The Mediterranean Association for Soil Health

Our Operating Principles

MedASH speaks on behalf of soil agroecosystems and the life that d wells there. We do this by encouraging understanding of the status and dynamics of soil agroecosystems, of the principles and applications of organic agricultural methods, including those factors that pose threats. We believe that a well-informed and articulate citizenry is essential to the consideration of soil health and its relation to human health issues. Accordingly, we seek to educate, to inform, and to provide a vehicle by which citizens can express their concerns about food; its production methods and its importance for their health safeguarding. In doing so we apply the following principles:

  1. We rely on accurate information and credible analysis . The outputs of decision-making can only be as good as the inputs. Therefore, we constantly strive to find the best possible data on which to base our own decisions, and present that data and credible analysis as the basis for policy-making. Sound science is always encouraged and sought out.
  2. We promote the precautionary principle . Due to the complexity of soil systems as a medium used for food production, our knowledge of them will forever be incomplete. That, however, cannot be a reason for avoiding facing issues. Where there is a reasonable basis to believe that a given activity may have a negative impact on a soil agroecosystem, we advocate the exercise of caution in favor of soil health.
  3. We are politically non-partisan . We support principles and policies, not individuals or parties.
  4. We respect other perspectives and interests. We recognize that there are other legitimate interests in society. The holders of those interests are to be respected, and productive opportunities to work together with them should be explored. In many cases economic and social goals are compatible with sound soil health protection.
  5. Success is "on the ground". Rhetoric and process are not soil and human health protection. We judge our progress by the degree to which we have achieved the improvement of soil health, soil productivity and social progress in our targeted areas. This approach provides us with sound benchmarks by which to judge our success. This also means that we seek to create solutions, not problems.
  6. We are efficient. We seek the maximum progress from our efforts and resources. In some cases that means targeting a key decision-maker with a particular piece of information, or even a farmer with great options of producing healthy food. In others it may mean a campaign of public education and involvement.
  7. We seek to install confidence in free democratic debate . We believe that our values are best advanced in an atmosphere of vigorous and open public debate. We thus seek to involve citizens in soil and human health issues. We promote open and responsive government and responsible media.
  8. We seek to improve from our experience. Every day of our work reveals ways to strengthen our programs and enhance the effectiveness of our activities for the protection of soil and human health.

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