“The emerging concept of ‘soil security’ … underpins the world’s six existential challenges: food, water and energy security, climate change abatement, biodiversity protection and human health. I believe that soil and water security will increasingly underpin global social stability and security.”
Soils for Life is an independent, non-profit organisation that works to support Australian farmers to regenerate soils, for resilient people, communities, businesses and landscapes.
Major General The Honourable Michael Jeffery AC, CVO, MC, Soils for Life founder and Australia’s inaugural National Soils Advocate
OUR VISION
We are working to realise a world where healthy, regenerated soils and landscapes support profitable food-producing businesses, thriving and resilient people and regional communities, and abundant and nutritious food.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to support Australian farmers to regenerate soils, for resilient people, communities, businesses and landscapes.
Why soil?
Soil is one of the earth’s most important natural resources. Without soil, life as we know it would simply not be possible.
Soil is the foundation of all natural systems. It enables plants to grow, provides habitat for the planet’s countless species, produces clean water and plays a crucial role in regulating our climate.
Unfortunately, soils around Australia have been degraded and in many places are continuing to degrade.
Regenerative agriculture
Leading farmers in Australia and around the world have shown that it is possible to farm in ways that not only reduce environmental impacts, but actually build and improve the function of soil and other natural systems.
At Soils for Life, we use the term ‘regenerative agriculture’ to describe any system of principles, practices and decision-making processes that effectively rebuild soil and landscape diversity and function through agriculture. A ‘regenerative’ approach to agriculture aims to rehabilitate, enhance and work with – rather than against – ecosystem processes, placing a premium on soil health.
Read our case studies
OUR IMPACT
Since our founding in 2013, we have put soil on the national agenda, and driven the growing movement towards regenerative approaches to agriculture.
Our more than 50 world-leading case studies have uncovered the stories of the pioneers of regenerative farming in Australia, and inspired farmers around Australia and the world to become better stewards of the land and the soil.
In 2021, the Federal Government released Australia’s first ever National Soil Strategy, an achievement to which Soils for Life is proud to have contributed. We are now turning our attention to supporting the next wave of Australian farmers to regenerate the nation’s precious soils and landscapes.
Support our work
We are an energetic and passionate team of soil scientists, agro-ecologists, researchers, and communications and engagement specialists. Our work is possible thanks to the generosity of donors and grant-makers and the commitment of our farming champions. Gifts made to Soils for Life are tax deductible.
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