In 2020, Ian Somerhalder said Kiss the Ground took 7 years to make; 4 years later, his Nutro campaign raised $300,000 for farmers working to restore healthy soil

Actor Ian Somerhalder once talked about leaving Hollywood and how that decision embraced his passion for farming and transformed the course of his life. Somerhalder is famous for playing iconic roles in the hit television series "Lost" and "The Vampire Diaries." In recent years, he turned his attention to advocating for regenerative agriculture. It is an approach of farming which is focused on rebuilding soil health and restoring ecosystems. The actor has focused on using his voice to make a difference. Somerhalder was involved in an environmental documentary called Kiss the Ground. It is directed by Josh Tickell and Rebecca Tickell. They spent several years making the documentary.

All about Ian Somerhalder

Ian Somerhalder was born in 1978 in Covington, Louisiana. During an interview with Fox News Digital, he recalled an eye-opening trip to Zimbabwe. There, the actor saw how regenerative farming practices could revive degraded landscapes and reshape entire ecosystems.

Somerhalder claimed that this shifted his life forever.


He also talked about his personal and growing years. He said he comes from a long line of farmers dating back to the 1700s. While growing up, the actor saw two different approaches to agriculture. One side of his family was involved in regenerative methods. Meanwhile, the other relatives relied on conventional farming and crop-dusting operations.

After getting success in Hollywood, he regenerative agriculture pioneer Allan Savory. He took him to Zimbabwe, and then the actor travelled the nation with a small crew to document Savory's land restoration efforts.

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How did the Nutro partnership start?

Somerhalder partnered with Nutro in November 2023. It was a natural pet food brand owned by Mars. The aim was to promote awareness about healthy soil. The concept introduced an animated short film called Tail of Two Farms. Somerhalder narrated the film.

The aim of the short film was to explain the connection between soil health, agricultural production and the ingredients used in food for people and pets.

Later, the Nutro campaign raised $300,000 for farmers working to restore healthy soil.