U of G establishing Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair in Climate-Smart Soils at the Ontario Agricultural College
The University of Guelph is taking a significant step forward in tackling climate change and advancing soil health, with the announcement of a new $4-million investment. This initiative, fueled by a $2 million gift from the Jarislowsky Foundation, matched by a contribution from the university itself, will establish the Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair in Climate-Smart Soils at the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC).
This bold investment aims to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by farmers and food producers today—improving soil care, combating the impacts of climate change, and enhancing global food security. The newly created chair will focus on researching innovative solutions to enhance soil health, enabling more sustainable farming practices while also mitigating environmental degradation.
“The foundation of a resilient food system lies in healthy soils. This generous gift will allow us to continue leading cutting-edge research in soil health, providing vital tools and knowledge to farmers to protect and restore their soils for generations,” said John Cranfield, Interim Dean of the OAC.
A Vision for the Future of Soil Health and Climate Action
The Jarislowsky Foundation, known for its commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and mentorship, believes this partnership with U of G represents a shared vision for a sustainable future. The foundation’s gift underscores its belief in the importance of scientific research to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and food security.
“Healthy soils are essential not only to agricultural productivity but also to mitigating the effects of climate change,” Stephen Jarislowsky, founder of the Jarislowsky Foundation, remarked. “By supporting the University of Guelph, we are making an investment in the future of sustainable agriculture and the long-term health of our planet.”
The Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair in Climate-Smart Soils will collaborate closely with U of G’s Soils at Guelph initiative, which has long been at the forefront of research in soil science and environmental sustainability. This chair will focus on key areas such as greenhouse gas mitigation, climate-smart farming practices, and equipping future scientists to tackle soil-related challenges head-on.
A Commitment to Education and Innovation
As part of this new role, the appointed chair will also engage in mentoring the next generation of students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. By integrating research findings directly into these educational programs, U of G will ensure that the next wave of agricultural leaders is well-equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to drive sustainable change in soil management practices.
In addition to research and mentorship, the chair will work to foster collaboration across national and international networks of soil health experts, policymakers, and agricultural producers. This global cooperation will be key to developing best practices, influencing public policy, and accelerating innovations in climate-smart agriculture.
“The Jarislowsky Foundation’s support allows us to continue building upon U of G’s reputation as a global leader in agricultural and environmental research,” said Cranfield. “The new chair will provide critical insights that will shape the future of sustainable soil management and climate adaptation.”
The search for the inaugural Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair in Climate-Smart Soils will begin shortly, with the aim of identifying an expert who will lead this crucial research and education initiative. Through this position, U of G is committed to advancing its leadership in soil health research and contributing to meaningful global progress in combating climate change.
As the partnership between the University of Guelph and the Jarislowsky Foundation moves forward, the new chair will play a pivotal role in building a national network of researchers dedicated to soil health. This network will work to accelerate sustainable solutions to one of the most critical issues of our time—ensuring the long-term viability of soil and agriculture for future generations.