Kellogg’s new research findings underpin striking new soil-art collaboration with Archibald Packing Room prize winner Claus Stangl

Kellogg’s ANZ, Media Release, 22 May 2025

Today, on International Biodiversity Day, Kellogg’s ANZ reveals new insights showing almost four in ten Australians (39 per cent) admit to not knowing enough about the importance of good soil health for biodiversity, crop resilience and protecting our food supply.

A staggering 91 per cent of Aussies recognised the need for our school age children to learn more about soil health and its impact on food supply and biodiversity. However, while over 90 per cent of people questioned said they were broadly aware of the link between soil health and food supply, when questioned further, 32 per cent said they knew very little about why it is important.  

Kellogg’s ANZ’s new research also uncovers how much people in Australia know about the role of soil critters (e.g. insects, tardigrades) and surprisingly under 5 per cent of Aussies recognise these critters as one of the most important contributors to soil health.

Today, to help raise awareness around the importance of the unseen soil heroes, Kellogg’s ANZ, in partnership with the Cool Soil Initiative, has commissioned 2022 Archibald Packing Room Prize Winning artist Claus Stangl to create four striking artworks using Aussie soil. The artworks bring the hidden world of soil critters to life, making soil science more accessible and engaging.

Commenting on the findings and the new artworks, Alicia Doherty, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs at Kellogg’s ANZ, says: “At Kellogg’s, and through our partnership with the Cool Soil Initiative, we’re continuing our support for Aussie farmers in helping to improve soil health by increasing soil’s organic carbon levels and reducing greenhouse emissions.” 

“As part of this, we’re on a mission to raise awareness of the importance of good soil health and its crucial impact on the quality of crops and food supply from paddock to plate, and based on these new findings, Aussies want to know more.”

“We’re really excited about partnering with talented artist Claus Stangl and believe the portraits he’s created bring to life the hidden creatures in our soil in a really fun, educational and unique way.” 

When asked about their opinion of farmers, there’s a strong sense of admiration and respect, with over two thirds of Aussies (67 per cent) saying that they are resilient, despite issues with bushfires, drought and climate change.

Dr. Cassandra Schefe, Principal Scientist of the Cool Soil Initiative, added,“Investment from partners like Kellogg’s supports farmers to innovate and create healthy soil – which helps them to produce better crops. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to our soil – it is something to be protected, and that’s what we want to bring awareness to through this campaign.”

The new art collection will consist of four unique portraits of critters and wheat made from elements found in real soil. The new artworks will soon be donated to Soil Science Australia, the national soil science body and not-for-profit association for soil scientists and people interested in the responsible management of Australia’s soil resources.

To find out more about Kellogg’s partnership with the Cool Soil Initiative, head to https://www.kelloggs.com.au/coolsoil.