The aim of the GSDP is to equip farmers with knowledge on sustainable soil management, and in turn, they can share this experience with other farmers in their community. In particular, youth participation and the promotion of gender equality are integral components of the programme, ensuring a diverse and inclusive group of trainers and farmers.

In March 2023, a first pilot was implemented in the Purranque commune situated in the Los Lagos region. Its primary objective was to foster collaboration among various knowledge institutions to strengthen farming communities’ capacities and improve local soil health. This pilot phase began with the certification of nine trainers, consisting of professors and students from the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of the University of Chile. This committed team worked with the GSDP to develop a training module specifically designed to address the main threats to soil in the Los Lagos region, namely soil compaction and soil acidity. The resulting training module included four informative posters and 11 field exercises, two of which were suggested by the trainers. The main topics covered in the training sessions included what is soil, soil compaction, soil pH and biodiversity.

As a result, a group of 21 farmers became certified soil doctors by Andrea Collao Véliz, Deputy National Director of SAG, and Gabino Reginato, Dean of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences at the University of Chile. Subsequently, 23 other farmers received training from their local soil doctors under the supervision of the programme trainers from the University of Chile. It is noteworthy that the GSDP in Chile is fully sponsored by the Chilean MoA. This funding covers various aspects, including the development of educational materials such as posters and field exercises, as well as the provision of field kits for trainers and future soil doctors.

In the second semester of 2024, the MoA, with technical support from the GSP, will expand the GSDP to three other regions in Chile: Valparaíso, (commune of Quillota), Aysén (commune of Coyhaique) and the metropolitana (commune of Melipilla). To this end, the initial module will be adapted to tackle the specific soil problems and threats to ecosystem services faced by each region. The combined efforts and investment of SAG, INDAP and the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of the University of Chile will ensure the sustainability of the GSDP in Chile, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of soil health and sustainable agriculture in the region.

By empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage their soils, Chile is taking steps towards more resilient and sustainable food production.