Improving soil health is the goal of a University of Guelph soil scientist who has been named the inaugural Charlotte Products Ltd. [1] Chair in Net Zero Soil Management.
Dr. Laura Van Eerd [2], the inaugural chair, is supported by a $1.5 million gift from Charlotte Products Ltd. [3] , a leading global manufacturer of environmentally responsible cleaning solutions. Dr. Van Eerd’s internationally acclaimed research explores the impact of cover crops and other sustainable management practices on soil health and crop productivity within agricultural systems, addressing critical challenges in global sustainability.
“Healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable agriculture and the key to addressing pressing global challenges like climate change and food security,” said John Cranfield, dean of OAC. “This generous gift from Charlotte Products Ltd., and the work of Dr. Van Eerd, positions Canada as a leader in sustainable soil management.”
With manufacturing facilities in Canada and distribution networks throughout North America, Charlotte Products Ltd. provides a wide range of environmentally responsible cleaning products including hospital grade disinfectants, hand care solutions, and cleaners and coatings. The company is part of the SWISH group of companies, co-founded by U of G alumnus Anthony Ambler.
“With rising temperatures, floods, droughts, and new diseases, the challenges to global agriculture are immense,” said Ambler. “Charlotte Products Ltd. has always prioritized sustainable innovation through technology and we’re proud to support research that validates agriculture's contribution to carbon sequestration using regenerative agriculture.”
As a co-director of the Soils at Guelph initiative, Dr. Van Eerd collaborates with farmers, industry professionals, and policymakers to advance sustainable soil care practices across Ontario and beyond. Her research program is based out of U of G’s Ridgetown Campus.
“I am incredibly grateful to Charlotte Products Ltd. support of OAC and our important research in improving soil management,” says Dr. Van Eerd. “Their gift will further our vision of making the Canadian agriculture and food systems the best in the world – starting with healthy soil.”
For Ambler and his family, this gift means more than supporting a healthy planet. In 2009, the Ambler family co-founded Yorkshire Valley Farms, one of Canada’s largest organic poultry operations. His deep ties to agriculture and sustainability make this partnership with the University of Guelph a natural fit.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always sought to create meaningful change,” said Ambler. “This gift supports vital research that will help farmers adopt practices to improve soil health and improve environmental sustainability and recognize their contribution to a healthy planet.”
Empowering Sustainable Agriculture
While sustainable management practices are important for improving crop and soil productivity, their impacts are difficult to quantify especially considering the diversity of farms, soil and crops across the province, let alone nationally. As the Charlotte Products Ltd. Chair in Net Zero Soil Management, Dr. Van Eerd will continue to further the understanding of soil management, carbon sequestration and crop productivity.
Along with the Soils at Guelph team, Dr. Van Eerd will evaluate sustainable agricultural production systems through research and knowledge mobilization across the Ontario agricultural community and on-farm practices that reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance carbon and nitrogen stores reducing global warming.
“These practices will not only benefit Ontario’s agricultural sector but also serve as a model for global sustainability efforts,” said Cranfield.
OAC’s Soils at Guelph initiative is at the forefront of sustainable agricultural innovations by making research accessible and facilitating knowledge exchange between researchers, farmers, industry, government, and the public.
Dr. Van Eerd will also integrate her research findings into undergraduate and graduate education, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and soil champions.
“Healthy soils are the key to sustainable food production and climate resilience,” said Ambler. “This partnership ensures we can make a lasting impact on our environment and future generations.”