“Soil health is the glue,” said Professor John Gilliland, member of BENCHMARKS’ Advisory Board, capturing the unifying force of healthy soils in addressing today’s environmental challenges—from boosting biodiversity to sequestering carbon and regulating water. Soil health not only sustains life, it also connects people—and the BENCHMARKS project is living proof of that.

From 31 March to 3 April 2025, more than 80 researchers, practitioners, and policy experts from across Europe gathered in Nancy, France, for the BENCHMARKS Annual General Meeting (AGM). Hosted by the Université de Lorraine at the National School of Agronomy and Food Industries (ENSAIA), the meeting marked a key milestone in the project’s mission to advance soil monitoring and support sustainable land management at local, national, and European scales.

The event opened with an Urban Sampling Training Workshop in Parc Sainte-Marie, offering a hands-on look at field methodologies in an urban setting. This was followed by a dynamic programme of breakout sessions, expert workshops, and strategic planning meetings that focussed on translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.

An important highlight of the week was the update on the development of BENCHMARKS’ Soil Health Dashboard, a suite of interactive tools aimed at supporting evidence-based decision-making for land managers and policymakers across different land types and regions.

Participants also took part in a lively Soil Blitz to explore the role of citizen science in monitoring efforts, and visited long-term forest experiment sites to see soil monitoring in action. Throughout the event, consortium partners discussed how to ensure that BENCHMARKS’ research leads to tangible benefits for society and the environment.

But the AGM wasn’t only about science and strategy—it was also about building community. Informal networking moments and lively coffee breaks culminated in a memorable dinner at Nancy’s Hôtel de Ville, where guests enjoyed local and organic cuisine in a truly grand setting. A quiz between courses uncovered hidden hobbies among partners and even sparked a spontaneous swing dance that perfectly matched the grandeur of the historic venue. Huge thanks to the local partners for their seamless organisation and warm hospitality in hosting the event!

At the heart of the gathering was a deep, shared commitment to protecting Europe’s soils. As Project Coordinator, Professor Rachel Creamer from Wageningen University reflected in her closing remarks:

“The level of passion and commitment that I see in BENCHMARKS is not something I have come across before. Beyond the science, the strength of BENCHMARKS lies in the shared determination of this community to drive real change for soil health.”

With renewed momentum, strengthened relationships, and a clear strategy for the upcoming years, BENCHMARKS continues to push forward toward a healthier, more resilient future for Europe’s soils.

Soil health connects us all. Share this story and stay tuned for updates on our project!