Date
2021/05/01
Organisations
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
National Soil Strategy
The National Soil Strategy is Australia’s first national policy on soil. It was released in May 2021 and sets out how Australia will value, manage and improve our soil for the next 20 years.
The strategy’s 3 goals are:
- prioritise soil health
- empower soil innovation and stewards
- strengthen soil knowledge and capability.
The Australian Government identified these priorities through research, government policies and programs. We also consulted with governments, industry, researchers, farmers and other land managers across Australia.
Further information on the National Soil Strategy and related programs can be accessed here.
National Soil Action Plan 2023 – 2028
The first five year action plan under the National Soil Strategy can be accessed here.
The action plan sets out 4 priority actions. These guide the focus and design of support to action on soil by governments at all levels and partners over the next 5 years.
- Priority 1: Develop an agreed national framework to support measurement, monitoring, mapping, reporting and sharing of soil state and trend information to inform best practice management, decision-making and future investment.
- Priority 2: Partners to develop a holistic policy and strategy approach where soil function is recognised, valued and protected for the environment, economy, food, infrastructure, health, biodiversity and communities.
- Priority 3: Accelerate the adoption of land use and management practices that protect soil and improve soil state and trends.
- Priority 4: Identify and develop the soil workforce and capabilities needed to meet current and future challenges for Australia and the region.
