In the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems, soil, often overlooked, plays an indispensable role. As the thin layer of earth that took thousands of years to form, soil holds the key to the abundance of crops, the quality of our food, and the state of our water.
Watch your soil
Despite its significance, about 60% of soils in Europe are considered "unhealthy," facing challenges such as erosion, degradation, and loss of biodiversity. While about 1/3 of soil in the world is no longer available for food production. Recognising its significance, the European Commission launched “A Soil Deal for Europe” in 2021 as one of the five EU Missions of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme for the years 2021-2027.
Mission Soil strives to address soil challenges and deliver tangible results in research, innovation, policy, and practice by establishing 100 living labs and Lighthouses by 2030. It focuses on soil health, essential for agriculture, clean water, carbon capture, and biodiversity. Aligned with environmental objectives like the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023-27, Mission Soil aims to mobilise resources and people for soil restoration, emphasising the critical role of healthy soils in sustaining life on our planet.
Trust-IT in flagship Mission Soil Projects
Trust-IT actively promotes technological solutions for societal challenges. Embarking on three significant projects within Mission Soil, Trust-IT's commitment goes beyond mere participation; it signifies a dedicated effort to cultivate lasting change.
Prepsoil: Preparing for the ‘Soil Deal for Europe’ Mission
Trust-IT actively contributes to Prepsoil, a project spanning from July 2022 to June 2025. The project aims to lay the groundwork for the 'Soil Deal for Europe,' focusing on taxonomy, identification, mapping, model business plans, and service packages. Within Prepsoil, Trust-IT leads Work Package 2, focusing on Engagement and Promotion. This involves promoting project results, managing the public website, and supporting the organisation of project events and meetings.
Nati00ns: Uniting Nations for Soil Health
In the Nati00ns project (November 2022 – October 2024), Trust-IT supervises national engagement activities across 44 countries, supporting the creation of a network of living labs and lighthouses. Through coaching, e-learning, capacity building, matchmaking, and a dedicated helpdesk, Nati00ns contributes to a holistic approach for healthier soils.
SOILL: Support Structure for Soil Health Living Labs
Kicking off in January 2024, SOILL aims to design and deliver services supporting a network of 100 soil health living labs and lighthouses. Trust-IT leads WP2 "Engagement and Promotion," playing a pivotal role in disseminating project results and activities.
BOOST4BIOEAST: Bridging the Bioeconomy Gap
Beyond the Mission, Trust-IT actively participates in BOOST4BIOEAST, recognising the importance of bioeconomy. With Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries lagging in bioeconomy development, this project facilitates connections, knowledge transfer, and upskilling to develop national bioeconomy Action Plans (APs). Trust-IT's role includes constructing the BIOEAST Knowledge Platform and ensuring comprehensive development within BIOEAST HUBs.
Daily Commitment for Results that Last
Soil health is an intricate web connecting biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and food security. Trust-IT's active engagement in Mission Soil projects, including Prepsoil, Nati00ns, and SOILL, exemplifies its commitment to creating a sustainable future. By leading in engagement, promotion, event supervision, and online community development, Trust-IT contributes to achieving the goals set by the Mission Soil.