ERRIN is excited to kick off 2024 with the launch of the SOILL-Startup project that will support the implementation of the Horizon Europe ‘A Mission Soil Deal for Europe’.

SOILL-Startup will set up and run an effective one-stop-shop to coordinate, support, enlarge and promote the network of 100 Soil Mission Living Labs and Lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils across Europe by 2030. 

The Mission Soil is a key priority of ERRIN's Bioeconomy Working Group, which has established a trusty relationship with the Mission Soil Secretariat over the past years. In 2023, ERRIN successfully launched the Mission Soil Manifesto, in a joint event with the Mission Soil Secretariat from the European Commission. Last November, ERRIN co-organised the EU Soil Day at the European Committee of the Regions, fostering a dialogue on the regional dimension on soil health. The Bioeconomy WG leaders actively participated in the European Mission Soil Week in Madrid, bringing the voice of local and regional authorities and highlighting the crucial role of regions in connecting stakeholders, engaging citizens and fostering dialogue on soil health.  

This illustrates both the importance and the commitment of ERRIN members to the Mission's objectives, as well as the acknowledgment by the Mission Secretariat of the important role of ERRIN in contributing to the Mission Soil and creating the best possible preconditions for an effective and efficient implementation at grass root level. 

Within SOILL-Startup, ERRIN will lead the work on fostering collaboration and synergies within the Soil Health Living Labs and Lighthouses, as well as with the broader SOILL community, by actively create connections, dialogues and partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including potential applicants, existing living labs and other EU Missions to ensure the impact of the Mission at local level. 

Learn more about SOILL-Startup here.