On 11 December 2024, Leitat Technological Center (LEITAT) and the University of Barcelona (UB) co-organised one of SOLO’s international “Soil Week” events, hosted in Reus, Catalonia. The event was held in collaboration with the Catalan Ministry of Agriculture, which helped broaden its reach and engage a larger audience. The primary objective was to present the latest findings from the project while encouraging discussions around relevant topics such as soil biodiversity and the impact of pollution on soil health.

Discussions expanded to other Soil Mission objectives, engaging diverse stakeholders in soil management and sustainability issues. Challenges of soil pollution were addressed, and the need to implement a Living Lab in Catalonia to define soil management practices was highlighted. Additionally, topics such as soil degradation, literacy, structure, and restoration were touched upon. 

Key stakeholders such as researchers, policymakers, and farmers were in attendance, allowing the project’s objective and results to be shared with its target audience. The main conclusions of the debates highlighted the need for standard methods and indicators to help farmers better understand their soils. 

The event helped bridge the gap between science and practical application by bringing together a diverse audience. It facilitated a discussion on integrating sustainable practices into consumer value chains whilst remarking on the importance of soil to food systems, sustainable societies and common well-being. This opened the door for further collaboration opportunities and knowledge-sharing between participants.  

Attendees, particularly farmers and agri-food stakeholders, requested additional information on SOLO to gain a better understanding of future changes in soil-related frameworks.