Soil Science Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s continued investment to help build soil capacity and capability.
As part of the recent funding allocation through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, funded through the Natural Heritage Trust, $2.14 million has been awarded to continue delivery of the Smart Soils National Community of Practice (CoP), which was initially established by Soil Science Australia in 2022.
The Smart Soils CoP supports Regional Soil Coordinators and other experts and stakeholders around Australia. By sharing information and facilitating collaboration, the CoP enhances access to the information and practical knowledge needed to implement climate smart agriculture.
Funding will help improve and grow the Smart Soils knowledge and capacity building hub, available at www.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/smartsoils.
Continued support will enable growth of the CoP and a broadening of the network, through activities such as brokering relationships with the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators and other state extension officers.
Encouraging greater information sharing of sustainable soil management practices, natural capital markets and other opportunities will assist Australia’s land managers and farmers.
“As Australia’s professional association for soil scientists, representing professionals interested in the responsible management of Australia’s soil resources, we are ideally positioned to lead the CoP,” said Mr Michael Walker, CEO of Soil Science Australia.
“Not only will this work deliver tangible outcomes for the Climate-Smart Agriculture, Program, the work we are undertaking also aligns with all three goals of Australia’s National Soil strategy—to prioritise soil health; empower soil innovation and stewards, and of most relevance: to strengthen soil knowledge and capability.
“The continued support for the CoP is testament to the positive change we are striving for to nurture soil health, which will benefit land managers, the agricultural industry and the Australian community.
“This initiative fosters a vital link between soil scientists, extension professionals and land managers. The knowledge networks that grow from working together and learning from one another are indispensable if we are to manage the valuable resource that is our soil in a changing and challenging environment,” Mr Walker said.
ENQUIRIES AND FURTHER INFORMATION
Soil Science Australia: CEO, Mr Michael Walker 0476 450 321
Media release from the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/watt/media-releases/growing-soil-health-through-climate-smart-agriculture
National Soil Strategy and National Soil Action Plan: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/natural-resources/soils
Climate-Smart Agriculture Program: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/natural-resources/landcare/climate-smart