Teagasc has signed up to the EU's Soil Mission Manifesto, a European Commission initiative to protect and improve soil health in the EU.

Teagasc said that signing up to the initiative reaffirms "its commitment to supporting farmers and land managers to safeguard soil health".

The signing of this 'manifesto' coincides with the Irish Soil Health Week, which takes place this week.

It comes ahead of European Mission Soil Week in Dublin on November 17 and 18.

European Mission Soil Week is organised by the European Commission and will be hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Teagasc.

According to Teagasc, the manifesto recognises soil "as an essential foundation for life", with approximately 95% of the world’s food produced directly or indirectly from soil.

The agri-advisory body said that healthy soils support clean water and air; carbon sequestration; biodiversity; productive agriculture; and the cultural landscapes "on which communities and economies depend".

The EU soil manifesto states that more than 60% of soils in the EU are considered to be in an unhealthy condition.

Teagasc has backed the EU mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, which aims to establish 100 soil 'living labs' by 2030.

The EU soil 'mission' aims to address challenges including erosion, soil pollution, loss of soil organic carbon, declining soil biodiversity and land degradation.

Teagasc said it will continue to contribute to raising awareness of soil health and supporting farmers, land managers, students, researchers and communities in understanding, protecting and restoring soils.

Prof. Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, said: "Soil is one of our most important natural resources and is fundamental to the future of sustainable agriculture.

"By signing the EU Soil Mission Manifesto, Teagasc is reaffirming its commitment to support soil health through research, education, knowledge exchange and practical advice," Prof. O'Mara added.

Dr. Karen Daly, head of the Soils, Environment and Land Use Department at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, commented: "The objectives of this manifesto align closely with our work to build resilient farming systems by protecting and improving soil health.

"Teagasc is working with partners across Europe to support the EU Soil Monitoring and Resilience Law, improve our understanding of soil carbon and soil health, and develop practical approaches that can support farmers and land managers," Dr. Daly added.

"Looking ahead, 'Mission Soil' will provide further opportunities to strengthen European collaboration, share knowledge and translate research into practical solutions for healthy soils," she said.

Dr. Veronica Nyhan, Teagasc soil and plant nutrition specialist, said: "For farmers and land managers, good research has to translate into practical decisions about how soils are managed.

"An important part of our role in Teagasc is taking the knowledge emerging from research and helping farmers apply it in ways that work within their own farming systems," Dr. Nyhan said.