International Year of Soil

By Vincenzo Velletri

Did you know that 2015 was declared by the United Nations ‘International Year of Soil’? And do you know that ‘World Soil Day’ is celebrated every year on the 5th of December? Why is soil so important?

In 2015 the UN wanted to raise awareness on the importance of healthy soil for food security and essential ecosystem functions. Soil has an image problem, has been undervalued for a very long time however it is fundamental for our life. Everything that grows and sustains us comes from the soil; we have ignored this for a very long time and are just starting to recognize its value. Soil contains thousands of micro-organisms, from fungi to worms, that work to provide the right ingredients to sustain life on Earth.

Soil health has been largely ignored in the past, industrial agriculture believes that adding chemicals to the soil would increase production however it does not take into account the long term impact that chemicals have on the micro-organisms and the health of the soil.

Fortunately, in the last decade, scientists have started to recognize the importance of healthy soils and its ‘inhabitants’. As we are faced by climate change and the production of the least nutrient-dense food in history, we need to turn our attention to the soil beneath our feet in order to achieve better global human and environmental health.

We all have a role to play in this, from farmers to consumers. Farmers should look at regenerating our soil in order to provide food that is nutrient-dense and restore the environment, consumers should be aware of where food comes from and if it has been produced respecting our soil and the environment, therefore food that is GOOD, CLEAN and FAIR.

Slow Food Swan Valley and Eastern Regions Inc in cooperation with Open Gardens WA is organizing an event to talk about SOIL with Matthew Evans as guest speaker. Matthew has recently written the book “Soil, The incredible story of what keeps the earth and us healthy”. The event will be held on the 19th of August at the Mount Lawley Bowling Club and will feature GOOD, CLEAN and FAIR products in the food that we will enjoy together. More information to follow.

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