Azerbaijan’s soil laboratories align with international standards
12 August 2026
Azerbaijan has made significant progress in aligning its soil laboratory system with international standards. Eight soil laboratories of the Agricultural Services Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture have successfully completed the proficiency testing of the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
In preparation for the proficiency testing, FAO organized technical training for 30 staff members from the Sabirabad, Ujar and Sheki regional laboratories. The training, delivered by an FAO international expert and specialists from the Agricultural Services Agency, strengthened practical knowledge and skills in soil analysis, sample preparation, results processing and the application of standardized methods.
This achievement is the result of technical support provided by FAO in close cooperation with the Agricultural Services Agency under the FAO–Azerbaijan Partnership Programme. The cooperation aims to strengthen the technical and professional capacity of soil laboratories and improve the quality and reliability of soil analysis.
Established under FAO’s Global Soil Partnership, GLOSOLAN promotes cooperation among soil laboratories and harmonized approaches to quality management. Its internationally recognized proficiency testing allows laboratories to compare the accuracy of their analytical results against international benchmarks. Strengthening the capacity of the country’s 11 soil laboratories directly supports the implementation of the State Programme on the Development of Production and Processing of Agricultural, Fishery and Aquaculture Products in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2030, which identifies the modernization of laboratory services as a priority.
“Accurate and reliable soil analysis is essential for sustainable agriculture. By supporting Azerbaijani laboratories in meeting international standards, we are strengthening science-based decision-making in the country. This work responds to farmers’ needs while contributing to the protection of soil resources and the development of agriculture,” said Nasar Hayat, FAO Representative in Azerbaijan.
Once all 11 laboratories successfully complete the proficiency testing, Azerbaijan will have an integrated network of soil laboratories operating in line with internationally recognized standards. This will provide a strong foundation for the sustainable management of soil resources, increased agricultural productivity and strengthened food security.
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