Latest news

Wednesday, 15 January 2025
Shape the future of digital soil monitoring technologies
The Horizon Europe project E-SPFdigit invites stakeholders across Europe to share their insights into the needs for onsite digital technologies to monitor nutrients, chemical, and biological stressors in soil and plants. If you are a farmer, land manager, advisor, company, researcher, or part of a technical centre working on soil health, sustainable farming, or food safety? Then this survey is for you!
Thursday, 19 December 2024
Commissioners Hansen and Roswall sign the Mission Soil Manifesto
On December 10, during the Agri-Food Days in Brussels, Commissioners Christophe Hansen (Agriculture and Food) and Jessika Roswall (Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy) signed the Mission Soil Manifesto, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to preserving and restoring soil health.
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
SpongeWorks Open Call for Associated Regions now open
Apply to become a SpongeWorks Associated Region and receive support to enhance the sponge function of your landscapes, improving water retention, soil health and climate resilience.
Eight regions will be selected to receive up to €100,000 each in grant funding to develop and implement innovative sponge measures and strategies. Deadline: 31/01/2025
Wednesday, 4 December 2024
European Mission Soil Week 2024
The European Mission Soil Week organised by Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI), in collaboration with the Joint Research Center (JRC) - EU Soil Observatory (EUSO), Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) and Research Executive Agency (REA), held in Brussels from November 12 to 14, 2024, was a success, attracting 250 onsite and almost 300 online participants through live streaming.
Tuesday, 3 December 2024
Meet the Mission Soil Ambassadors: champions of soil health
Healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable food production, climate resilience, clean water, and biodiversity. Yet, soils are often overlooked and are in poor condition. To address this challenge, the Mission Soil Ambassadors programme was created, bringing together passionate soil advocates from across Europe. Using their expertise and communication skills, they aim to enhance soil literacy, inspire action, and drive progress towards the Mission's goals.
Friday, 29 November 2024
Call for Applications: European Landowners’ Land and Soil Management Awards
Are you a farmer, landowner, or land manager championing sustainable land and soil practices? Apply for the prestigious Land and Soil Management Award by the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO). This award highlights innovative efforts to protect soil, raising awareness and promoting best practices. The winner will receive €5,000 and be celebrated at the Forum for the Future of Agriculture on 1 April 2025. Submit your application by 31 January 2025 to showcase your project to a panel of esteemed experts.
Thursday, 21 November 2024
PHISHES project launched to improve prediction of soil health and ecosystem services
The Horizon Europe project PHISHES officially kicked off on 24 September, marking the start of a four-year initiative aimed at safeguarding European soils through advanced simulation tools. PHISHES stands for Physically-Based Integrated Soil Health Simulation Platform which is also the main planned output. Coordinated by DHI, the project brings together nine expert partners from across Europe, encompassing soil science, hydrology, and policy-making.
Tuesday, 8 October 2024
From nitrogen pollution to battery recycling, young scientists take action to help society
At the 2024 EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), soil health took center stage as 17-year-old Nikhil Vemuri from North Carolina developed groundbreaking technology to fight nitrogen pollution. His innovative software uses satellite imagery to help farmers optimize fertiliser use, reducing environmental damage while improving crop yields.
Monday, 7 October 2024
Join the second edition of European Mission Soil Week: Leading the transition to healthier soils
The European Mission Soil Week (EMSW) 2024 returns, building on its vital role in promoting research, innovation and engagement on soil protection and restoration. This year’s event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss soil health challenges and to showcase innovative research, practical solutions and actions. Through discussions, field visits and collaborative sessions, EMSW 2024 will push forward the collective effort to protect and improve the future of Europe’s soils.
Monday, 23 September 2024
Protecting our soil: 21 new EU-funded projects to help restore soil health by 2030
The European Commission has allocated over €170 million with the goal of tackling soil health challenges across Europe. As part of the EU Mission: 'A Soil Deal for Europe' and the European Green Deal, these initiatives bring together over 500 participants from 37 countries, including EU members and partners from around the globe.