2nd annual report on state of play. Deliverable 2.4 of the AGROECOLOGY Partnership

The Second European Panel for Agroecology Transitions (EPAT) was held on 1 October 2025 in Malmö, Sweden, alongside the Agroecology Europe Forum 2025. Bringing together 27 researchers, policymakers, farmers, and civil society representatives, the event focused on the “soil nexus” and its role in advancing agroecological transitions, sustainable food systems, and climate resilience.

Discussions highlighted the growing recognition of soils as a cornerstone of agroecology, while also emphasizing the increasing threats posed by soil degradation, including erosion, compaction, and contamination. Participants examined current European initiatives, such as the forthcoming Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive and Mission Soil, aimed at improving soil monitoring, restoration, and data harmonization across Europe.

A central theme was the gap between scientific knowledge and policy implementation. While agroecological practices are increasingly acknowledged in policy frameworks, insufficient support, inconsistent interpretations of agroecology, and misaligned advisory and funding systems continue to hinder systemic transitions. The concept of the soil nexus further underscored the need to account for environmental and social externalities in agricultural policies.

Roundtable and workshop discussions stressed the importance of holistic, multi-actor approaches involving researchers, policymakers, farmers, and civil society. Soil health was framed not only as a biophysical issue but also as a social and political one, linked to land access, generational renewal, and carbon market governance. Practical sessions highlighted the value of region-specific soil indicators, advisory services, farmer training, and large-scale monitoring programmes to support evidence-based decision-making.

The workshop also explored soil carbon sequestration as a key climate mitigation strategy. Agroecological practices such as crop diversification, cover cropping, and agroforestry were identified as effective means of increasing soil organic matter while enhancing biodiversity and resilience.

Overall, the EPAT concluded that achieving sustainable soil health requires integrated, context-specific approaches that strengthen science–policy collaboration, improve monitoring systems, support farmers, and foster stakeholder engagement across sectors.