During the closing session of Mission Soil Week 2025, Prof. Rachel Creamer (Soil Biology Group, Wageningen University & Research; Coordinator of the BENCHMARKS project) shared an inspiring reflection on how far Europe has come – and how much potential lies ahead – in the journey toward healthy soils and sustainable land use.

Two weeks before the conference, the European Parliament adopted the EU Soil Monitoring Law – a milestone that many in the soil community have worked toward for decades. As Rachel noted, this progress stems from persistence and collaboration, but now the focus must shift: how do we make the monitoring of soil health by member states meaningful and useful for those who work the land?

Throughout the event, one theme resonated strongly: farmers and land managers must be at the heart of Europe’s soil health transition. As Rachel emphasized, supporting them requires more than policies and indicators – it requires listening.

“If there’s one message I take away from this meeting, it’s that we have to listen. Because by listening and understanding, we can truly make an impact”

Prof Rachel Creamer

The BENCHMARKS project embodies this principle. By engaging local communities, living labs, and diverse stakeholders, the project aims to co-create a common language for soil health — one that bridges science, policy, and practice. Soil users across Europe face different challenges and operate in diverse contexts; understanding their needs is the foundation for effective solutions.

Rachel reminded us that while data and digital tools are crucial, local knowledge remains indispensable. Real change happens when we combine European ambition with community experience — when we connect monitoring to meaning, and policy to practice.

A heartfelt thanks to the European Commission, our Danish hosts, and all participants for two days of vibrant discussion and collaboration. Together, we are shaping a future where healthy soils are the cornerstone of sustainable food systems and resilient landscapes in Europe.

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