Australia’s first National Soil Action Plan has been officially launched!
The National Soil Action Plan 2023 to 2028 will address priorities in soil health and long-term soil security or the first 5 years under the 20-year National Soil Strategy.
The action plan set out 4 priority actions to guide partner activities and investments in soil in partnership with governments, the soil science and research community, not-for-profit organisations, Natural Resource Management organisations, industry bodies and the private sector. The 4 priority actions are:
- Develop an agreed national framework to support the measurement, monitoring, mapping, reporting and sharing of soil state and trend information to inform best practice management, decision-making and future investment in soil
- Partners to develop a holistic policy and strategy approach where soil function is recognised, valued and protected for the environment, economy, food, infrastructure, health, biodiversity and communities.
- Accelerate the adoption of land use and management practices that protect soil and improve soil state and trend
- Identify and develop the soil workforce and capabilities needed to meet current and future challenges for Australia and the region
The action plan is supported by $56 million through partnership agreements with states and territories and soil investments through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.
The action plan was developed in partnership with the states and territories, the soil science and research community, non-government organisations, natural resource management organisations and peak industry bodies.
Find out more at agriculture.gov.au/soilactionplan