On July 13, 2026, the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), in collaboration with the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) and the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region (FFTC), held the international workshop entitled “2026 JIRCAS-NARO-FFTC Joint International Workshop on Soil Health and Multifunctionality: Integrating Science and Practice for a Sustainable Future” at the Tsukuba International Congress Center. A field trip was also conducted on July 14 at the Tsukuba Botanical Garden and the Natural Resources Inventory Museum.

The workshop was organized to reaffirm the importance of soil health in light of global challenges such as the increasing frequency of extreme weather events associated with climate change, concerns over the stable supply of food and water resources, and the degradation of ecosystem functions. The event aimed to promote the integration of scientific knowledge and field-based practices for the conservation and effective use of soil resources. Discussions focused on the multiple functions of soil, including nutrient cycling, water retention, and biodiversity conservation, and explored approaches to sustainable soil management.

The workshop opened with remarks from Dr. HASEGAWA Toshihiro, President of JIRCAS, Dr. CHIBA Kazuhiro, President of NARO, and Mr. Vincent Lin, Director of FFTC. This was followed by a keynote address delivered by Dr. Gina P. Nilo, Director of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) of the Philippine Department of Agriculture. Dr. Nilo presented the Philippines’ national-scale efforts in soil analysis, highlighting the use of soil data for policymaking and practical agricultural applications.

During the three technical sessions, participants shared the latest research findings and practical experiences related to the multifunctionality of soils, including nutrient cycling, water retention, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Active discussions took place among researchers and practitioners. A panel discussion further explored topics such as the assessment and visualization of soil health, technology dissemination to farming communities, the incorporation of scientific findings into policy development, and the promotion of international collaboration. Participants emphasized the importance of cooperation among research institutions, government agencies, extension organizations, and producers to translate scientific knowledge into practical action and effective policies.

The workshop attracted 60 participants, including 29 attendees on-site and 31 online. The event provided a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of soil health and sustainable agriculture while strengthening collaboration among stakeholders in Japan and abroad.