The European Mission Soil is poised to play a central role in shaping sustainable soil health across the continent. Henri Delanghe, Head of Unit – Research & Innovation at DG AGRI, describes the Mission’s future as “both promising and pivotal” as it moves to large-scale implementation turning innovative practices into mainstream solutions.

“The Mission could directly support the next Common Agricultural Policy and the Soil Monitoring Law implementation, ensuring science-driven, evidence-based policymaking,” Delanghe says in a video following the EJP Soil Annual Science Days.

He foresees the Mission becoming “the European reference framework for soil investment readiness and trust,”. However, to unlock this potential, Delanghe underlines the need for “stable funding as proposed in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, with access to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the European Competitiveness Fund and regional funds.”

Mission Soil Platform: Impact beyond 2030

At the heart of the initiative lies the Mission Soil Platform, which Delanghe describes as the core infrastructure driving Mission Soil forward. The platform is being developed into an integrated data and service hub that will link soil monitoring systems with tools for advisory support, investment and training.

“It will support soil innovation financing and advisory services, helping transform research outputs into viable investments,” Delanghe explains.

The mission will establish a durable European infrastructure for soil monitoring, knowledge and innovation ensuring continuity and impact beyond 2030.

Partnerships: Strategic Instruments for Sustainable Innovation

Henri Delanghe highlights that partnerships under DG AGRI are pivotal for advancing agriculture’s innovation, sustainability and competitiveness. These co-funded collaborations are progressing efficiently, with strong alignment to EU policies and societal challenges.

“Partnerships bridge EU, national and regional R&I priorities, fostering collaboration to tackle issues like sustainability and innovation,” Delanghe says.

Delanghe acknowledges that administrative complexity and uneven participation remain critical hurdles, adding that greater strategic coordination between the European Commission and Member States will be required to maximise their impact.

Looking ahead, Delanghe points out that the next Framework Programme will replace existing partnerships with a new model based on work programmes and memoranda of understanding involving public and private sectors.

While the first results of the current partnerships are only beginning to emerge, Delanghe remains optimistic about the outlook.

“Activities are embedded in national contexts, addressing local needs and fostering science-policy dialogue. A strategic phasing-out plan will transition partnerships to alternative funding models, ensuring long-term impact, adaptability and alignment with future challenges”, he says.