Soil health and water management, key elements in World Soil Day 2023 celebration in Brussels

As part of this year's celebration of the World Soil Day, the Mission of Brazil to the European Union hosted a conference under the theme “Soil Health and Food Production: Research and Innovation bringing Brazil and the European Union closer together.” The conference highlighted the importance of healthy soils and solid water management as essential elements for sustainable agrifood systems. 

FAO Brussels Director Raschad Al-Khafaji was invited to provide opening remarks at the event. He stressed the importance of acting now, as the planet’s soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on water resources. “Without healthy soils, healthy seeds and sustainable agriculture practices, we will not be able to eradicate hunger and malnutrition and achieve SDG-2, we will not be able to transform agrifood systems and we will not be able to deliver healthy and affordable diets for all,” said Al-Khafaji. "I would like to commend the Government of Brazil for positioning food security and the fight against hunger and malnutrition at the core of its G20 Chairmanship", he added. 

The conference featured presentations by various experts who addressed issues, such as soil health public policies in Brazil and the European Union, soil nutrients, sustainability, climate change, methods for measuring soil health and agroecology among others.