The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) released a new study titled “Healthy soils as a booster to EU competitiveness”. The research explores how improving soil health can strengthen the European Union’s economic and environmental resilience. Calculations reflect that 60% of EU soils are in poor condition and annual soil degradation costs exceeding €50 billion. The report argues that restoring soil health is not only an environmental priority but also a key competitiveness factor.
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The paper outlines a series of soil-related business models that could contribute to the EU’s competitiveness agenda, as reflected in the European Commission’s new Competitiveness Compass. These include biotechnology, remediation of contaminated sites, regenerative agriculture, carbon farming, biofertilizers, and digital agritech solutions. Together, such businesses could support decarbonization, innovation, and reduced reliance on imported raw materials. The report notes that the forthcoming EU Soil Monitoring Law is expected to drive demand for soil testing and remediation services, creating new opportunities for laboratories and technology providers.
For the fertilizer sector, the report highlights Europe’s high dependence on external nutrient sources. More than 70% of global phosphate reserves are located in Morocco, and the EU currently imports 88% of its urea from just four countries. To address these trade dependencies, the authors point to bio-based fertilizers and biostimulants as alternatives. Produced by recycling nutrient-rich by-products and by enhancing biological nutrient cycles, these products can reduce the EU’s reliance on imported mineral fertilizers while improving soil fertility and resilience.
The study also underlines the role of carbon farming and regenerative practices in promoting soil health, while, agritech and artificial intelligence applications can optimize fertilizer use and soil management, cutting costs and supporting climate goals.
Despite this potential, the authors note that progress remains slow. They identify the need for stronger policy coherence, better data and monitoring frameworks, and increased collaboration between farmers, industry, financial institutions, and policymakers. Digitalization and open access to soil data are seen as crucial to scaling up these innovations. Overall, the JRC concludes that healthy soils can be a foundation for a more competitive, sustainable and resilient European economy.
More information available at: JRC study – Link