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. This event gathered the European soil community bringing together researchers, policymakers, land managers, and representatives of civil society organisations that work for the protection and restoration of soils through innovation.
A highlight of the week was the presentation and the celebration of the first 25 Mission Soil Living Labs with more than 250 testing sites established across Europe, representing a significant milestone toward the Mission Soil's goal of 100 Living Labs by 2030. These Living Labs are part of 5 (LivingSoiLL, SOILCRATES, GOV4ALL, LILAS4SOILS, iCOSHELL) of the 50 ongoing soil-related research and innovation projects that are advancing knowledge and sustainable practices in this field. In partnership with EUSO, the Mission is also advancing soil health monitoring and supporting critical policy objectives set by the EU soil strategy and in line with the Soil Monitoring Law proposal.
The event featured more than 50 distinguished speakers, including the Walloon Minister of Agriculture, Rural Affairs, Nature, Hunting, Fisheries and Forestry and representatives from UNESCO, alongside experts from the European Commission, and a Member of the European Parliament. Complementing these voices were the inspiring experiences shared by Mission Soil Ambassadors, people who are committed to protect the environment and restore soil health. The program also included contributions from farmers, foresters, and researchers, whose insights further enriched the discussions. Unique sessions also explored human-soil relations from diverse angles, such as architecture’s interplay with natural landscapes and art’s role in raising awareness about soil health.
Participants also had the opportunity to engage in breakout sessions aimed at discussing the state of the art of current research, identifying research gaps and needs, and providing inputs to support the preparation of the Horizon Europe work programme. Thanks to the field visits, attendees have gained insights into sustainable land management in agriculture, the remediation of polluted sites, sustainable forestry practices, and innovative approaches to spatial planning. Adding a personal dimension to the event, an interactivity wall invited attendees to share their reflections on soil’s importance, creating a collaborative atmosphere. Messages emphasized that “soil is where all growth is rooted,” highlighted the need to teach children that “soil is not dirt and needs to be touched,” and underscored the value of tree planting and sustainable practices for a healthy future.
The event’s third day was dedicated to project partners, with representatives from 49 projects. Participants shared valuable experiences and feedback with one another and policymakers. Small group brainstorming sessions delved into themes such as communication, stakeholder engagement, data management, and soil monitoring, reinforcing collaboration among projects.
This year's Mission Soil Week marked a key moment for the European “soil family”, as defined by AGRI Deputy Director-General Diego Canga Fano in his closing remarks. Engaged stakeholders could share and gain knowledge, present results, and foster collaboration.
You can find the materials from the event on the event page.