General News
10 June, 2026
Soil competition grows
Now in its fourth year, the Healthy Soils Competition continues to inspire young Australians to think differently about the ground beneath their feet.
Run by Soil Week Australia, the competition has engaged about 10,000 students from across Australia.
Its aim is to raise awareness of the vital role healthy soils play in producing our food, sustaining ecosystems, protecting water quality and supporting climate resilience.
The 2026 Healthy Soils Competition opened on March 1 with the theme of ‘Soil Matters’.
The theme invites students to explore, celebrate, and share their understanding of healthy soil and its importance to our environment and food systems.
Entries may be submitted in any digital format, including comic strips, short videos, infographics, murals, stories or short narratives, newsletters and websites.
“We’re looking for creative entries that celebrate the vital role of soil in our food and environment,” a spokesperson said.
The initiative is funded by a retired farmer from Victoria’s Wimmera district, who believes the future of healthy soil lies in the hands of young people.
International recognition followed last year when the founder of Soil Week Australia was invited to speak at the UN Soil Symposium in Rome about the program’s success.
The competition continues to receive enthusiastic feedback from teachers, parents and students alike, with one teacher memorably describing the transformation in her classroom as, “we went from worm repulse to worm protectors".
There are fantastic prizes up for grabs, including $500 for each winning school.
The competition closes on September 25
Learn more at soilweek.org.au.