Connecting Slovakia’s Soil Community - Soil-X-Change National Node Meeting at Agrokomplex 2026

On 2 September 2026, the Slovak Soil-X-Change National Node met during Agrokomplex 2026, Slovakia’s largest agricultural fair. The meeting brought together members of NN – potential EIP Ogs, which are still not funded in Slovakia, to discuss how soil-related activities in Slovakia could be better coordinated and how the results of Soil-X-Change could be sustained beyond the project’s lifetime. Furthermore, the representatives of AKIS CB – IZPI joined the discussion as well as the state secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic.

The attendees presented their current activities in soil research, monitoring, advisory services, knowledge transfer, regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. The discussion revealed that Slovakia already has considerable expertise, data, demonstration activities and practical experience. However, these resources remain fragmented across institutions, projects and policy areas, limiting their visibility and use by farmers and other practitioners. Another barriers of soil research is the unfunded EIP OGs projects, which are still waiting for implementation.

Participants explored how their complementary capacities could support the long-term uptake of Soil-X-Change results. Particular attention was given to the need to connect existing soil data with information about farmers already implementing regenerative and other innovative practices. Stronger cooperation could make it easier to identify suitable demonstration farms, validate solutions under real farming conditions and communicate practical examples to a wider agricultural community. Existing portals, advisory databases, demonstration sites and stakeholder networks could also be used to further disseminate the Soil-X-Change Dashboard and its repository of sustainable soil-management practices.

Bioeconomy Cluster also presented opportunities to connect the Slovak network with the newly established Soil Innovation Partnership. This long-term, member-driven community aims to bring soil research closer to farming practice by connecting knowledge, people and investment.

As a concrete follow-up, participants agreed to explore the establishment of a national soil working group through the Slovak AKIS Coordination Body. The group could provide a permanent cooperation platform for coordinating activities, connecting relevant ministries and organizations, identifying opportunities for joint projects and ensuring that soil knowledge reaches farmers more effectively.

The proposed working group would represent an important part of the Soil-X-Change legacy in Slovakia. By linking research, policy, advisory services and agricultural practice, it could help maintain the relationships established through the National Node and support the continued use and development of the project’s results.

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