During the signing ceremony, Her Excellency, Laura Suazo, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras, enthusiastically welcomed the implementation of the SoilFER project. She passionately discussed the benefits it will bring to the most vulnerable people of Honduras and emphasized the necessity of taking tangible actions to combat global challenges like climate change, land and soil degradation, loss of biodiversity and declining agricultural production. She noted that “ground-level initiatives must be established to counteract these effects.”

Ms. Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General of FAO, expressed her pleasure to sign this important document and expressed her aspirations for the project, stressing the importance of raising awareness of soil information management and promoting sustainable practices. She also extended her gratitude to the United States Government for its generous financial support. Ms. Semedo highlighted that “the integration of technology and field data, particularly through digital soil mapping initiatives, allows us to move forward with knowledge and precision, infusing innovation at every step”.

To commemorate the successful launch of the project, Mr. Enrique Ortez Sequeira, the Permanent Representative of Honduras to FAO, and Mr. Rodney Hunter, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome delivered speeches that not only applauded the endeavor but also offered inspiring words establishing a positive atmosphere for the fruitful partnership that lies ahead.

Led by Mr. Li Lifeng, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, the project document was signed by Her Excellency Laura Suazo and Ms Fatima Espinal Mercedes, FAO representative in Honduras. This milestone marked the beginning of a transformative journey toward more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The SoilFER project, a USD 20 million project funded by the United States Government, aims to enhance agricultural practices and improve resilience in Central America and sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Guatemala, Honduras, and Zambia. The Land and Water Division of FAO and its Global Soil Partnership work closely with governments and strategic partners in these countries to leverage soil data for the benefit of rural populations, smallholder farmers, local institutions, governments, and researchers. The project focuses on enhancing knowledge and technical capacity for data-driven soil nutrient management at the national level. The core components of the SoilFER project include the development of national soil information systems, the implementation of decision support systems for soil health, and the expansion of sustainable soil management practices. These efforts will ultimately have a positive impact on agricultural livelihoods and enhance the resilience of agrifood systems in the beneficiary countries.

Photogallery