SGS is proud to announce that the European Commission, through its Joint Research Centre (JRC) and LUCAS Soils Survey has awarded SGS a major contract of 38 months to conduct extensive laboratory analyses on soil health and quality across the European Union.
Soil health plays a critical role in biodiversity support, climate change mitigation, and sustainable agriculture. This contract aims to address soil degradation, a pressing issue affecting over 60% of EU land, while supporting the European Green Deal’s ambition for a low-carbon, sustainable economy.
SGS will leverage its Centers of Excellence and laboratory facilities in Portugal and Hungary, employing advanced analytical techniques and innovations to deliver comprehensive insights into soil health. With over 35,000 soil samples collected across the EU, SGS will establish a baseline for key soil properties, including organic carbon levels, biodiversity, and pollution risks, enabling effective long-term monitoring and environmental restoration efforts.
Geraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS, said:
As a leader in the field of sustainable solutions through its IMPACT NOW for sustainability portfolio covering nature, climate, circularity and ESG assurance, and this critical project, SGS is accelerating the pace and setting new standards for environmental monitoring and contributing to Europe’s broader efforts to safeguard biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable land management while preserving our shared natural resources and communities.
Notes to editors
Project Scope & Analytical Services
The analyses conducted under this contract will include:
- Chemical and Physical Analysis – Assessing soil composition, including metal and trace element concentrations in topsoil samples.
- E-DNA Analysis – Using metabarcoding DNA technology to evaluate soil biodiversity and conduct metagenomic DNA analysis in select European regions.
- Analysis of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) – Screening for residues of plant protection products in soil samples and measuring their concentrations.
About Lucas Soils Survey
The LUCAS Soils Survey, which commenced in 2009, is part of the EU's commitment to sustainable land management and the European Green Deal. It is the EU’s largest soil monitoring program and has expanded over the years to track key soil properties such as organic carbon content, erosion risks, and biodiversity indicators. With soil degradation affecting more than 60% of the EU’s land area, the program has become essential for shaping effective policies aimed at protecting and enhancing soil resources for future generations, in order to develop a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy across the EU.
The tender, titled “Laboratory Analysis of Soil Samples Collected During the 2022 LUCAS Survey” (EC-JRC/IPR/2024/OP/1667), will ensure that the necessary data is collected to establish baselines and monitor progress in combating soil degradation.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
