PepsiCo and AgMission have awarded Charles Sturt University $2.1 million to spearhead research in sustainable agriculture and expand its Cool Soil Initiative into new regions and commodities.
A grant of US$748,394 was awarded to Charles Sturt by AgMission, matched by PepsiCo and supplemented by the university. The total investment of USD$3,783,598 is set to significantly benefit Australia’s grain industry through enacting climate-smart agricultural practices.
The research initiative builds upon the foundation laid by the Cool Soil Initiative since its inception in 2018, collaborating with farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health through a scientifically credible and globally recognised framework.
In 2023, PepsiCo helped to extend the reach of the Cool Soil Initiative, bringing canola to the greenhouse gas reduction program for the first time.
AgriSciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) Executive Director Nick Pagett says the research is indicative of Charles Sturt’s commitment to driving innovation in agriculture.
“It’s not just about driving innovation, but also demonstrates our value in working with partners to find solutions to the challenges posed by climate change,” he says.
“It’s a great honour to be one of only three recipients of this global grant and to have the opportunity to provide the Australian cropping sector with new insights into climate smart practices.
“It’s great to see companies like PepsiCo, who is one of the six partners of the Cool Soil Initiative, looking for opportunities like AgMission to support climate smart agriculture in Australia and around the world.”
PepsiCo and AgMission have also awarded two other grants to researchers in Mexico and Canada.