genes in wheat and naturally crossing varieties that have them.

Watch the following video to find out more (French only):
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): a modern genomic tool

GMOs stems from a scientific technique that changes one or more specific genes in a plant, animal or microorganism to give it a desirable trait, such as better resistance to diseases, improved adaptation to climate change, higher nutritional value or a longer shelf life.

Example: Introducing a bacterial gene into corn to make it produce a protein that repels pests.

Unlike traditional selection, where it takes several generations to see results that are difficult to predict, genomics allows for fast, targeted action and the complete traceability of genetic change.

Génome Québec focuses primarily on biofood genomics to understand, sequence, select and promote responsible innovation.

The production of GMOs is only one of the ways biotechnology is used—always in a controlled manner. Québec’s strength lies in integrating genomics into a sustainable One Health approach, where science serves to nourish, treat and protect without disrupting the natural balance of living beings.  

In Québec, the goal of biofood genomics research is to promote the responsible, transparent use of these technologies to ensure a safe, sustainable food supply in a way that maintains public trust.

For more information about GMOs (FRENCH ONLY)

Biofood and the One Health approach

The One Health approach is based on a very simple idea: human health, animal health and environmental health are inseparable.

The biofood industry plays a central role in preserving this balance.

Agricultural and food production practices have a direct impact on the quality of the environment and the health of humans and livestock. On this front, genomics makes it possible to:  

  • Prevent disease by detecting pathogens in soils, crops and livestock at an early stage
  • Reduce the need for antibiotics and pesticides by selecting naturally resistant varieties and species
  • Ensure food safety and traceability using fast, reliable genetic tests
  • Protect ecosystems by optimizing natural resource management and reducing polluting discharges

Combining genomics with the One Health approach will position Québec as a leader in responsible, sustainable food production in keeping with global public health goals. This integrated vision will pave the way to strengthened food security, better health risk management and a healthier future for all living beings.

Improving the safety of our food

Given the growth in international trade, it has now become more important than ever to ensure that food travelling across borders is safe for human health and, in cases of contamination, easily traceable along the supply chain.

To learn more