“Protecting the soil means protecting life,” says António Ventura on World Soil Day - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

On World Soil Day, celebrated today, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, highlighted the vital importance of this natural resource, which is essential for food production, biodiversity preservation, water regulation and the resilience of the Azores' ecosystems.

"Healthy soil is the basis for food security and sustainable rural development," stressed António Ventura.

Sustainability, he continued, "remains the guiding principle of the XIV Government of the Azores." It is supported by a strategy that prioritises "a more sustainable agriculture, capable of meeting the targets of promoting self-sufficiency in animal feed production."

In the Azores, where agriculture plays a decisive economic and social role, its protection requires responsible management practices, erosion prevention, fertility maintenance and climate change adaptation.

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food also pointed out: “Protecting the soil means protecting life. It is the foundation of our agriculture, our food security and the future of rural communities in the Azores. Its conservation is a collective duty and a strategic priority for the sustainable development of the Region.”

The Secretary for Agriculture also highlighted the contribution of GUSSA - Platform for Sustainable Soil Use Management, a technical tool that supports the diagnosis, monitoring and assessment of agricultural soil fertility.

The Secretary for Agriculture also highlighted the contribution of GUSSA - Sustainable Soil Use Management Platform, a technical tool that supports the diagnosis, monitoring and assessment of agricultural soil fertility.

GUSSA helps improve knowledge about regional soil resources, guiding on good agricultural practices, supporting producers' decision-making, and boosting the sector's sustainability by promoting more productive and resilient soils.

With this commitment, the Regional Government continues investing in training and technical assistance, promoting organic and regenerative production, and improving agricultural infrastructure and environmental monitoring.

These actions ensure that Azorean soils remain fertile and capable of sustaining agriculture in the future. Currently, there are approximately 5,116 samples analysed, with 5,655 samples collected and a total (2023 to 2025) of 6,000 to be analysed.

The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food recognises the work of farmers, technicians, researchers and the community in general on soil and the practices adopted to promote its conservation and vitality.