Global Soil Health Declines, Threatening Food
A new report finds widespread soil erosion issues that could impact the future of global food production for everyone.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Organic Food
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A new 850-page report from the FAO finds that global soil health is declining as erosion continues to threaten the foundation of the world's food supply. Soils produce more than 95 percent of our food, making this trend a critical concern for the international food system.
Why it matters
As the global population has surged by 800 million since 2015, unsustainable agricultural practices and urban expansion are rapidly degrading the soil needed to sustain food production. Protecting these resources is essential to ensure long-term food security for a growing world.
This FAO report integrates expertise from 75 countries and scientific literature published between 2015 and 2025. It finds that 81 percent of regional assessments currently judge erosion management as poor or very poor, compared to the baseline established in 2015.
The players
Food and Agriculture Organization
A specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve food security and nutrition.
The details
Soil degradation is primarily driven by a combination of urbanization, industrial activity, conflict, and intensive agricultural expansion, which has seen 80 million hectares of new land harvested for major crops since 2015. Erosion weakens the soil's structure and nutrient capacity, hindering its ability to support plant growth reliably. When management practices fail to account for these stressors, the capacity of the land to regenerate is significantly compromised.
Timeline
2015: The FAO published the previous global soil assessment.
2015-2025: Period of scientific literature covered in the report.
2026: Publication year of the report.
Health Landscape
This report updates the findings of the 2015 FAO Global Soil Assessment, marking a decade of trends in sustainable soil management. It highlights the growing tension between a rapidly increasing global population and the finite capacity of soils to produce the world's food supply.
The health of global soil directly dictates the nutrient profile and availability of the food you consume daily. While international policy manages these resources, supporting local and sustainable agricultural initiatives can help prioritize long-term soil integrity.
The takeaway
Soil health is the foundation of global food security, and current erosion management trends indicate significant room for improvement. Awareness of where your food comes from and support for sustainable agriculture are key ways to engage with the health of the earth.
Further reading
Learn more about sustainable farming practices and food systems in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rural21.
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Do you believe current agricultural practices in this country are sustainable for future generations?
