HMI is proud to have signed on to the National Soil Health Day resolution started by ACRES USA. Given that healthy soil supports agriculture's $992 billion contribution to the US GDP, there is a great need for the nation to focus on improving soil health. Likewise, U.S. soil health's contribution to water and air quality as well as addressing issues of food security and the numerous health issues that result from food production systems used to prop up poor quality soils, is a key reason why HMI programming is focused on helping beginning and transitioning agriculture producers learn how management practices that improve soil health.
To learn more about how Holistic Management helps create health soils and address key environmental, social, and economic issues in the U.S. visit our Soils and Conservation page and our Regenerative Solution page.
The National Soil Health Day Resolution reads:
National Soil Health Day Resolution
National Soil Health Day
We/I considered and agreed to:
Recognizing soil as an essential natural resource, and soils professionals as playing a critical role in managing our Nation's soil resources.
Whereas soil, plant, animal, and human health are intricately linked and the sustainable use of soil affects climate, water and air quality, human health, biodiversity, food safety, and agricultural production;
Whereas soil is a dynamic system which performs many functions and services vital to human activities and ecosystems;
Whereas, despite soil's importance to human health, the environment, nutrition and food, feed, fiber, and fuel production, there is little public awareness of the importance of soil protection;
Whereas the degradation of soil can be rapid, while the formation and regeneration processes can be very slow;
Whereas protection of United States soil based on the principles of preservation and enhancement of soil functions, prevention of soil degradation, mitigation of detrimental use, and restoration of degraded soils is essential to the long-term prosperity of the United States;
Whereas legislation in the areas of organic, industrial, chemical, biological, and medical waste pollution prevention and control should consider soil protection provisions;
Whereas legislation on climate change, water quality, agriculture, and rural development should offer a coherent and effective legislative framework for common principles and objectives that are aimed at protection and sustainable use of soils in the United States;
Whereas soil contamination coupled with poor or inappropriate soil-management practices continues to leave contaminated sites unremediated; and
Whereas soil can be managed in a sustainable manner, which preserves its capacity to deliver ecological, economic, and social benefits, while maintaining its value for future generations: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That I (We):
recognize it as necessary to improve knowledge, exchange information, and develop and implement best practices for soil management, soil restoration, carbon sequestration, and long-term use of the Nation's soil resources;
recognize the important role of soil scientists and soils professionals, who are well-equipped with the information and experience needed to address the issues of today and those of tomorrow in managing the Nation's soil resources;
commend soil scientists and soils professionals for their efforts to promote education, outreach, and awareness necessary for generating more public interest in and appreciation for soils; and
acknowledge the promise of soil scientists and soils professionals to continue to enrich the lives of all Americans by improving stewardship of the soil, combating soil degradation, and ensuring the future protection and sustainable use of our air, soil, and water resources.