This week marks the beginning of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s celebration of the International Year of Soils, designated by the United Nation’s General Assembly.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says healthy soil is the foundation that ensures working farms and ranchers become more productive, resilient to climate change and better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Jason Weller says most people don’t realize that just beneath their feet lies a diverse, complex, life-giving ecosystem that sustains their entire existence.
He says the International Year of Soils provides an opportunity to learn about the critical role soil conservation and improved soil health play in the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture.
