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.
“We have signed the Mission Soil Manifesto, and we hope you will too, as caring for soils means caring about life!” the Commissioners emphasised.
The Manifesto has already gathered 3,390 signatories, including 2,763 individuals and 627 legal entities, building a growing network of soil advocates committed to sustainable land use and ecosystem protection.
Healthy soils, often called the living skin of our planet, are indispensable for food production, clean water, biodiversity, and climate regulation. They store 80% of the carbon in terrestrial ecosystems, making them vital in the fight against climate change. Yet, more than 60% of EU soils are currently in an unhealthy state due to desertification, erosion, pollution, and other degradation processes, which are further aggravated by extreme weather events. Restoring and protecting soil health is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for ensuring a secure and thriving future for all.
By signing the Mission Soil Manifesto, stakeholders commit to supporting the EU Mission Soil and its objectives, such as reducing erosion, enhancing soil biodiversity, cutting soil pollution, conserving organic carbon stocks, and raising awareness about the importance of soil. Joining this initiative means becoming part of a vibrant community of practice that shares knowledge and drives innovation in the protection and restoration of soil health. Signatories and Friends of the Manifesto gain access to information, networking opportunities, and events such as the annual European Mission Soil Week.
Take action today and sign the Manifesto here to become part of this shared commitment to soil health. Together, we can ensure that Europe’s soils remain a foundation for life, now and for generations to come.