News

A new opinion by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for enhanced governance frameworks, annual assessments, and targeted interventions in the implementation of the EU's rural vision. It highlights the need for a post-2027 rural development policy specifically dedicated to the implementation of the Rural Action Plan and recognising the significance of the Rural Pact.

The Rural Pact Support Office Policy Action Lab of 22 May developed proposals to enhance the achievements of the Rural Vision and Pact objectives at the local level. Event participants worked together to identify the key ingredients for a successful implementation of the Rural Pact at the local level and approaches to make it happen.

The Commission publishes its latest forecasts on EU production, trade, and domestic use of a broad range of feed protein sources, as well as a study looking into the opportunities and limitations to diversify protein sources.

The latest monthly agri-food trade report shows developments in imports and exports of EU agri-food products in February 2024.

Resources and Readings

The EU-funded project ‘Achieving remediation and governing restoration of contaminated soils now’ (ARAGORN) and a Japanese delegation of experts and representatives from the Ministry of Environment exchanged strategies on polluted sites and remediation actions. Key areas of collaboration included mapping polluted sites and analysing detection methods. Learn more about the visit below:

In the interview, SOB4ES Project Coordinator Maria Briones discusses the contribution of women in building a future with healthy soils. The conversation covers several topics, including land management practices, and the importance of inclusivity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Read the full interview below:

In the upcoming months, the EU-funded project ‘Soils for Europe’ (SOLO) will publish roadmaps, inviting soil enthusiasts to review them and provide input. From reducing land degradation to enhancing soil literacy, SOLO's roadmaps will offer valuable insights and strategies for protecting our soils. Register below: to become a reviewer of these roadmaps and contribute to shaping the future of soil conservation.

Watch the video below: to discover how the Mission Soil project ‘Sustainable soil management to unleash soil biodiversity potential and increase environmental, economic and social wellbeing’ (SoilGuard) is working on sustainable soil management to preserve soil biodiversity and guarantee environmental, economic and social wellbeing of EU biogeographical regions.

We are delighted to announce the addition of a new Mission Soil project – ‘Awakening soil curiosity to catalyse soil literacy’ (CURIOSOIL). Launched on 1 February 2024, this project aims to revolutionise how we value and perceive soil, as well as how we teach and communicate about it. Learn more about CURIOSOIL below:

The 14 training sessions, organised by the EU-funded project ‘The soil biodiversity and functionality of Mediterranean olive groves: a holistic analysis of the influence of land management on olive oil quality and safety’ (SOIL O-LIVE) and the olive oil company Deoleo, will run from April to September 2024 in Spain, Italy and Portugal. The sessions aim to instruct and inform farmers about implementing sustainable practices in their olive groves and caring for the soil. Learn more about the training sessions below:

The new website of the Mission Soil project ‘Startup of the SOILL support structure for SOIL Living Labs’ (SOILL-Startup) includes information about the project, upcoming events, relevant news and resources. A special highlight is the project’s video gallery with lots of engaging clips, including stories from Living Labs and Lighthouses. Visit SOILL-Startup’s website below:

The NBSOIL Academy is a blended training programme for existing and aspiring soil advisers. Join now to engage with experts, demonstration sites, advisory services and other Soil Mission projects, and strengthen your knowledge in providing nature-based advice on soils across all land use sectors. The Academy will be launched on 5 June 2024. Learn more and register below:

News

Project Spotlight

Mission Soil Update

Events

The European Commission has launched the Agri Sustainability Compass, an interactive tool offering clear and comprehensible information on sustainability in agriculture. This new tool brings together 20 key indicators for the economic, social and environmental sustainability dimensions in agriculture and rural areas.