World Soil Day 2026

About This Event

World Soil Day is a global awareness campaign held annually on 5 December, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the Global Soil Partnership. The event became an official UN observance in 2014 following endorsement by the UN General Assembly and the Kingdom of Thailand. It is a free, worldwide initiative that takes place both online and through local events registered on an interactive map. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the role soils play in agricultural development, ecosystem functions and food security.

The day features a range of activities including the Glinka World Soil Prize, the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award, and a soil collage contest. FAO provides campaign materials in multiple languages, including logos, videos and educational resources. The 2026 theme emphasises that "our future is rooted in soil". Past campaign reports document global participation and highlight key messages such as the fact that 95% of food comes from soils, 33% of soils are degraded, and up to 58% more food could be produced through sustainable soil management.

This matters to UK SMEs and sustainability leads because soil health directly affects food security, biodiversity and climate resilience. Understanding soil degradation and sustainable land management practices can inform supply chain decisions, environmental reporting and nature-based solutions. The campaign provides accessible educational materials and connects businesses with global soil conservation efforts.

Key Takeaways

• 95% of food comes from soils, yet 33% of global soils are already degraded
• Soils supply 15 of the 18 chemical elements essential to plant growth
• Up to 58% more food could be produced through sustainable soil management practices
• Soil hosts nearly 59% of Earth's species and more organisms in a tablespoon than people on Earth

Who Should Attend

• Food and agriculture businesses concerned with supply chain resilience and soil-dependent raw materials
• Sustainability leads developing nature-based solutions or environmental reporting on land use
• SMEs in horticulture, landscaping or land management seeking evidence-based soil conservation practices
• Anyone interested in connecting with global soil health initiatives and accessing free educational resources