World soil day celebrates the role soils play in food and fibre production, water storage, nutrient cycling and carbon storage.
World Soil Day focuses on the economic, cultural and social contribution of soils with this year’s theme Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said good soil management is the foundation of sustainable agriculture, increasingly enabling access for Aussie farmers to premium markets and trade.
“World Soil Day is a time to consider the role of soils and how the resource is managed both now and into the future,” Minister Littleproud said.
“In May the government announced the National Soil Strategy, a 20-year plan that sets out how Australia will value, manage and improve its soil.
“The National Soil Strategy is about helping Aussie farmers to improve productivity and profitability and meet the sector’s ambitious goal of $100 billion by 2030.
“The $214.9 million National Soil Package is supporting farmers to get the most out of their soil. It is about supporting the science and making it easier for farmers to adopt.
“On World Soil Day we are announcing $2 million to Soil Science Australia to fulfill the role of the National Soil Science body to support the Smart Farms Small Grants: Soil Extension Activities program and help farmers and land managers protect and better manage their soil.
“The National Soil Science body will provide leadership, support and technical expertise to successful projects.
“Soil Science Australia will also develop a new professional accreditation scheme and opportunities to build knowledge in areas critical to soil health and productivity.
“Improved soil management leads to increased output and allows farmers to make evidence-based decisions for future growing seasons.
“Farmers are the stewards of the land. They know the importance of this valuable resource, and how a better understanding of soil will benefit future generations.”
