The role of the Australian Government in the sustainable management of soils was highlighted at the recent Global Soil Partnership (GSP) Plenary Assembly.
Established in 2012, the GSP is an international, partner-based program under the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN). The Plenary Assembly allows partners to engage in a yearly meeting to review and prioritise GSP actions.
The Twelfth Session of the assembly was held on 3-5 June 2024 in Rome, Italy. Ms Emma Hatcher, Agriculture Counsellor and Australia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN FAO and Kristi Stinson, Director of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's Soil Policy Section attended and made statements on Australia's behalf.
During the proceedings, Ms Stinson gave a keynote address. This keynote provided an update on the Australian Government's investment in soil and sustainable agriculture through the National Soil Strategy and National Soil Action Plan and Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
The National Soil Strategy was released in 2021 and was followed by the National Soil Action Plan in November 2023. The Action Plan guides both government and non-government action on Australia's soils, through 2028. The priorities established under the Plan align with the GSP Action Framework.
Member countries and partners were interested in Australia's action on the ground supporting farmers to adopt climate-smart practices that reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, through the Australian Government's partnership with states and territories to support soil health and the National Soil Action Plan, and also through the National Soil Monitoring Program and the Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS).
Of her time at the Assembly Ms Stinson said, "Attending the Global Soil Partnership in person was valuable as it enabled the department to share our understanding of soil health and experiences in best practice management with other countries and GSP members".
Soil is a critical part of a government's priority for a productive, climate-smart, and sustainable agricultural sector. The GSP Plenary Assembly provides an opportunity for Australia to collaborate with our partners and share ongoing progress and best practice approaches.
"It was encouraging to see Australia's messages and policy and program approach so well received by our international partners", said Ms Stinson.
You can discover more about the work of the GSP here: https://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/en/
And learn more about the National Soil Strategy and National Soil Action Plan here: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/natur…
