Advancing soil health across Europe: Business models, incentives and policy pathways for a sustainable transition

October 28th, 2026 | 9:00 – 16:00 (CET) | Residence Palace, Brussels & online

Co-hosted by SoilValues and InBestSoil, this high-level policy conference will bring together policymakers, researchers, land managers, practitioners, financial actors and other key stakeholders to explore how business models, incentives and policy frameworks can accelerate the transition towards healthier soils across Europe. Building on the results and experiences of both Horizon Europe projects, the event will foster dialogue on creating the enabling conditions needed to scale up soil health solutions across different sectors and land uses.

Why it matters?
Healthy soils are essential for climate resilience, biodiversity, water regulation, food production and the sustainable management of natural resources. While significant progress has been made in developing innovative approaches to support soil health, widespread adoption still depends on effective business models, targeted incentives and coherent policy frameworks. Strengthening these enabling conditions will be key to turning knowledge into action and supporting a sustainable transition across Europe.


What to expect?
The conference will feature keynote speakers, thematic presentations and interactive panel discussions focusing on three key themes: Soil Health Business Models, Incentives and Investments, and Policy Pathways for Scaling Soil Health. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss practical solutions and explore how research, policy and practice can work together to accelerate the uptake of soil health across Europe.

Agenda

09:00 – 09:30 (CET)
Registration and welcome coffee
09:30 – 09:45 (CET)Opening session
Welcome and introduction to the conference
Keynote speech: Reflections on the future CAP, sustainability incentives and the role of soil health in the agricultural transition.
09:45 – 11:15 (CET)

Session 1 – Soil health business models: From concept to practice
11:15 – 11:30 (CET)

Networking coffee break
11:30 – 13:00 (CET)

Session 2 – Financing the transition: Incentives and investments for soil health
13:00 – 14:00 (CET)Networking lunch
14:00 – 15:30 (CET)Session 3 – From innovation to uptake: Scaling soil health across Europe
15:30 – 16:00 (CET)Closing session

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