Understanding soil health is essential to achieving sustainable agriculture and increased productivity. The "Farming heroes – the guardians of soil health" contest aims to celebrate and empower farmers who demonstrate effective and innovative practices for improving soil health. By celebrating and sharing the achievements of soil guardians, the contest seeks to increase soil health awareness and promote sustainable soil management globally.
Objectives
The main aim of the contest is to recognize farmers who effectively practice sustainable soil management (SSM), encouraging the global farming community to adopt SSM practices.
Criteria for participation
Participants are required to demonstrate the use of SSM to improve soil health. This may include evidence of how their practices improve soil structure, soil organic matter, biodiversity and soil fertility, or reduce pollution, acidification, erosion, salinisation and compaction. In addition, the extent to which the participant's practices have been applied and how the participants have introduced and trained other farmers to adopt these practices.
Submission guidelines
Please fill the online nomination form by 17 November 2024. Entries must be submitted in English.
Evaluation criteria
Submissions will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
a) the originality and creativity of the practices according to local conditions
b) the evidence of improved soil health
c) the adoption of the SSM practices by other farmers
d) the recognition by the extension service system and impact on government policies
Awards and recognition
Winners will be awarded as follows:
- The champion farmer will be invited to participate in the 2024 World Soil Day (WSD) celebration in Thailand and will be featured in the "WSD/GSP" publication.
- two second-place finalists will be invited to participate as a speaker in a GSP workshop and will receive a certificate of recognition.
- three third-place finalists will receive a certificate of recognition.
Benefits of participation
By participating, you will be sharing valuable knowledge and your SSM practices may be included as case studies in GSP publications. You will also have the chance to network with other champion farmers and agricultural experts, fostering collaboration and learning. Additionally, your innovative soil management efforts will be recognized internationally, highlighting your contributions to sustainable agriculture.