Vienna Soil Dialog

Leading Question
 

In light of rising geo-economic risks, how can we ensure resilient, healthy soils – while safeguarding farmers’ incomes, stabilizing Europe’s agricultural raw material base, and strengthening climate adaptation?
 

Mission Statement
 

The Vienna Soil Dialog positions soil as strategic infrastructure – the living foundation of Europe’s food system, economic autonomy, and climate resilience.

By connecting science, policy, and practice, the conference seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Soil Strategy 2030 and establish soil health as a unifying force for Europe’s sovereignty and sustainability.
 

Panel 1 – Healthy Soil: What Makes Soil Resilient?
 

Key Question:

What are the key ecological and systemic factors that determine soil health and resilience?

Focus:

Soil carbon, water retention, biodiversity, soil structure, and microbial health.

Goal:

Establishing a scientific foundation for soil resilience across Europe.
 

Speakers:

• Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin H. Gerzabek, BOKU Wien
• Dr. Brian D. Fath, IIASA
• Andrea Spanischberger, BMLUK

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Panel 2 – Policy & Incentives: What Makes Soil Stewardship Economically Viable?
 

Key Question:

What policies and incentive mechanisms are needed to reward soil-positive practices?

Focus:

CAP eco-schemes, carbon credits, insurance models, and blended finance.

Goal:

Making soil care a sound economic choice for farmers and investors.
 

Speakers:

• Rafal Golebiowski, International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group
• Prof. Dr. Michael Obersteiner, University of Oxford, Environmental Change Institute
• Christian Holzleitner, European Commission – DG CLIMA

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Panel 3 – Innovation in Practice: What Works on the Ground?
 

Key Question:

Which farming systems and real-world practices have proven effective in regenerating soils?

Focus:

Regenerative models, Living Labs, pedo-climatic adaptation, farmer-led experimentation.

Goal:

Scaling proven practices through networks and incentives.
 

Speakers:

• Alfred Grand, Vermigrand GmbH / Grand Farm (Austria)
• Priv.-Doz. Dr. Gernot Bodner, BOKU Wien
• Dr. Taru Sandén, AGES



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Panel 4 – Geo-Economics: How Do We Reduce Input Dependency?
 

Key Question:

How can Europe reduce dependency on critical agri-inputs while maintaining productivity?

Focus:

Fertilizer and phosphorus substitution, feed autonomy, circular input systems.

Goal:

Strengthening Europe’s food sovereignty through input resilience.
 

Speakers:

• Ricardo Teixeira, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) / VirtuaCrop
• Tatiana Morin, Director, Urban Soils Institute (NYC)

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Panel 5 – Monitoring & Metrics: How Do We Measure Soil Health?
 

Key Question:

How can we monitor and predict soil health using data, sensors, and AI?

Focus:

Satellite and remote sensing, in-field sensors, digital platforms, interoperability.

Goal:

Building transparent soil data systems to inform policy, finance, and practice.
 

Speakers:

• Gernot Bodner, BOKU Wien
• Taru Sandén, AGES
• [Third Speaker TBD]

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Panel 6 – Networks & Alliances: Who Is Driving Soil Learning and Action?
 

Key Question:

Which alliances, platforms, and learning networks are effectively advancing soil stewardship?

Focus:

Ministries, civil society, education, and multi-stakeholder coordination.

Goal:

Fostering collaboration and systemic alignment for long-term soil action.
 

Speakers:

• Tatiana Morin, Urban Soils Institute (IIASA)
• [Speaker TBD – national platform or NGO representative]

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Panel 7 – Narrative Shift: How Do We Frame Soil as Strategic Infrastructure?
 

Key Question:

How can we reframe soil not as a niche concern, but as critical infrastructure for Europe’s future?

Focus:

Strategic storytelling, political framing, public discourse, cultural narratives.

Goal:

Elevating soil to a permanent place in Europe’s strategic and political agenda.
 

Speakers:

• Univ.-Prof. Dr. Michael Rosenberger, Universität Linz
• Dr. Dan Fiscus, IIASA
• Harald Katzmair, FAS Research (Closing Bridge & System Room Facilitator)

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