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On a planetary scale, our food systems are fragile. As certain agricultural practices have intensified, soil health has deteriorated, with over 30% of soils in poor or very poor health. This could reduce global agricultural output by 10% by 2050.
For several years now, Équiterre has been working on soil health. Directly related to environmental and human health, soil health has significant implications for biodiversity protection and agricultural systems. We hosted a conference on soil health and biodiversity at COP15.
Soil biodiversity, for human and environmental health 🎥🌾
Watch the conferenceWhy is soil health important?
The health of our soil is a cornerstone of human and environmental health.👨🌾 Did you know?
A single gram of soil can contain several million bacteria from thousands of different species, of which up to 95% have yet to be identified!
Healthy soil is living soil, home to a teeming diversity of living beings that are mostly invisible to the naked eye. To help us see more clearly, Équiterre's Agriculture Analysts, Carole-Anne Lapierre and Nadine Bachand, who specialize in soil health and healthy food autonomy, explain the importance of the soil that lies beneath our feet in the following letter (in French): Notre lettre d’amour à notre sol nourricier.
“In the face of the climate and biodiversity crises, we must implement solutions to meet the needs of the 10 billion human beings who will tread the Earth’s soil by 2050.”
Carole-Anne Lapierre, Analyst - Agriculture and food systems
Équiterre’s work
We’re working in collaboration with partners to promote resilient, sustainable agriculture through initiatives that encourage our farmers to transition toward healthy soil practices on their farmland. Our analysts are working to make soil health a key concern for our governments as well.
The inspiring best practices of Quebec field crop producers
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