Microorganisms can reduce environmental problems e g by converting plant biomass to biofuels, replacing chemical pesticides, reducing nutrient leakage in plant growth promotion, and preventing toxic compounds from contaminating the environment in bioprophylaxis. The DOM programme provides sustainable microbial solutions to environmental problems through research and cooperation with partners. This includes fermentor production of microbial inoculants, followed by formulation steps for long-term stability and ease of application. Safe use of microorganisms requires careful consequence analyses, which for commercial products may be followed by lengthy registration procedures. Presently, growth of novel biotechnological industries that can solve environmental problems is hampered by lack of knowledge about fermentation and formulation techniques. The absence of relevant safety assessment systems for microorganisms, suited for decision making by regulatory authorities, presents even more serious obstacles to sustainable development. The research programme forms a ”DOM Center of excellence” that harness the metabolic power of the natural microbial diversity through a domestication programme, focusing on safety and formulation to generate stable products with high efficacy and production economy. Through communication with regulatory authorities at early stages of development, the registration process will be facilitated, allowing earlier product commercialisation. Since process and product safety are assessed at an early stage, potential risks for humans and the environment can be minimised. The DOM Center supports implementation of solutions to environmental problems by connecting university research, industrial development and regulatory processes. DOM has an annual budget exceeding 1.9 M USD for the years 2006-2010 and welcomes international cooperation !