#Chicago #Australia #Kellanova #Cool Soil Initiative

Kellanova's Initiative to Promote Soil Health in Australia

In an effort to spotlight the often-overlooked significance of soil health, Kellanova, a company deeply rooted in agriculture, has launched a creative campaign called "Cool Soil Critters". This initiative aims to educate Australians about the vital role that healthy soil plays in ensuring sustainable crop production and food security.

The Importance of Soil Health

Soil is not just dirt; it is a complex ecosystem that supports biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and water retention. Good soil health is essential for producing high-quality crops and mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, recent research indicates that a large portion of the Australian public is still unaware of these critical facts. In fact, 39% of Australians are not adequately informed about how soil contributes to agricultural resilience and food supply. Additionally, an astonishingly low fewer than 5% of surveyed individuals recognized the importance of soil-dwelling creatures like insects and tardigrades in maintaining soil health.

The Cool Soil Critters Campaign

To address this knowledge gap, Kellanova has created the Cool Soil Critters campaign, in collaboration with the Cool Soil Initiative, focusing on improving the organic carbon content in soil while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Australian farms. The campaign highlights the unseen heroes beneath our feet—various microorganisms that significantly contribute to the health of our soil.

Artists and scientists alike have come together to create four striking portraits of these soil critters, crafted using real Australian soil. Claus Stangl, the talented artist who won the 2022 Archibald Packing Room Prize, led this creative endeavor. His artworks provide a visually engaging and educational experience, showcasing the incredible diversity and importance of the organisms residing in our soil.

Raising Awareness through Art and Education

The portraits aim to make soil science accessible and relatable, emphasizing that understanding soil health is crucial not only for farmers but also for everyone in the community. As stated by Renee McCarthy, Director of Corporate Affairs for Kellanova ANZ: "Through our partnership with the Cool Soil Initiative, we are committed to raising awareness about the importance of healthy soil in the production of quality crops and sustainable food systems."

McCarthy highlighted that Australian citizens are eager to learn more, as indicated by the statistics from their research. Furthermore, 91% of Australians believe that children should be educated about the impact of soil health on food supply and biodiversity.

Dr. Cassandra Schefe, the Principal Scientist of the Cool Soil Initiative, emphasized that investments from partners like Kellanova empower farmers to innovate their practices, ultimately leading to healthier soils and crops. "There’s so much more beneath the surface of our soil than most people realize, and that’s why our advocacy work is so critical," she stated.

Recognition and Future Directions

Kellanova's commitment to the campaign has not gone unnoticed; it received a gold award in the Sustained Campaign category at the 2025 Golden Target Awards, which is renowned as Australia’s longest-running communication awards ceremony. This recognition underscores their impactful approach to blending art, education, and environmental consciousness.

Moving forward, Kellanova aims to further their endeavors in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and educating the public about the integral relationship between soil health, biodiversity, and food security. Through initiatives like Cool Soil Critters, they hope to inspire the next generation to care about and invest in the health of our planet’s soils.

Through awareness, engagement, and education, Kellanova is paving the way for a sustainable future, one where healthy soil is understood and appreciated as a fundamental component of our ecosystem.